Best mates in blue and red

Nick Rivait will join the Proski Newcastle Northstars as the team's fourth import for 2018.

Australian Ice Hockey League fans might be familiar with the Canadian defenceman's name, having played for the Sydney Bears last season.

Rivait joins former Sydney teammate Tomas Landa (from the Czech Republic) and good friend Joe Harcharik (United States) in Newcastle this season, along with AIHL debutant Sam Lawson (Canada).

“Nick has wanted to come to Newcastle for a couple of years, especially because of his friendship with Joe Harcharik, they are good buddies having played hockey together," Northstars general manager Garry Doré said.

“Joe tried to get him with the Northstars last year. Unfortunately at that stage we didn’t have a spot and Joe lined him up with the Bears.” 

"Nick was incredibly successful in the AIHL. This year Joe and Nick pursued coming to Newcastle together.

"We really like Nick. He is a really outstanding defenceman, he is a big guy who can score."

Harcharik said he was "thrilled" that Rivait would be joining in Newcastle this season.

"Nick and I became best friend a few years ago playing in North Carolina together," he said.

"Since then we’ve wanted to play together again and we are fortunate enough to have that happen this year. And what not a better place then in Australia!"

Rivait spent the AIHL off season playing in the top league in Belgium and the Netherlands BeNe Ligament for the Liege Bulldogs.

As a Bulldog, Rivait amassed an impressive 49 points in 21 games with 13 goals and 36 assists.

Rivait made his AIHL debut last season with the Sydney Bears scoring 15 goals and 13 assists across 25 games.

Make sure you catch Rivait in his first game as a Northstar on Saturday, April 21 at Macquarie Ice Rink against the Sydney Ice Dogs.

Buy tickets to the clash here.