New naming rights partner

The Newcastle Northstars will hit the ice in 2019 named the Newcastle Rescue Northstars following the signing of a new naming rights sponsor - Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy.

Newcastle Rescue Northstars general manager Garry Doré said he was proud to have the association with Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy, which has been a gold sponsor of the AIHL team for many years.

"John Owen from Newcastle Rescue Consultancy is a strong supporter of the Northstars," Doré said.

"John approached us an interest in being a naming sponsor of the Northstars if ever there was an opportunity.

"We had the conversation with Al McVie from Proski, who we have had a great relationship with since 2002 and will continue to do so. He was very accommodating to the idea.

"We're very proud to have that association and partnership with John as we know he's an avid supporter of the Northstars and believes in what we're doing here, our club, the success we've had and will have in the future."

The naming rights partnership with Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy will extend until 2021.

Previous naming rights sponsor Proski will continue on as a gold sponsor of the Northstars, a relationship that goes back to the team's inaugural season in 2002.

Doré thanked Al, his wife Kelly and daughters Tahlia and Madeline for their support of the Northstars during the years, and for their continued support.

"We have always had great relationship with Al particularly because of his interest in winter sports," Doré said.

"We can't thank Al enough for all his devoted years to the Northstars and his continued support."

A nationally-accredited safety training organisation based in the Greater Newcastle area, Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy offer a range of products and services to organisations across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Laos.

Services include:

• Workplace safety training
• Equipment servicing and maintenance
• Equipment hire
• International business consultancy

The Newcastle Rescue Northstars will kick off its 2019 AIHL season with a double header at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on April 27 and 28 against the Sydney Bears and Melbourne Ice.