The USA-Canada Ice Hockey Classic exhibition match played at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Wednesday night was smile-inducing event for people throughout the rink, with players, staff and supporters all enjoying the opportunity to witness an event rink manager Garry Doré labelled "the best level of hockey ever played in Newcastle".

There were plenty of surprises for local fans and players too, with seven of the Proski Newcastle Northstars players getting plenty of ice time, including the two young goalies Nick Mizen and Charlie Smart.

Mizen and Smart went out for their respective teams (Mizen for Canada and Smart for USA) for the entirety of the extended third period and made some great saves on players from some of the best professional leagues in the world.

While lacking the physical intensity of the full-contact Australian Ice Hockey League games many fans were used to, spectators enjoyed a demonstration of speed and skill beyond any they had seen before in Australia.

When the Classic series reaches Qudos Bank arena this weekend for the main event, it won’t be quite as friendly when the green light comes on for full contact hits and fights.

The event is charity based, flying the flag for StopConcussions, raising awareness for the prevention and treatment of sports-based brain injuries.  

On Wednesday night, money was raised for local charities.

StopConsussions put $200 per goal towards a charity.

The end score was 7 for Team Canada and 5 for Team USA.

That raised $1400 for Team Canada’s nominated charity, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and $1000 for Team USA’s charity, Ronald McDonald House.

Northstars captain Robert Malloy, who played in Wednesday's game, said he felt the pressure to be at his fastest on the ice amongst such a high-tempo team. 

"You just want to not be the slowest on the ice," he said.

Also playing for USA was Detroit native and Northstar John Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy said that the removal of aggression from the game playing limited-contact rules had meant there were lots of smiles and laughs both on and off the ice.

"It was unreal fun. It’s such an honour to play for Team USA, I was skating around with a smile all game," he said.

The biggest cheer of the night was for a great save by local goalie Mizen, keeping the USA team two short of Canada’s eventual 7-5 goal win.

The festive nature of the night was also an opportunity for staff, sponsors and volunteers to be part of the experience, bringing along family and friends to a mid-week event outside of the regular routine of the AIHL schedule.

Malloy noted that there were plenty of new faces in the sold out arena.

"That’s what it’s all about. This event is the best possible way to let people know about the hockey we play here and get caught up in the excitement and atmosphere of the sport here in Newcastle," he said.

Supporter Greg J tweeted after the game, "That was great night, definitely will be back to see @NewNorthstars play a game in Aussie league #icehockey" and Alana Redding from Maitland said "Great night! Was good seeing our guys play so well with the USA and Canada teams. Loved the mascots!".

The fans will need to wait until the following weekend to see the Northstars at home, when they host the Adelaide Adrenaline on Saturday the June 24.