Player | Points |
---|---|
francis Drolet | 53 |
Josh Adkins | 48 |
Zane Jones | 47 |
Riley Klugerman | 47 |
Team | GP | W | L | OTW | OTL | CP | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brave | 26 | 20 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 63 |
Northstars | 26 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 56 |
Lightning | 26 | 9 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
Adrenaline | 26 | 4 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 |
Rhinos | 26 | 1 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Stars in NZ Winter Games |
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Less than a week after the 2017 AIHL season came to an end a team of 17 players, including three from Newcastle, have travelled to New Zealand to play for Australia.
Newcastle Northstars alternate captain Mat Lindsay, goaltender Charlie Smart and Pat Nadin - all of whom represented Australia at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in April - are once again donning the Mighty Roos jersey, this time for the New Zealand Winter Games.
Ice Hockey Australia, the governing body of ice hockey in Australia, announced the nation would take part in the 2017 winter games in August.
Australia will compete in a best of three game series which has been named the Trans Tasman Challenge.
IHA stated that it expected the games will be played "in great spirit, typical of Australian – New Zealand match-ups."
"IHA is thrilled to be a part of this," the organisation stated on its website on August 10.
"We believe the timing is perfect as both nations prepare for their 2018 assault on the world championships.
"We know these games will be competitive, but also trust they will be played with great respect for each other.
"The Mighty Roos v Ice Blacks promises to be a great ice hockey showcase."
Lindsay, who represented Australia at the world championships in 2016 and 2017, said he was excited to be wearing the green and gold jersey again.
"It was a difficult and disappointing season for Newcastle this year, to have had this tournament to look forward to was a nice positive finish," he said.
"I have never been to New Zealand but have heard that Queenstown is beautiful so I am looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.
"I am sure the games will be tough as New Zealand have a solid team but it will be played in the right spirits. I can't wait!"
Australia playing in the New Zealand Winter Games is a unique opportunity for the country, ice hockey fans and the players.
The players usually only have the one opportunity per year to wear the Australian uniform - in the pre-AIHL season world championship tournament.
Brad Vigon, head coach of Australia's senior men's team, and assistant coach Matti Luoma said they too are excited to be taking part in the games.
“Matti and I are so excited to be a part of this series, as we know this greatly benfits both countries, and adds more history to this fierce rivalry," Vigon said.
"It gives us coaching staff a chance to have a good look at some of the young and new players that are competing hard for spots on next year's world championship team."
The games will be played in Queenstown between September 7 and 9.
The team that left for Queenstown on Wednesday included:
# 3 Mathew Lindsay (Assistant Captain)
Head Coach - Brad Vigon
Follow the Australian Mens Ice Hockey Team on Facebook.
Also follow Ice Blacks - New Zealand National Ice Hockey Team on Facebook page for live stream details and updates.
The first game will be streamed live on the Ice Blacks' Facebook page at 5pm on Thursday, September 7.
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Contact Information
Newcastle Northstars
230 Macquarie Road
Warners Bay,
2282 Australia
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