Northstars fans will be hearing the line “Banga and Smach” plenty of times in 2019.

Czech defenceman Ondrej Smach (pronounced On-dray Smash) arrived in Australia on Easter Sunday to join the Newcastle Rescue Northstars - in time for the team's season opening game against the Sydney Bears on Saturday.

Smach comes to the Northstars after a season in France’s elite league, Ligue Magnus.

The 32 year old played 42 games for Amiens Gothiques in 2018-19 scoring 4 goals and 11 assists for 15 points.

In the playoffs he picked up 3 assists in 11 games.

Smach has an elite resume including more than 300 games in the Czech national league, considered to be one of the top leagues world-wide, along with representing Czech Republic in IIHF tournaments for the Under 20 team.

Smach will be staying for the first half of the season, and is still expected to make a big impact in the Australian Ice Hockey League.

Northstars general manager Garry Doré called Smach an “AIHL impact player”.

“Ondrej is a friend of Tomas Landa. He’s going to bring a very high level of play to the AIHL," Doré said.

“We were looking for a going-forward defenceman, but still with a strong defensive play.

"He’ll control our end very nicely. He’s highly credentialed."

Like many of the Northstars' visiting players, Smach is looking forward to trying the beach lifestyle in Newcastle and learning how to surf.

Smach joins imports Sammy Banga and Francis Drolet on the Northstars team this year.

Smach arrived in Newcastle in time for the final two practices prior to the Northstars opening double at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28.

For tickets, call (02) 4954 4499 or head to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium.