A golden goal in extra time from Trey Phillips netted the Newcastle Rescue Northstars a 5-4 win against Sydney Ice Dogs at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday.

It was fitting that the Canadian import sealed the win in a neck-and-neck battle with the Ice Dogs, as the game was a Canada Day clash.

Newcastle captain Bert Malloy netted the Northstars' first goal of the night, coming in the second period, in response to Sydney's 2-0 lead. It opened the gates to a trio of Newcastle goals in the second period. A Shane Southwood goal tied up the game. A Phillips goal at the end of the second period gave the home team a 3-2 lead.

This was short-lived, however, with Sydney's Grant Toulmin then Tim Crowder scoring.

One more Newcastle goal, from Richie Tesarik, tied up the game with 10 minutes remaining. 

As time wound down, neither team were able to break the 4-4 stalemate, sending it into overtime.

In Newcastle's first overtime decider of the season, Phillips netted the golden goal with just under 2 minutes left.

Had the game not been decided in the 5 minutes of 3-on-3 hockey, teams would then move into a shootout.

It is the second game in the 2019 Australian Ice Hockey League season that the Northstars have faced Sydney Ice Dogs. Newcastle has won both games.

The Northstars will play a double header in Victoria on June 6 and 7. They face Melbourne Ice on Saturday at 5pm and Melbourne Mustangs on Sunday at 2pm.