BRAVE
ICE DOGS
ADRENALINE
MUSTANGS
BEARS
LIGHTNING
THUNDER
ICE
SUN AUG 4 at 3:30PM
NORTHSTARS
RHINOS
Erina Ice Arena
NORTHSTARS
RHINOS
| 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 |
| Newcastle Northstars defeat Canberra Brave in front of a sell-out crowd |
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The Newcastle Northstars had a convincing home win on Saturday, defeating the visiting Canberra Brave 7-3. The Northstars came out strong and maintained control of the game. With possession, successful special teams on the penalty kill, not succumbing to any goals while down players (??), the Northstars were too strong for the Brave. Opening the scoring, newly appointed Alternate Captain Francis Drolet scored two quick goals, getting the crowd on their feet and loud and lifting the Northstars’ momentum. “First game, it's Canberra. It's great, great feeling when I am aiming to score,” shared Drolet. “Just shoot it as hard as I can and hope for the best. Two goals went in, and I was happy to score on the powerplay as it’s a big momentum shift when you score on the powerplay.” Canberra Brave fans had a chance to make some noise with a Casey Kubara goal in the middle of the first period, but the Northstars defensive line in Aiden Wagner and Ethan Hawes would quiet them down quickly, securing a 4-1 lead at the first break. In spite of a number of penalty kills, the Northstars were successful in their defensive structure. “They didn’t score on the penalty kills, and the coaches put a lot of preparation into that with us,” explained Drolet with Northstars Media. “Having no penalty kill goals against us shows that we were focused and ready and everyone knew their position on the ice, and everyone bought in.” Canberra came out strong in the second, scoring the first two goals of the period. This lifted spirits and the travelling fans made their presence known. Shutting down the Northstars’ plays took the home team right to the last minute of the period before Beau Taylor would secure the 5th goal for Newcastle. Big expectations for the third period could be felt in the thick atmosphere of the sell-out crowd at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. The crowd was primed and ready, and the game ended in favour of the Northstars after Drolet scored two unanswered goals in the final third, including a hat trick goal. Following the game, Northstars Media talked to Head Coach Kevin Noble about the convincing victory. “We did a lot of things right tonight, and we were more disciplined tonight than we have been in the past. When we win at home in the first game of the season it drives momentum for us. We’re a good hockey club and we still are waiting on our full roster being here, so we are going to get better and better.” “It won’t matter who we play,” continued Nobel. “It’s about breaking our season down into segments and winning our segments and no matter who is in front of us, we just have to work hard.” Drolet also reflected on the work for the team, despite the win. “We had a couple of turnovers, and these moments are good as they remind us about the little details we need to work on and clean up.” With a great start to the season, the Northstars are feeling good about the performance but realistic with the journey ahead. “We got the job done tonight and it was pretty good,” Assistant General Manager Dave Ferrari said. “We gave them a few goals, but we also did a lot of good things to shut them down. Our PK was excellent and our powerplay was strong, so our special teams are working.” “The second period wasn’t great but it’s early and we’re right where we want to be going into the season.” The Newcastle Northstars will be on the road on Saturday April 13th heading down to Erina to face the Central Coast Rhinos. They follow up on Sunday to play at home on April 14th, welcoming the Sydney Ice Dogs to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. |
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Contact Information
Newcastle Northstars
230 Macquarie Road
Warners Bay,
2282 Australia
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