Northstars Resilient Comeback

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Francis Drolet put on a show in front of the home crowd at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday night, leading the Escadia Newcastle Northstars to a thrilling 6-4 win over Canberra Brave in a high-stakes game.
 
The Northstars’ alternate captain was unstoppable, netting four goals and propelling his side to a comeback victory after an early deficit. Wehebe Darge and Karel Kubat also found the back of the net for Newcastle, who were forced to rally from a 2-0 hole late in the first period.
 
“It was one of those kinds of nights where it just clicked,” said Drolet postgame. “You feel good with the puck, you shoot it, and you know exactly where it’s going to go… But that doesn’t happen without my two-line mates. They were exceptional.”
 
A strong start from Canberra Brave found Newcastle trailing midway through the first period after a pair of defensive miscues allowed the Brave to capitalise. But the momentum quickly shifted late in the frame, with goals from Drolet and Darge levelling the score at 2-2 going into the first break.
 
Canberra struck again early in the second, but the Northstars responded with confidence. Drolet’s second of the night brought the crowd back to life, and Kubat followed suit, 10 seconds later, giving the home side a 4-3 lead heading into the final period.
 
Coach Kevin Noble acknowledged the rocky start. “We were messy most of the night. Playing from behind creates a little bit of stress in your game. But it’s such a talented group, they can work their way back.”
 
The third belonged entirely to Drolet, who completed his hat-trick and added a fourth for good measure, effectively sealing the win. A late goal from the Brave kept things interesting, but Newcastle’s composure held through to the final whistle.
 
“He is unreal on and off the ice”, said captain Liam Manwarring of Drolet. “He’s usually more of a playmaker than a goal scorer, but that just shows he can do both.”
 
Manwarring also credited the team’s mental toughness and veteran coaching staff for assisting with the comeback. “The main thing to take out of that is the perseverance. We’ve built something strong here, but that was far from pretty. We’ve got to be better tomorrow”.
 
The Northstars face a tough turnaround as they host the league-leading Melbourne Ice at 3:30pm on Sunday June 8^th.
 
“They’re the best team in the league, right?” said Noble. “They have a lot of depth and are really strong from the goalie out. We will have to be our very best.”
 
The Newcastle Northstars return to home ice on Saturday the 21^st of June at 5pm playing Melbourne Mustangs.
 
On Sunday 22^nd of June they will face off against Perth Thunder at 4pm.
 
Tickets are available at northstars.thundertix.com.