Smart will join Nick Mizen on the goaltender roster for the North Stars this year.

Mizen made a big impression in his debut AIHL season as backup to Dayne Davis in 2016.

North Stars coach Andrew Petrie said he sees great opportunity in the change.

“I believe we'll have two of the finest young goalies in Australia in net with Charlie and Nick,” Petrie said.

“They’ve both been informed that we won’t have a starting goalie – starts will have to be earned, which will bring a great vibe to practice and a level of true competition in the goalie position.”

Mizen's debut season had him finishing placed second in league stats behind Melbourne Ice's Troy Davenport with a GAA of 2.27 and a save percentage of 91.0% over five games.

Mizen's best AIHL win was a 3-1 victory in Canberra, which Coach Petrie rated as “a breakthrough performance for Nick”.

“Dayne informed us after the 2016 season that his services were being pursued by a number clubs,” Petrie said.

“In the last few weeks, Dayne declined a formal commitment to the North Stars, which gave us the opportunity to sign Charlie.”

The North Stars took the option of a generational change to bring in Smart who has experience as the Australian men’s, youth and junior team goaltender.

Smart, originally from Perth, has previously played for the Thunder, Adelaide Adrenaline and the Sydney Ice Dogs.

Smart is due back in Australia in early March, giving the North Stars plenty of time to get him familiar with his new team.

Smart said of the move: “I don’t really know what to say!”

“I’m just excited to get to Newcastle and start practicing with the team, and to be joining such a great organisation.”

The Proski Newcastle North Stars begin their AIHL home season at Warners Bay on Saturday, April 29 versus the Sydney Bears. Phone Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on (02) 4954 4499 to book your seat.