The Newcastle Northstars made their official return to AIHL-level hockey on Sunday 9th May, going down 8-4 against the CBR Brave at home.

Sunday's game was the beginning of the McCormack Cup for 2021, a competition designed to keep the NSW/ACT teams playing during the global pandemic, for the benefit of both the players and fans.

The Northstars rotated six rookie players through their lines and Thomas Munro had his first top-tier game in goal for the Northstars since the 2007 Grand Final in Sydney.

The CBR Brave's long list of veteran players gave them an edge and put them ahead 2-1 after the first period.

Penalties shifted from CBR to Newcastle, the Brave earning three in the first period and all penalties going to the Northstars in the final two periods, including two 2-man disadvantages. The penalty trouble kept them trailing the Brave, finishing the second period behind 5-3 and the game 8-4.

Despite the result Associate Coach Ray Sheffield was buoyant about the return of AIHL hockey to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, saying "I thought it was a pretty good game, I mean I don't this the score really reflected the play."

"Our young guys worked well - we've got a few things to work on."

Munro's 2019 experience playing for the Melbourne Ice came in handy as he faced 33 shots, many of them on the penalty kill. Ethan Spelde had his debut in the final few minutes of the game, facing 3 shots successfully.

The Northstars lines showed plenty of faith in their youth, putting rookies through regular line rotations alongside the Northstars' most experienced players.

The opportunities given to the young players came with benefits, with Ethan Hawes (1A), Alistair Rye (2A) and Riley Tonks (1A) all registering points. Mackenzie Gallagher and Connor Schultz were the other two rookie skaters and saw plenty of action against a big and experience Canberra side.

The four Northstars goals were scored by veteran players, including John Kennedy Jr (1G), Tomas Landa (1G 2A) and Robert Malloy (2G 1A).

Brave GM Sunny Singh was delighted not just to have the win but for top-tier ice hockey back in play in Australia.

"I can't be happier for not just the fans, but also the people behind the scenes, who've been able to put it [the McCormack Cup] together - kudos to them to be able to pull this together.

"It's nothing short of fantastic as both a fan and a GM."

Sunday night's game was a sell out and the first time the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium had seen 100% seated capacity since the 2019 AIHL Finals.

Sheffield expressed his appreciation of the pandemic-customised competition, saying "It's great. I mean it's been a long time for fans to not be here in the building and I think it's going to be a great competition for a lot of these young guys that haven't played any or much AIHL hockey."

"It's a great opportunity, and I think it's kind of an exciting season for our team in general because it gives these young guys a chance to play at this level, and hopefully we can bring the fans along with that excitement."

The Northstars next play in Erina on the 22nd of May against the Sydney Ice Dogs, who were defeated by the CBR Brave on Saturday night 6-1.

Newcastle's next home game is Saturday the 29th of May, also against the Ice Dogs.