With the Northstars celebrating their 20th anniversary season in 2022, AIHL Northstars patron and owner Garry Doré has written down some of his recollections of the team’s history and formation starting in 2001 when preparations for entry into the 2002 season began.

The Northstars will be looking back over our wildly successful history this year, recalling the challenges and triumphs of our place in Australian ice hockey and community.

20 Years in the AIHL. What a ride.

We were so thrilled here at the Hunter Ice Skating when the invitation came to play in the AIHL in 2001 for the 2002 season, especially as we only opened our doors in September 2000.

Two other great teams joined that year, Sydney Ice Dogs, and the Melbourne Ice. The three of us had to compete against three very accomplished teams, Sydney Bears, Canberra Knights (now the CBR Brave) and the Adelaide Avalanche (now the Adelaide Adrenaline). It was a tough start for the 3 new teams but at the end of the day we all persevered and became accomplished organisations with multiple “Goodall Cup” national championships under our belt.

A few years later to have the Melbourne Mustangs and Perth Thunder join the league has been amazing. A couple of other teams along the way have come and gone, but the thrill now is to regrow the league to its full potential.

I can’t say enough about the players, coaches, managers and officials that have worn the Northstars colours over the past 20 years, as they are made up of a very special group of people who I will always admire for their contribution.

We are forever grateful to have been part of the Australian Ice Hockey League and Ice Hockey Australia. We have worked together all these years and have fortunately given our players the opportunity to be selected to represent Australia which they have done so with pride.

To play in the premier league in the country and for us to offer and show a pathway for our youth like so many clubs within all of Australia with the ambition and opportunity to achieve the highest level that they can reach in the sport is a great achievement for all.

Some of the greatest memories are that we have had so many of our young players come through the Newcastle Northstars Club, then the AIHL team, and not only have been great hockey players, but turned into wonderful adults who have made quality lives for themselves and families. So many are still around the rink, and it is special that I get to see them often.

Many of our sponsors and our amazing fans have been with us for most of, if not all the 20 years and always lifted our spirits and supported us over the good but also the tough times. I can’t thank them enough for their support, and we have had a lot of fun.

It is an honour for me to be part of the Newcastle Northstars and after 20 years, I would like to think I have 20 more to go.

Garry Dore