As the Australian Ice Hockey League drops the puck on the 2022 regular season on Saturday, the Newcastle Northstars are ready to compete after a promising pre-season in the 2 exhibition games against the Sydney Bears. Newcastle won both matches, with a score of 7-6 in the first game and 4-1 in the second game of the pre-season series.

Welcoming a new major sponsor to the team, Northstars General Manager Garry Dore shared, “The Newcastle Northstars organisation are excited to announce the new 2022 major sponsor is Newcastle Psychiatry.  Russell and Louisa Hinton have been associated with the Northstars for the last 6 years and we are so grateful and proud to be partnered with their business for the next 3 years.”

2022 marks the 20^th year the Newcastle Northstars have competed in the AIHL and will see a mix of veteran Northstars hitting the ice along with the next generation of players. This will also be the first AIHL regular season since 2019, which provided an opportunity to name a new leadership group for the team. Liam Manwarring has been selected to take on the mantle of Captain, with Patrick Nadin & Patrick Ward named as Alternate Captains.

“I am honoured to captain my home club and represent this awesome city”, Liam said when asked about his new role.

“18 years ago, when I first pulled on the Northstars colours, I always dreamed about playing in the AIHL with this club, and now to be the captain and lead this club is an absolute honour” Manwarring continued, “Being part of the 20-year celebration is very surreal. We have the best fan base in this league and it’s an awesome feeling to be able to work with everyone involved to make it as special as it should be”.

Patrick Nadin will be playing his 7^th AIHL season with the Northstars and Saturday’s game will be number 150 for the veteran.

“I have been playing hockey since I was 9”, shared Nadin.  “It is a huge honour”, stated Nadin in reflecting on celebrating this milestone with the Northstars, “I remember coming down to the rink as a kid to watch the Northstars and to be able to play for your local team in front of your friends and family there’s no better feeling.”

As part of the 20^th anniversary festivities, the Northstars will be celebrating all the people and players that have been a part of the successful organisation. 

“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” shared Garry Dore.

Join the Northstars this season and be a part of this historic and memorable year. Tickets are available for games via Northstars.thundertix.com, and all AIHL games will be broadcast live via KAYO in 2022.