On Saturday the game went goal-for-goal with the Blue Tongues replying for each of the North Stars goals.

The ejection of number 44 John Halverson and then number 16 Steven Kaye left the North Stars short-handed but Newcastle survived through regular time to win the game in a shoot-out, 3 goals to 2.

On Sunday, Blue Tongues seemed to have the game under control in the first period of Sunday’s final game when up 3-0 in the first period, but a two-goal comeback by the North Stars put them in reach for the third period.

Newcastle were inspired by a comment from Blue Tongues tough guy and club president Don Bourke, who sledged defenceman Halverson saying “You got lucky to win the other games”, North Stars up 3-0 in the game series but behind 3 goals to nil at the time.

Halverson replied with a hat-trick following Dylan Cox’s goal plus scored the shoot out winner to erase any anxiety left that Newcastle had the better imports and team spirit.

North Stars coach Don Champage was delighted with the team’s results, saying every member had contributed well.

“They all had good games, I can’t think of any who didn’t play well.

“Ezzy did well in goal, the imports all did their part.

“The young guys played well and scored a goal on Saturday, the guys kept their heads even though they tried to get us into penalty trouble and get our best players off the ice.”

The win kept the North Stars safe in first place in the AIHL ahead of the Sydney Ice Dogs with 16 points. The North Stars will travel to ACT on May 23 to play the Canberra Knights at home in Phillip Swim and Skate, before repeating the Canberra trip again on the May 30.

Newcastle’s next home game will be the following Saturday, June 6.