Playing at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, the North Stars continued their upswing in form against the Ice, who have in previous years been the Australian Ice Hockey League team to beat, delivering a 7-4 win.

It is the third win in a row for the North Stars and the second at home after playing six games at the Warners Bay rink since April.

By the end of the first period Newcastle had three goals to its name.

They led 5-0 into the third period before Melbourne put points on the board.

Penalties from both teams came thick and fast in the third period.

At one point, Newcastle had four players in the penalty box and three on the ice against Melbourne's five, leading to the Ice scoring with the player advantage.

The Ice scored four goals in the third period and Newcastle scored two, which saw the North Stars walk away with the win.

Dore praised Newcastle's defensive line, in particular import goaltender Harrison May.

This weekend the North Stars play a home game against Perth Thunder on Saturday.

Then on Sunday the rescheduled game, due to the Newcastle's bus breakdown, against the Sydney Ice Dogs will be played at Warners Bay.