Newcastle Northstars general manager Garry Dore said being asked to host the Ice Hockey Classic between Team USA and Team Canada at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on June 14 reflected the club’s success.
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“What’s important is for us to be recognised at that level to be offered a game as prestigious as this one,” Dore said.
“It is really a big pat on the back for everybody, past and present, that has been involved in this sport, that’s the big deal.”
The match is part of a three-match tour of Australia and is the first game to be played between the two ice hockey powerhouses.
The other two matches will be staged in Sydney and Melbourne.
“We think we’ve done a pretty damn good job here and internationally someone has said, ‘Hey, we like what you guys are doing and we want to give you an opportunity to show us off’,” Dore said.
“To be able to showcase the sport of ice hockey here is very exciting.
“It’s going to be the best game that has ever been played in Newcastle, one of the best games ever played in the country. The only ones comparable are when they play at Sydney and Melbourne.”
It’s going to be the best game that has ever been played in Newcastle, it will be one of the best games ever played in the country.
- Garry Dore
The game, starting at 7.15pm, was only announced to the public on June 5 and Dore said “pretty much sold out” within a few days.
“The talent will be overwhelming; there’s going to be about six current or past NHLers and the rest are on the cusp and there’s not much in between them,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to be able to highlight ice hockey in Newcastle and of course Australia.”
Joe Harcharik and Robert Malloy will play for Team USA, going up against their Northstars teammate Felix-Antoine Poulin, who will be in action for Team Canada.
Both Northstars goalkeepers, Charlie Smart and Nick Mizen, will get the opportunity to sit on the bench for the opposing teams.
Ronald McDonald House and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service are the charities which have come on board. For every goal scored $100 will go to the charities. Canada’s goals will raise money for Ronald McDonald House and USA goals will benefit Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.