A fourth consecutive win in their second week of the 2019 Australian Ice Hockey League season has seen the Newcastle Northstars return to the top of the table - a position they have not enjoyed since 2015.
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Playing at home in Warners Bay, the Northstars came back from a second period slump in Saturday's game against Perth Thunder to win 5-3 and dominated in Sunday's game against Adelaide Adrenaline to win 6-2.
Northstars head coach John Kennedy Jr said it had been a "great start" to the season but the team was not about to let their foot off the pedal.
"It doesn't get much better than where we are right now but, and we've talked about this in the locker room, it's great being at the top but it's even tougher staying there," Kennedy said.
"We are looking forward to more challenges, looking forward to the next weekend in Adelaide. I expect them to come out flying in the next game."
Northstars captain Robert Malloy reached a significant milestone on Saturday.
His opening goal of the game, against Perth, saw him clock 200 points (for goals and assists) in his eight-year AIHL career. Malloy also registered a goal in Sunday's game against Adelaide.
Kennedy said it was "awesome" to see Malloy reach that milestone.
"He's an incredible captain and the work ethic he puts in has shown throughout his entire AIHL career," he said.
Another milestone the Northstars marked on Saturday was an AIHL debut. Local player Connor Schultz, 17, was called up to join the team at the weekend to fill the empty spot left by Tim Stanger who has been forced to sit out for at least six weeks with a shoulder injury.
Kennedy congratulated Schultz on his debut and said he was "young talent with a bright future ahead".
The Northstars led from start to finish against Adelaide on Sunday but had to come from 3-2 behind against Perth on Saturday.
The weekend's scorelines were a combined effort of local and import players. Malloy netted two goals and local players Liam Manwarring, Hamish Powell and Shane Southwood one each.
Imports Sammy Banga, Dominik Gabaj and Ondrej Smach scored one goal each. It was a three goal weekend from import Francis Drolet.
In their first road trip of the season, the Northstars fly to Adelaide this weekend for a double-header against Adrenaline.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
