Professional ice hockey players from Canada and the United States put on a show in Newcastle on Wednesday as part of the 2019 Ice Hockey Classic that promotes concussion awareness.
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More than 700 ice hockey fans, many wearing apparel from their favourite teams from around the world, turned out to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium to watch the first game of the Ice Hockey Classic tour, cheering as Team Canada claimed a 6-5 win against Team USA to raise $1100 for Hunter New England Health District's Newcastle concussion clinic.
For each goal scored in Wednesday's game, the Ice Hockey Classic donated $100 to the concussion clinic.
It is the second year that Newcastle ice hockey fans had the opportunity to watch the Classic in their home rink. Team USA and Team Canada first put on an exhibition game at HISS in 2017.
As an extra treat to fans of the Newcastle Northstars Australian Ice Hockey League team, which calls HISS home, on Wednesday they were able to watch Zane Jones and Josh Harris in action again.
Jones, playing for Canada, and Harris, for USA, have both played for the Northstars.
Harris was part of the Northstars' 2016 championship-winning side while crowd favourite Jones called Newcastle home in 2017 and 2018.
After Wednesday's game, both Jones and Harris said that it was great to be back in Newcastle playing ice hockey in front of familiar faces.
The next stop on the Ice Hockey Classic tour is Sydney on Saturday, June 15.
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.
