The Newcastle Northstars’ Goodall Cup aspirations ended at the weekend at the hands of the Perth Thunder 4-1.
Despite turning in a big performance in the home quarter-final on Saturday night (19 August), the local outfit was simply outclassed by its Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) rivals.
The Thunder grabbed an early 1-0 lead through Ben Breault, although the Northstars hit back via Josh Adams to tie it up at 1-all.
But, Perth flexed its collective muscle in the third period, with goals to David Kudla, Conner Jean and Kieren Webster, to progress to the next stage of the competition.
“When the season ends, it comes to a screeching halt,” Newcastle head coach Kevin Noble said.
“In these sorts of one-off fixtures, game seven like for hockey, anything can happen.
“We certainly were not poor… we played well and carried pace for long stretches.
“However, it was kind of the story of the past six or seven weeks for us that we weren’t critical and didn’t execute when we needed to.
“You have to win the right moments at this time of year.
“Credit to Perth, they played very well and they played how you have to play to win these type of games.
“We made three mistakes, but mistakes that cost you.
“One of the most disappointing things is that we couldn’t deliver when it mattered [tonight].
“The boys can walk out of here with their heads held high, but it will sting over the summer.
“We were good but not good enough.”
Northstars captain Liam Manwarring agreed.
“It is not the end of the season that we were hoping for,” he said.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow.
“But, credit to the club and these boys and the crowd, it wasn’t that we played bad, I thought we played well… I am so proud of my team.
“Their (Perth’s) goal tender was really good to be honest, they’re tight defensively and we couldn’t get through them.
“The best team won on the day.
“I wish them (Perth) nothing but success in the coming weeks.
“We now look forward to 2024… and growing even more.
“I think this place is getting better and better and it gives me goosebumps, even after a loss like this, that next year is going to be great with all the fans, coaching staff and this team.”
Earlier in the week, the Newcastle players were recognised at a presentation ceremony at Club Macquarie.
The MVP went to Francis Drolet, while Wehebe Darge picked up the Tony Huntley Most Valuable Australian Player award.
“It’s an opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our sponsors,” Manwarring said.
“As the league grows, we couldn’t grow without them.
“We also thank our volunteers, who step up every game to help make the experience for fans the best we can.”
Award winners:
- Most Improved: Riley Klugerman
- Most Dedicated: Charlie Smart
- Coaches Award: Daniel Berno
- Best Defence: Tanner Butler
- Tony Huntley Most Valuable Australian Player: Wehebe Darge
- MVP: Francis Drolet
For more sports stories:
- Hunter Netball: Metro girls keen to end season on a high
- REAL NRL: Pickers secure GF berth, Tigers eliminated
- A GOOD SPORT: Real NRL board deserves praise for successful year
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