Experienced mentor John Kennedy Jr is confident the Newcastle Northstars can maintain their winning momentum in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).
The Hunter-based outfit claimed its 11th victory of the season – from 12 starts – at the weekend, knocking over the Sydney Ice Dogs 6-3 away from home.
With 33 competition points under their belt, and sitting comfortably in top spot, the Northstars have now cemented a play-off berth in 2022.
But, despite that, player/coach Kennedy Jr was surprised to hear Newcastle had punched its AIHL finals ticket so early.
“I guess it shows where our heads are at,” he said.
“We’re just focussed on getting better each and every game – and to give a complete 60-minute effort every time we step on the ice.
“We are going to use the remainder of the year to build our consistency, make sure guys are healthy and ensure we’re a complete team putting forth a complete effort.”
The Northstars’ latest triumph reaffirms that sentiment.
It was yet another come-from-behind win in the third period, a recovery from some handling and communication errors in the second, which opened the door for the Ice Dogs to secure three goals.
Newcastle then scored on a power play in the final minute of the second term to reduce the deficit to one.
That enabled the visitors to begin the third period, just behind 3-2 in Sydney’s favour.
Confidence restored, the Northstars piled on the goals to take the honours 6-3.
Central Coast’s Richard Tesarik bagged a hat-trick, each of them with an assist to line-mate Daniel Berno.
Goaltender Charlie Smart also continued a successful return to the squad.
Newcastle now faces the Sydney Bears at home in Warners Bay on Saturday 16 July.
That showdown will be followed by a road trip to Canberra on 23 and 24 July to tackle the Brave.
“Going into the next two weekends against the Bears and Brave is an excellent test for us,” Kennedy Jr said.
“Those teams are trying to clinch their places in the AIHL finals.
“So, it’ll be some good hockey for us for the rest of this month.”
