The Newcastle Northstars have continued their strong form with an 8-3 victory over Perth Thunder at Perth Ice Arena on Saturday night.

Newcastle made an immediate impact, with Yevgeni Skachkov finding the net just eight seconds into the contest.

The visitors added another two goals inside the opening six minutes to establish an early three-goal advantage and place Perth under pressure from the outset.

The Northstars continued to control the match during the second period, with Francis Drolet and Wehebe Darge scoring the only two goals of the term.

Newcastle’s defence also held firm, preventing the Thunder from scoring during the second 20 minutes and carrying a commanding lead into the final period.

Perth responded with a goal inside the opening minute of the third period as the home side attempted to close the margin.

However, Newcastle regained control, with further goals from Skachkov and Akihide Watanabe helping seal the five-goal victory.

The result strengthens the Northstars’ position as the competition moves closer to the finals.

Newcastle will now return to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, where it will face Perth Thunder again on Sunday 2 August.

The return clash will give the Northstars an opportunity to complete back-to-back victories over the Thunder in front of their home crowd.

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