The Newcastle Northstars have returned to the top of the Australian Ice Hockey League table following a 7-3 victory over the Adelaide Adrenaline on Saturday night.

The win added another three points to Newcastle’s tally, taking the side to 47 points.

Returning veteran Beau Taylor opened the scoring for the home side, giving the Northstars the lead at the end of the first period.

Newcastle took control in the second, with Yevgeni Skachkov scoring three goals and Santeri Haarala adding another before the break.

Wehebe Darge then sealed the result with two goals in the third period.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, Adelaide challenged the Northstars physically and drew five penalties from the home side.

Newcastle’s penalty kill stood firm, successfully defending all five opportunities.

Adelaide was sent to the penalty box seven times, with the Northstars converting three powerplay opportunities.

Head coach Kevin Noble said the result delivered what the team needed, while praising the performance of Newcastle’s special teams.

“We did what we needed to do and we got three points,” he said.

“Special teams were good again and did a great job. Our penalty kill has been excellent.

“We put a lot of work into those elements, so that was a positive.”

Noble also praised Skachkov following his hat-trick performance.

“He’s the best import in the league,” he said.

“He’s a great teammate and has been a big part of the organisation for two years.

“He’s a big part of the locker room and has become part of the family here, and you can see how quickly he can turn it on.”

The Northstars will travel west to face the Perth Thunder on Saturday 25 July.

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