New coach John Kennedy jnr has welcomed the return of Newcastle Northstars import Sammy Banga and is excited about him playing the entire Australian Ice Hockey League season.
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The 26-year-old Canadian forward made quite the impact after joining the Northstars midway through last campaign, but Kennedy jnr says Banga will now be available from the opening round in 2019.
"It's great to have Sammy back on board," Kennedy jnr told the Newcastle Herald.
"He's a dynamic forward with a nose for finding the back of the net.
"He came late last year, but I think he had something like four points in his first game.
"He'll probably get here a couple of weeks early, but he will definitely be here for the whole year."
Banga recorded 34 points, 16 goals and 18 assists, with a Northstars-high average of 2.1 from 16 matches in 2018 after arriving at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium just prior to the June import deadline.
The Ontario product returned home over Christmas and has trained occasionally with East Coast Hockey League team the Norfolk Admirals, who he made his professional debut with almost 12 months ago.
Kennedy jnr said the Northstars have yet to finalise their remaining imports, which is limited at six per roster and four per game, meaning Tomas Landa (Czech), Joseph Harcharik (US), Sam Lawson and Nick Rivait (Canada) may not return to Newcastle.
However, the coach said veteran goalkeeper Dayne Davis (Canada) would again be between the sticks.
"Our imports may be completely new outside Sammy," Kennedy jnr said.
"Dane will be in goals but we're looking for some offensive and defensive guys."
The Northstars host a first-round double header on April 27 and 28.
