Newcastle Northstars captain Robert Malloy will return on Friday night to a depleted squad still missing at least two Australian Ice Hockey League regulars and with another in doubt.
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Liam Manwarring and Thomas Landa (concussion) look likely to remain sidelined against the Sydney Bears at Macquarie Ice Rink while Paddy Ward (ankle) will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
The skipper is taking a long-term view for the second-placed Northstars.
"We don't need them this weekend and we don't them next weekend, but we do need them in August [for finals]," Malloy said.
"If it takes them three weeks to be 100 per cent right then so be it."
Jayson Chalker has been called up to play for the Northstars in game 18.
He has been playing reserves for Newcastle in the East Coast Super League.
Play in Sydney gets underway at 7:30pm.
