The interclub challenge, which will be played over seven fixtures rather than the four initially announced last month, is currently led 2-0 by the Ice Dogs after downing the Northstars twice in overtime by the same 3-2 scoreline.

Kennedy jnr knows Saturday's clash at Macquarie Ice Rink looms as important for the Novocastrians to remain alive in the series.

"It's a best-of-seven series like the Stanley Cup play-offs," Kennedy jnr said. "Obviously it's not ideal to be down 2-0, but there's still plenty of time left. In saying that, you don't really won't to be down 3-0 because that makes it even harder to come back."

Kennedy jnr will be without several younger players such as Jayden Ryan, Connor Schultz, Alistair Rye, recent recruit Mackenzie Gallagher and last week's debutant Riley Tonks.

They are all lining up in the statewide East Coast Super League.

"A lot of our younger guys are playing for the Northstars in the East Coast Super League. They committed there when the national season was up in the air," he said.

"So being an exhibition game [for us] it's fair enough they play there. It's competitive hockey and a really good breeding ground for up and coming players to cut their teeth before they make the step up."

However, the mentor will again don the Newcastle colours himself alongside experienced campaigners Robert Malloy, Richard Tesarik, Pat Nadin, Liam Manwarring and Tomas Landa.

Newcastle have lost goalkeeper James Downie, who has travelled to the US to trial with the Maryland Black Bears. The Ice Dogs have a similar scenario for Australian junior representative Kale Costa, who has returned for another campaign in the Czech Republic.

Game four will take place at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on August 22.

Dates and venues for the final three encounters have yet to be released.

The Australian Ice Hockey League season has been cancelled because of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Saturday's exhibition match gets underway at 5pm.

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