The Northstars defeated Melbourne Mustangs 7-4 at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday with Pat Nadin notching up his 150^th game, Mackenzie Gallagher scoring a double on debut and Liam Manwarring enjoying his maiden run as captain.

It was the first time Newcastle, also celebrating two decades part of the national competition, had played an AIHL fixture since hosting finals in 2019. The previous two seasons were cancelled because of COVID.

"There were a lot of monumental things happening," Kennedy jnr said.

"It's the 20^th anniversary for the Northstars, Pat Nadin had his 150^th game, another local Liam Manwarring, who has been within our system since he was five or six, was named captain.

"Our goalie Ethan Sepelde had his first AIHL win, Mackenzie Gallagher got two goals in his AIHL debut and our import Daniel Berno scored as well.

"It was a really special night. The place was buzzing and there was a sold-out crowd. Everyone's just happy to be back on the ice after two seasons off."

Tomas Landa struck twice for the Northstars as well while Robert Malloy and Beau Taylor also found the back of the net.

Newcastle led 3-0 after the first period and 4-2 following the second. Teams traded goals throughout the third term, with the hosts always in front by either two or three.

The Northstars now travel to Melbourne this weekend to meet the Mustangs and Ice for a double header.

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