After a weekend off and approaching a top-of-the-table clash, Newcastle Northstars coach John Kennedy jnr reckons his squad are "excited and amped" to host the Canberra Brave at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday.
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The Northstars and Brave are level on the Australian Ice Hockey League standings with an identical win-loss record (11-1) to open the 2019 season, 15 points clear of their nearest rivals.
This highly-anticipated showdown follows the competition's annual all stars exhibition match with Newcastle quartet Sammy Banga, Francis Drolet, Bert Malloy and Shane Southwood all returning unscathed.
"We are excited and amped to play this game," Kennedy jnr told the Newcastle Herald.
"It's weekends like this that you live for during the season. It could even be a bit of a preview for later in the year."
Kennedy jnr said he was wary of Canberra's all-round prowess as the Brave look to defend their maiden title.
"We know they have a high quality offence, which means we have to be on top of our game and shut that down defensively," he said.
"When we have the puck we need to attack with purpose and work on getting people to screen in front of goal. And lastly, maybe most importantly, we need to ensure we compete for the full length of the game."
Canadian import Banga leads the national league for individual points, having netted 11 goals and made 21 assists midway through his second stint for Newcastle.
"I couldn't be happier for him," Kennedy jnr said.
The Brave are the first of back-to-back games for the Northstars at Warners Bay this weekend.
Newcastle meet the Perth Thunder on Sunday (5pm). Action on Saturday starts at 4pm.
