NORTH STARS POISED TO DEFEND AIHL CROWN

The Newcastle North Stars are poised to win their sixth Goodall Cup this weekend at the Australian Ice Hockey League play-offs.

The defending champions left Newcastle this afternoon ahead of tomorrow night’s semi-final with the Perth Thunder.

The winner of that match goes through to Sunday’s final.

Defenceman Matt Lindsay was part of last year’s team which claimed its fifth championship.

The North Stars boast an experienced roster with the majority of their squad looking for back-to-back titles.