When the Newcastle Northstars and Australian Ice Hockey League leaders Canberra Brave faced off at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday, Jodie Harrison MP was honoured to be called on to drop the ceremonial puck. 

"As it has been some years since I have been on the ice, I was thankfully helped out onto the ice by some highly skilled skaters—the game referees—and then got to watch the teams go head to head in a very exciting game," Ms Harrison said. 

Though the Brave prevailed by six to one against the home side on Saturday night, all were pleased with the result of the second game of the weekend's double-header: a Northstars 3-2 win against the Brave after an even faster, fiercer game.

"I congratulate the goalscorers, team captain Liam Manwarring and Francis Drolet, and the entire team, as the Northstars now sit just one point behind Canberra Brave on the league table. I give many thanks to team captain Liam Manwarring and the whole side, and I look forward to joining them again," Ms Harrison said.