It is always important to remember what we achieved throughout the year. As we close the 2024 season, we take a look back at the milestones achieved in the second half of season.
Sean Oultram Sean Oultram had a ten-year break and returned to the Northstars in 2022. Remaining goalless until the doubleheader weekend in Adelaide, Oultram scored his first goal since the 31
st July 2011. The goal came against the Ice Dogs in a shootout where Newcastle won 4-3.
He reflects on that goal sharing, “Honestly, scoring that goal made the season for me. The league has gotten so much better since I’ve been away, so I wasn’t able to contribute as much as I would have liked to this season. But scoring that goal to take us into overtime and ultimately win the game was awesome. It was definitely one of my career highlights and a very proud moment.”
Another milestone of a different kind, Oultram smashed the Northstars all time penalty minute record in 2024. The record was previously held by David Ferrari (now Associate Coach and Assistant GM) at 454 minutes. Oultram now holds the record at 479 and says “That’s a record I’ve wanted to achieve since returning to the Northstars. I’ve never been much of a point scorer however I’ve always prided myself in bringing a level of toughness to the team, to be up there in the PIMs with really gritty players like Dave Ferrari and my former D partner Rob Starke is really cool.”
Francis Drolet Francis Drolet has reached 200 points in his fourth season with the Northstars. He is humble about reaching this milestone, saying, “hitting a milestone like that might mean something for some, but I don’t see it as an achievement or something that I had to do. It’s more of being consistent from game to game and helping the team win… I’d rather win every game and have fewer points, that’s for sure.”
Beau Taylor Beau Taylor achieved another milestone this season, marking 100 goals in the AIHL. Reflecting on this achievement, Taylor says “I have been fortunate enough to play with some great hockey players throughout the years” before continuing to credit these players for assisting him reach this milestone.
Amelia Matheson Our Associate Coach, Amelia Matheson, has been inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in August. This is a significant achievement for Matheson, who has played hockey since 16 years of age, captaining the Sydney Sirens, representing Australia, coaching NSW teams and joining the AIHL coaching staff in 2022.
Putting ice hockey on the map in the Hunter Region, Matheson says she is “extremely honoured to have been selected for this award. I’m delighted that ice hockey is finally on the board as a recognised sport in the Hunter, and it makes me proud that I helped contribute to that achievement.”
“The love and support I’ve received has been so overwhelming. I’m very grateful for the kind words and proud to be a part of such a wonderful sport and hockey community.”