Forward Sammy Banga will return to the Australian Ice Hockey League in 2019 to play a second season with the Newcastle Rescue Northstars. 

Banga is the Northstars' first import announcement for the 2019 season.  

The 26-year-old Canadian from Windsor, Ontario joined the Northstars prior to the import deadline at the end of June in 2018. 

Despite an uncharacteristic scoring slump by the usually productive Northstars forwards, Banga managed a 2.1 points per game average - the team's highest. 

Banga was openly optimistic about returning to Australia after enjoying his time surfing, meeting kangaroos and travelling around Australia in 2018. 

For Northstars general manager Garry Doré, Banga was an easy selection after seeing him play last season. 

"Sammy is great down low, for finding the puck. He has a real nose for the net," Doré said. 

Banga recorded 34 points over 16 games in 2018. His most productive game was worth 7 points against the Adelaide Adrenaline on August 18 where he recorded a hat trick along with 4 assists. 

Overall his 34 points were made up of 16 goals and 18 assists. 

The Newcastle Rescue Northstars begin their 18th season in the AIHL on Saturday, April 27.  

The 2019 AIHL season begins on the Easter long weekend, with Adelaide Adrenaline in Melbourne to play the Mustangs and the Bears facing the Ice Dogs in Sydney on Saturday, April 20. 

Tickets for the 2019 Northstars season are now available to buy through the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. Phone (02) 4954 4499 for details.