The famous Battle of Nowhere. When the Canberra Brave and Newcastle Northstars come together on the AIHL calendar, you know sparks will fly, fans will scream the roof off their barns and bold fast hockey is on the cards.

On Saturday we had the latest edition of this Canberra-Newcastle rivalry, which is unique to hockey in Australia. Full of colour, chants and sub-plots.

10 Years In, What Does the ‘Battle of Nowhere’ Derby Mean to the Fans?

10 years ago the Brave took to the ice for the first time in the AIHL. In their maiden game, they came up against the Newcastle Northstars. The tone of that first game on 12 April 2014, with its 166 penalty minutes, set the rivalry on course for what would later become affectionately known as the ‘Battle of Nowhere’.

Origin and the name

The name, Battle of Nowhere, can be traced back to a certain high-profile player transfer ahead of the 2016 AIHL season.

In 2015, Canadian import Geordie Wudrick set a new league record points haul of 91 points while playing for the Newcastle Northstars. With Wudrick keen to return to Australia in 2016, he became a sought-after signature for AIHL teams. In the end, the CBR Brave claimed his signature and announced his signing. This did not go down well in Newcastle.

In response, Northstars then head coach, Andrew Petrie, hit the newswire. He slammed the poaching of his player and labelled the city of Canberra “the middle of nowhere”.

Canberra supporters took on this criticism and made it their own. They created T-shirts and placards welcoming the Northstars to the middle of nowhere. It became a badge of honour.

From that moment forward the rivalry took on the name and the fans passion back then has only increased over the years. Derby days between the Brave and Northstars are always circled in calendars early and away days organised with large numbers of traveling fans. It creates a unique bond between the two teams and sets of fans.

What the fans have to say about the rivalry

I asked two diehard fans, one from each team, to share what this rivalry means to them 10 years on from its beginning.

“From poached players to Goodall title[s] and often franchise defining rivalries, both fan bases have often been the vocal backbone of support for their respective heroes, and these colours don’t run.

The anticipation of a five-hour drive has many fans fantasising and mentally preparing for the encounter often days in advance. That passion hits fever pitch when the puck is finally dropped.

The Battle of Nowhere always produces highlight reel memories for both the Mooseketeers and the Bravehearts. Either ending in devastation from watching your enemy raise the cup, or elation for breaking a seven-year stronghold in their barn that has left like a curse.

The next encounter is not to be missed, but make sure you bring water, you’ll be unable to speak the next day due to all the yelling.”

Benny Donaldson – Newcastle Northstars fan

“The Battle of Nowhere is built on a mutual desire for our fans to get one up over their fans. You just want to beat them to have bragging rights. Both sets of fans are passionate and the fact both teams have been good on the ice adds to the spiciness of the rivalry, every game means something big.

The Battle of Nowhere brings with it tough physical games with big hits and plenty of action. There is an electricity in the air when you enter the arena. Away from home that is amplified as you are surrounded by the opposition.

I have had good and bad experiences over the years, but overall, they are fixtures not to be missed.”

Tracey Lester – Canberra Brave fan

Emergency! This is not a drill: Lachlan White, an EBUG tale

People tuning into AIHL.TV or in attendance at the arena on Saturday may have noticed a new name on the Canberra Brave roster, a Mr Lachlan White.

For those eagle-eyed readers, you may have even seen Lee Collins announce his signing last Friday on icehockeynewsaustralia.com. However, for most people the first glimpse of Lachlan was his entrance into Phillip Ice Skating Centre on Saturday night in a pair of very distinctive red pads and gloves.

Lachlan is what is known as an EBUG, an Emergency Backup Goaltender. Lachlan normally plays in the local ACT men’s grade B league for the Canberra Rebels. On Wednesday night he received a call-up to the big time here in Australian hockey, an opportunity to represent his city on the national stage.

Now, Lachlan is not the first EBUG brought onto an AIHL roster this season, in fact he was brought into the team to replace another EBUG for the Brave, Victor Sjodin. Elsewhere this season we have seen Greg Davis turnout for both the Sydney Bears and Perth Thunder on their road trips to Melbourne and Glen Forbes-White has featured for the Central Coast Rhinos after joining as an EBUG.

EBUGs like Lachlan play an important role in the league. They do this without much fanfare and late notice. These are players who love the game so much they are happy to put their hand up to help teams in their hour of need. Dramatically shaking up their weekend plans.

The experience

So, in front of a packed arena, Lachlan takes part in the team’s entrance. The main lights turn off and the colourful disco lights begin flashing. Lachlan soaks in the energy of the crowd in the arena. He fist bumps all the kids looking up at their sporting heroes enroute to the ice. He steps foot on the ice for the first time to a wall of noise and music. The main lights flick on and the teams get to work on their pre-game warm-up. Lachlan takes his place between the pipes of the goal to face his first shots as an AIHL player. Behind him stands a fan with a sign held up reading ‘Heck Yeah Whitey #35’.

Before he knows it, the warm-up is finished, the anthem is sung, and the game is about to begin. Lachlan takes his position on the players bench, where he will cheer on his team, hopefully to success.

When the game is done, and the fans have emptied the arena. Lachlan gathers his things, gets in his car and heads home. Tomorrow night he will be back, in the same arena, for his normal league game. However, this time there won’t be the same number of fans in attendance to watch him enter the ice. But he will nonetheless put his heart and soul into the game he loves. Lachlan will position himself between those goal pipes and attempt to keep the puck out. He will be cheering and screaming for his team to win. He will do his best to improve his save percentage, as all goalies know it’s all about the stats. Life returns to normal. All until the next phone call rings.

Lachlan’s reflection on the night

“I just loved it. It was so much fun. The roar of the crowd as we walked into the rink and chants throughout the game gave me chills, absolutely incredible. I will never forget this night. A big thank you to the lads, the management, the staff, the fans, my family and my friends for showing up, supporting and giving it their all. [I am] Looking forward to seeing and cheering with you all, no matter where I’m standing at the rink. I would definitely want to do this again if the chance arises.”

Lachlan White – Canberra Brave goaltender

Newcastle Too Strong for the Understrength Canberra Brave

Newcastle put on a masterclass in how to grind down an understrength team and pounce when the proverbial iron is hot to put the opposition to the sword.

There were two periods of solid, hard hockey without either team getting too dominant. Newcastle took a lead in the first period through ex-Brave player Wehebe Darge, so they knew they could conserve their energy and force the Brave to expend theirs looking for the equaliser.

Both goaltenders played a big part in how the proceedings went on. Alex Tétreault and Charlie Smart were on fire on the night that produced 85 shots on goal.

Kai Miettinen put in a captain’s knock for the Brave with two super snipes at goal in the second and third periods, but Newcastle maintained a lead throughout the game and the top line of Drolet, Berno and Darge produced magic all over the ice. Their understanding and chemistry is second to none. Aiden Wagner continues to impress in his debut AI season, and I was particularly impressed with Mackenzie Gallagher on the night. I felt like ‘Grizzly’ was constantly calling out his name for winning duels and breaking out of the Northstars defensive zone during the call of the game.

Halfway through the third period the Northstars broke the Brave’s resolute defense. Their aggressive forecheck began to really pay off with three goals in five minutes. Drolet at the double and Powell the scorers but it was Berno the architect. Newcastle did what they needed to do to bag the points and defeat their rivals.

Newcastle left the Brave Cave 6-2 victors and with their first win over the Canberra Brave since 2017.

Matt Harvey celebrates AIHL milestone

The game also marked the 150th milestone for Matt Harvey in he league and with the Brave. A Brave foundation player back in 2014, the former Canberra captain has enjoyed being back playing the sport he loves. Harvey retired during the COVID-19 shutdown. He missed the 2022 championship season with the Brave. A former defenceman, Matt returned to the ice as a forward for ‘his team’ in 2023. After the game Harvey had this to say about his personal milestone achievement:

“It was a great accolade to share with everyone at the Cave. I’m forever grateful to be playing this game still and using this milestone to spark some motivation for remainder of the season. All things aside time to get down to business. Thanks to my family and partner Bianca for letting me still play with the chaos of a young family.”

Matt Harvey – Canberra Brave forward

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