During National Volunteer Week (May 20-26) we're shining the spotlight on our volunteers. These are the people who welcome you into the rink on game days, bring you the livestream, keep you up to date with Northstars news and happenings, score during the game, man the penalty box and do a wide variety of other jobs.

Meet the cheer squad...

Name: Tegan

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2011

Why did you join? I joined as a favour for my brothers girlfriend and after watching one game I was hooked.

My role with the Northstars is: Cheer Captain.

What do you get out of volunteering? Honestly I love all of it. I get to be part of a tight knit community, meet new people every game, and have made lifelong friends.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: You guys are amazing in everything you do. You are my hockey family, my friends outside the rink. Keep being awesome.

Tegan's cheer squad...

Name: Ella

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2018

Why did you join? I joined because I love ice hockey. I thought being in the cheer squad and supporting them is even better.

What do you get out of volunteering? I get to cheer for my favourite hockey team, but also I feel like I have gained so much more confidence.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: Good job for this year and last year.

Name: Logan

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2018

Why did you join? I joined the Northstars to try something different and meet new people.

What do you get out of volunteering? Volunteering for the Northstars gives me more confidence as I have to talk to new people every game.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: I want to say thank you to everyone who always puts in the effort on game day, and for all the good memories I have since I started cheerleading for the Northstars.

Name: Sarah

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2017

Why did you join? I joined to meet new people and to work on my confidence and communication skills.

What do you get out of volunteering? There is a real sense of community between the players, staff, volunteers and fans which is amazing to get to be a part of! Since the commencement of my time as a Northstars cheerleader I have definitely become more outgoing and a better communicator.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: To my fellow volunteers I would like to acknowledge the contribution you all make to ensure each and every game runs smoothly.

Name: Amity

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2018

Why did you join? I joined the Northstars to try out a new kind of dance and have new opportunities and adventures.

What do you get out of volunteering? Volunteers for the Northstars gave me new people skills and cracking me out of my shyness shell a sense of family.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: I want to say thank you so much for all the energy and positive vibes you all are such amazing and bright people.

Name: Chloe

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2013

Why did you join? New avenue to meet people and continue performing for a crowd. Also I was intrigued about being introduced to a sport that was so different to anything else I'd been apart of.

What do you get out of volunteering? Volunteering enhanced my confidence in people skills having to interact with the crowd every game. Also provides an avenue to express myself and feel included in the team.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: We all know that games wouldn't be run as successfully without us all and people would miss out on the opportunity to see their local team excel. Providing as much support as we can for the team is important so they can be confident and play to their best.

Name: Rhyanna

I've been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2014

Why did you join? The opportunity arose so I chose to.

What do you get out of volunteering? I enjoy seeing everyone's smiles and meeting new people.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: Keep up the amazing work that you all do, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Name: Tahlia

I’ve been a volunteer for the Northstars since: 2014

Why did you join? I initially joined the Northstars because I had never heard of ice hockey being played in Newcastle and I was really excited to be a cheerleader for my town’s team.

What do you get out of volunteering? Volunteering for the Northstars gives me a sense of being connected to a larger, extended family. I love the support and energy everyone brings to the games as well as being able to cheer for the team and show mine.

To my fellow volunteers I want to say: I want to say that what you guys do is amazing! Everyone puts so much effort into game day and for the team and none of it is possible without all of you! Thank you for making what I do possible.