Battle of Nowhere: Connecting Canberra and Newcastle

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

This Canberra-Newcastle rivalry is unique to hockey in Australia. Full of colour, chants and sub-plots. In no other sport does Canberra and Newcastle share such a strong connected relationship.

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. That first game on 12 April 2014, with its 166 penalty minutes, set the tone of the rivalry on course for what would later become affectionately known as the ‘Battle of Nowhere’.

Origin of 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

Canberra Brave fans at the Brave Cave on game-day. Photo Credit: AK Hockey Shots

The Canberra Brave fans always look forward to the derby-day atmosphere, wheather at home in the Brave Cave at Phillip or away at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Newcastle. I spoke with Tracey Lester to get her take on the rivalry and what it means to her and the Canberra fans.

“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.”

The passion is no less strong with Northstars supporters. Newcastle fans, like the Brave, are known for strong traveling support up and down the East Coast of Australia. I caught up with mega Northstars fan Benny Donaldson last time he was in Canberra for the derby. He gave me a very evocative account of the derby that really highlights the strong passion he and Stars fans feel towards the rivalry.

“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.”


Traveling Newcastle Northstars fans Benny Donaldson, Peter Asquith, Catherine Asquith, Asha Van Luyken and Zoe Crosbie, who attended the first Battle of Nowhere for Season 2024. Photo credit: George Hain