It was do or die for the Ice Dogs, who needed to break their losing streak and keep their play-off hopes alive.

Veteran Chris Sekura's return took them to a 4-1 win.

And although they lost by a goal to the Northstars in Newcastle on Sunday, the improvement was there. Jassi Sangha scored first against the Gold Coast but it was defence man Andrew White who stole the show, scoring back-to-back goals in the third period.

His defence partner and captain Anthony Wilson put home an empty-net goal to finish off the Bluetongues.

The mongrel continued in Newcastle the following night with White starting with a top-corner goal from the blue line.

A bad bounce resulted in an own goal and penalty trouble followed.

Import Matthew Monaghan got the Dogs within a goal with eight minutes left but Newcastle held on to win 3-2.

``Despite the loss I'm proud of the guys as we're starting to play like the team we can be,'' said coach Mark Stephenson.

The Dogs meet the Adelaide Adrenaline this Sunday at 5pm in Liverpool.