Inside the Sarnia Sting’s Approach to the 2026 OHL Priority Selection
Written by Mateya Steblaj-Wood
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection Draft is quickly approaching, and the Sarnia Sting are looking to make impactful additions to the roster. The Sting obtained the fourth overall pick in the draft lottery in April, giving the organization a chance to make a meaningful pick. The draft will take place in person for the first time in 25 years on June 12th and 13th, at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario.
The Sarnia Sting organization has a strong history and emphasis on player development, and many Sting alumni have gone on to play successful careers in the NHL. Steven Stamkos, Jakob Chychrun and Jordan Kyrou are just some examples of players who had successful runs with the Sting before being drafted to the NHL. It all starts at the OHL draft.
Matt Hogan, the Sting Director of Player Personnel, said the organization looks for players who embody four main values: high compete level, hard skill, hockey I.Q., and character. Hogan said that compete is most important on the list, building off this season and preparing for the next, he said, “We need to bring the compete level up. It started to come up last year, but we still have a ways to go”.
With three players aging out this season, Mitch Young, Ben Pickell and Jordan Bax, the Sting have room to make significant changes in the team. These players brought grit and physicality to the team, which is a strong asset in potential picks. Having an early pick in the first round will allow the Sting to select a player who fits the team’s needs.
Last draft, Sarnia selected Brenner Lammens of Langton, Ontario, fourth overall. The 16-year-old put up 18 points in his rookie season, and started to really find his game mid-way through the year. The two-way forward developed into a physical player as the season progressed, hitting hard and dropping the gloves when needed.
The selections the Sting will make in the upcoming draft will represent and reflect the organization’s core values and stand as a milestone in the preparation for the 2026-27 season.
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection marks the start of the next generation of Sting hockey. Follow the Sarnia Sting on social media throughout the draft for live updates, player announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
Tickets to attend the 2026 OHL Priority Selection in person at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston are available now.
Fans can watch the 2026 OHL Priority Selection live beginning June 12 as teams across the league make their selections and shape the future of their organizations.
