Sting Draft Two European Players During 2026 Import Draft

The Sarnia Sting added two international prospects to the organization, selecting goaltender Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko and centerman Jonas Frostestad Gulbrandsen in the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

With the 10th overall selection in the first round, the Sting drafted Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko of Chernolesovsky, Russia.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound left-catching goaltender most recently suited up for Ufa Tolpar in the MHL, where he posted a 2.80 goals-against average and .894 save percentage in 27 games. Tkach-Tkachenko was also selected by the Utah Mammoth in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

“Ivan is a player we’ve spent a lot of time on throughout the scouting process,” shared Sarnia Sting General Manger, Dylan Seca. “He was a target of ours, and we’ve really put in the work to get a strong feel for both the person and the quality of goaltender he is. He’s currently at Utah’s development camp after being their 2025 fifth-round pick, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to bring him into our program. As we head into the 2026-27 season, he’s a player we expect to lean on heavily.”

With their second selection, 71st overall in the second round, the Sting drafted Jonas Frostestad Gulbrandsen of Stavanger, Norway.

The 2008-born centerman stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 229 pounds. He most recently played for the Stavanger Oilers U20, where he recorded 18 goals and nine assists for 27 points in 18 games during the 2025-26 season.

The Sarnia Sting would like to welcome Ivan, Jonas, and their families to The Hive.