Return to Play: Letter from the President
Dear Sting Nation,
Let me start by extending our best wishes, on behalf of the entire Sarnia Sting organization to you, and your families during these times.
It has been nearly ten months since the cancellation of the 2019-20 Ontario Hockey League season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unimaginable period has been filled with times of anxiousness and uncertainty, however it has also allowed us for a time of reflection as individuals, as a team, and as an entire organization. It has provided us with a tremendous sense of gratitude towards this game we love and the people we share it with.
Sting President, Bill Abercrombie
It brings me great pleasure to write to you along with the news that the Ontario Hockey League has announced its updated Return to Play plan for the 2020-21 season, with the full schedule to be released soon. Training camp will begin in January, with the puck set to drop for the 27th season of Sarnia Sting hockey on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
To our season ticket holders and corporate partners, we want you to know that you are a top priority to our agenda as we finalize our plans to return to the ice. You are the backbone of our operations and crucial to our growth. For those with questions regarding their season tickets please know that all seats will be held through to the 2021-22 season, along with all applicable account credits. In addition, let me assure you that as we get closer to February you will be personally notified of all relevant information regarding the return to Sting hockey in Sarnia.
I can also assure you that we are not sitting idle during this time, rather working hard to return as a strong, united group. We have taken this time to reevaluate our organization and are placing an emphasis on establishing a culture with a set of core values that creates an environment to best support success on and off the ice.
We are enthusiastic as we head into the 2020-21 season. This off-season we welcomed Dylan Seca who takes over the reins as General Manger and added a new Assistant Coach Mark Mancari who brings his plethora of junior and professional hockey experience to further help support our players. On the ice we welcome another crop of Sting prospects from the 2020 OHL Priority selection. This includes 3rd overall pick Max Namestnikov and 7th overall CHL Import selection Alex Geci who will look to make big contributions in the black and gold.
This past October we had the pleasure of watching another member of our team have their name called in the first round of the NHL entry draft. Our very own Jacob Perreault was chosen 27th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. This season we gear up with six members of the Sarnia Sting eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft including promising young net minder Benjamin Gaudreau. And finally, we hope to cheer on Jamieson Rees as he looks to crack the final roster of Team Canadas’s National World Junior team set to take part in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, AB.
There is so much to be excited about and we cannot wait to share it with you, our fans. As more information becomes available regarding the 2021 OHL hockey season you will be the first to know. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected and engage with us through our social media channels. You can also check out our return to play update and the frequently asked questions page for more information. As always feel free to reach out to me personally by email at [email protected] and I am happy to continue the conversation.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to dropping the puck February 4th.
Go Sting Go!
Bill Abercrombie
President, Sarnia Sting Hockey Club
