Explore the OHL: Sarnia Sting
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.
HISTORY
Sarnia, located in southwestern Ontario, is a city known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant waterfront. Once a hub for the petrochemical industry, Sarnia has transformed into a dynamic community with strong local support. The Sarnia Sting joined the OHL in 1994, quickly becoming an integral part of the city’s sports culture. Over the years, the team has produced numerous NHL-caliber players and gained recognition for its player development system. The 2022-23 season marked the Sting’s closest approach to the OHL Championship, as they fell to the London Knights in the Western Conference Finals. Their first division title came in the 2003-04 season, when they captured the OHL West Division crown. In the 2021 OHL Draft, the Sting made history by selecting goalie Taya Currie 267th overall, making her the first female player ever drafted by an OHL team.
EDUCATION
Current Sarnia Sting high school players attend Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School, known for its strong academic programming and supportive student environment. The Sting organization emphasizes academic achievement alongside athletic development, with several players earning recognition for their scholastic efforts over the years. Sarnia is also home to Lambton College, which provides post-secondary pathways in a wide range of programs, allowing players to pursue further education while continuing their hockey careers.
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
2006-07: Steven Stamkos, 2004-05: Richard Clune
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)
2004-05: Matt Pelech
PROMINANT ON-ICE OHL AWARD WINNERS
Red Tilson Trophy (Most Outstanding Player)
2017-18: Jordan Kyrou
Emms Family Award (Rookie of the Year)
2010-11: Nail Yakupov (CHL Rookie of the Year)
NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Sting have a proud history of developing top-tier talent, with several alumni achieving success in the NHL. Notable names include Steven Stamkos, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and first-overall NHL draft pick; Jordan Kyrou, an All-Star forward and Stanley Cup champion with the St. Louis Blues; and Matt Martin, a gritty winger known for his physical play with the New York Islanders. These players exemplify the Sting’s commitment to fostering skill and leadership at the highest level.
ARENA
The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting and serves as a central hub for sports and entertainment in the region. Owned by the City of Sarnia and located on the campus of Lambton College, the facility features a main bowl with seating for over 5,000 fans, two NHL-sized ice pads, 43 luxury suites, and a full-service in-house restaurant. Since opening in 1998, it has hosted countless OHL games and community events including concerts, creating a vibrant atmosphere for hockey in Sarnia. The arena remains a key gathering place where fans unite to cheer on the Sting and celebrate local pride.
BILLET LIFE
Sarnia Sting players are supported by 20 dedicated billet families who open their homes to provide a welcoming and stable environment throughout the season. These families, located across Sarnia, play an essential role in the players’ lives, offering guidance, support, and a home away from home.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Sarnia Sting take pride in creating meaningful moments both on and off the ice through team and community events. A highlight of the season is the Christmas potluck with billet families, a festive Sting tradition that brings players and their host families together to share a meal and celebrate the holidays!
NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Sarnia is home to several scenic parks and cultural landmarks that highlight the city’s natural beauty and community spirit. Canatara Park is a standout, featuring a Blue Flag-certified beach on Lake Huron, wooded trails, and a free animal farm, making it a popular spot for families and nature lovers. Along the waterfront, Centennial Park and Point Edward Waterfront Park offer walking paths, gardens, and views of passing freighters on the St. Clair River, while the Blue Water Bridge stands as a striking international gateway and a favorite photo spot. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Wawanosh Wetlands, a quiet conservation area ideal for birdwatching and hiking. In the heart of downtown, Sarnia’s cultural scene comes to life with venues like the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, showcasing Canadian art in a stylish historic building, and the Imperial Theatre, a hub for live performances ranging from local plays to touring acts. The Sarnia Bay Marina adds to the city’s vibrant waterfront, attracting boaters and visitors with great dining and sunset views. While the city has a rich industrial past, it also looks to the future with places like the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, which supports innovation in clean energy and biotechnology.
FUN FACT
Beyond its industrial roots, Sarnia is known for its breathtaking waterfront, especially where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River. A favourite local spot is the area beneath the Blue Water Bridge, where residents and visitors alike gather to watch massive freighters glide by. Just steps away in Point Edward, chip trucks serve up what many call the best fries in Ontario!
WHERE TO EAT
Sarnia offers a variety of great dining options, including local favourites like Brownstones and Boston Pizza. From comfort food to game-day classics, these popular spots provide welcoming atmospheres and menus with something for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a bite with teammates or enjoying a night out, Sarnia’s dining scene has you covered.
For additional insights about the city of Sarnia, visit www.destinationontario.com.
