Sarnia Sting
Sarnia StingExperiencing Sarnia Sting hockey is so much more than a game. It's an experience. It's also a dedicated community partner. Five years ago, Derian Hatcher and David Legwand purchased the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club because they are passionate about junior hockey and the community of Sarnia-Lambton. The club is intentional about making the community a better place to live. "Derian and David really want this hockey club to reach beyond the four walls of the arena and embed itself in the community. We want to provide Sarnia-Lambton with the ultimate hockey experience, and we want this community to be proud of the Sarnia Sting," explains Jake Bourrie, Sarnia Sting's Marketing Director.
From the smell of fresh popped popcorn to the dance cams, Sarnia Sting hockey is an experience like no other. "We want fans to be excited when they are in The Hive, and the jumbotron, fog machines, and our team mascots, Buzz and Honey, are all part of that excitement. We love seeing kids wowed by everything and totally engaged in the game." The Sarnia Sting Anthem program provides an opportunity for kids from local schools to sing the national anthem on the ice before each game and is a unique part of the Sting experience.
Sarnia Sting theme nights add to the excitement and every game has a charitable component to it. During Ugly Christmas at the Hive, the players wear specialty ugly Christmas sweater jerseys, which are then auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Inn of the Good Shepherd. Fans participate by wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and bringing non-perishable food items to the game. The Teddy Bear Toss is an annual tradition that kicks off the Salvation Army's Kettle Drive. Fans are encouraged to bring a plush toy to throw on the ice when the Sting score their first goal. All plush are then donated to local charities. "We love being able to use our platform to help local not-for-profits. If we are asking this community to come and support us each and every game, then we want to do the same and support them in every way we can."
In 2018, Imperial became the Sarnia Sting's title sponsor and a dynamic partnership was formed. Sting players participate in the Breakfast of Champions Program Powered by Imperial in local schools, which provides the team an opportunity to talk about teamwork, sportsmanship, healthy living and mental health. "It's important that we train these young men to be professional hockey players, community leaders, and positive role models. We want our players to have an impact both on and off the ice."
The Sarnia Sting are excited about what the future holds. "Derian and David are so thankful for the support the community continues to give the Sarnia Sting. The club has experienced continued growth in attendance, season ticket base, and fan support every year. We are still looking for the ultimate success, an OHL championship. That big win is going to come, and when it does, it's going to be really special for everyone."
Related Stories
Hull Bus Lines
Hull Bus Lines was started in 1985 by Ted Hull. My Dad bought a couple of small buses from John Bray, who owned the school buses in Oil Springs, where we were from. He was driving for them for as long as I remember before that, explains Steve Hull. Things changed in 1992. They had grown to a f
Dr Vanessa Curran Family Dental Care
Dr. Jessica Bourassa and Dr. Vanessa Curran have a lot of titles. Mothers, wives, dentists and twin best friends. They are Sarnia girls, who after graduating from St. Patrick's High School in Sarnia, attended the University of Wes...
Hashtag Local
Brenda D'Angela is determined to show her grandchildren the right path in life. So last summer, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brenda decided that she and her then seven-year-old grandson, Jaxon, would do a good deed. We decided to bake cupcakes and to take them to police officers, B
Chris Lindsay Counselling
Chris Lindsay loves counselling and therapy. "After 25 years, I still find it very interesting," shares Lindsay. "I'm fortunate to have a career that will keep me interested, even if I practice until I'm 95. Each person is so unique, and therapy itself is always evolving, so there is always more to
Related Stories
Lambton Federation of Agriculture
The Lambton Federation of Agriculture (LFA) was formed in 1941 by a group of farmers who wanted to present a united voice for the farm community. A non-profit organization in Lambton County, the LFA supports farmers on all issues relating to their farm operations by bringing their viewpoints and con
Caryl Baker Visage
Caryl Baker Visage has serviced thousands of faces since it opened in Sarnia's Bayside Mall almost forty years ago. The store’s current owner, Jennifer Crawford, has carried on the tradition in her current Lambton Mall location. C...
Suds Shop Sarnia
It is often said mother is the necessity of invention. That was never truer than a few years ago when Natasha St. Louis decided to go head-to-head with her daughter's skin issues. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, my daughter's hands started to breakdown because of how much handwashing she
Mick Jackson joined Assante Capital Management Ltd. in 2000, the same year that the branch was established in Sarnia. My Dad, Rick, ran the Financial Concept Corporation prior to being acquired by Assante. He had been in the business for thirty years," says Jackson, who is the Branch Manager an
