A Sarnia Sting fan favourite is moving on.
The team announced Tuesday that overage goalie Ben Gaudreau has been traded to the Erie Otters.
In exchange, the Sting acquired goaltender Nolan Lalonde, a 2026 3rd round selection, 2027 4th round selection, and 2027 6th round selection.
Lalonde was then dealt to the Saginaw Spirit for a 5th round pick in 2024.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said Gaudreau has been a leader both with the organization and the community since he arrived in 2019.
“We challenged the group coming out of the COVID pause and he was one of the players who wanted to change the culture and build a program that could challenge for the league championship," said Seca. "He’s a world-class goaltender and his Hockey Canada accolades speak for themselves. He’s also a world-class individual, one that endeared himself to his teammates, billets, coaches, hockey, and business staff. Ben’s infectious smile will certainly be missed around the rink."
Seca said he wishes Gaudreau nothing but the best.
"This move helps Ben get the opportunity he needs to earn an NHL contract and helps provide our young group with the chance to grow and develop into the next wave of leaders both in our organization and in the community," he said. "This is certainly the difficult part of junior hockey; we forge relationships with players, we watch them grow, mature, and develop, then we start the process all over again. We would like to thank Ben and the Gaudreau family for the years of trust and commitment. Good Luck Benny!”
Gaudreau was selected by the Sting with the club’s 7th overall pick in the 2019 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
Since his draft, the Corbeil, Ontario native made 117 regular season starts for the Sting, recording 54 wins, 3 shutouts, a save percentage of .890 and a goals against average of 3.60.
Gaudreau also made 22 playoff appearances for the club between 2022 and 2023, posting three shutouts, a .910 save percentage and goals against average of 2.55.
The Sting will move forward this season with Nick Surzycia and backup Karsen Chartier.
