A familiar name is joining the Sarnia Sting's bench.
On Friday, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) club announced the hiring of Corunna native and former NHLer Dustin Jeffrey as its new assistant coach.
He takes over for Brent Sullivan who stepped down this week to focus on his family.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said Jeffrey will be a welcomed addition to the coaching staff.
"He’s a professional through and through," said Seca. "As a local product he carried out an impressive professional playing career. We believe his attention to detail and the love for the game will be great for our group. Welcome Dustin and the Jeffrey family to the Sarnia Sting."
Jeffrey was drafted into the OHL by the Mississauga IceDogs in 2004. The former forward played in over 200 OHL games with the Mississauga IceDogs and Soo Greyhounds.
Jeffrey signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in October of 2007 and made his NHL debut with the Penguins on December 26, 2008. Jeffrey played with both Pittsburgh and its American Hockey League affiliate Wilkes-Barre multiple times during the 2010-2011 season.
Over the span of his NHL career, Jeffrey played 131 games and tallied 33 points. He also had stops in Switzerland and Germany.
Jeffrey said he's excited to get started.
"Having grown up in Sarnia, I know how much the Sting means to the community and I’m excited to join the organization," said Jeffrey. "I look forward to helping the team out for the rest of this season!"
Jeffrey will make his bench debut on Friday night when the Sting take on the Owen Sound Attack in their Hockey Fights Cancer game.
The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, and the game can be heard on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK.
