The Ontario Hockey League's trade freeze was lifted this week, and the Sarnia Sting have already made a big move.
The club has acquired twin brothers Andrew and Jacob LeBlanc from the Niagara IceDogs for 14th and 15th round picks in 2024 as well as a sixth round selection in 2025 and a fifth rounder in 2027.
The Port Colborne, Ontario natives were both originally chosen by the Kitchener Rangers in the 2020 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection before being acquired together by Niagara ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Standing at 5’11", 176 pounds, Andrew LeBlanc was originally selected with the Rangers' 17th overall pick.
The left shooting forward followed up his rookie season where he tallied six goals and 19 assists through 57 games played with a 13 goal, 20 assist performance in the same number of games for the IceDogs.
Jacob, a 6’0", 180 pound right shot defenceman, was selected in the third round, 42nd overall. Through 66 games played this season, the former Southern Tier Admiral tallied four goals and 23 assists for a total of 27 points.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca commented on Tuesday's trade.
"Andrew and Jacob are two players we had some great reports on coming out of U16," said Seca.
"We believe both will contribute on and off the ice. It's a perfect opportunity to play within a structure that will allow them to reach their potential. Andrew is a smart player who has touch around the net and Jacob has shown he can contribute on both sides of the puck. We welcome the LeBlanc family to Sarnia."