The Sarnia Sting have signed forward Matthew Manza to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
The 17-year-old is expected to make his debut on Friday night when the Sting host the Sudbury Wolves at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
General Manager Dylan Seca commented on the signing.
"Matthew is a player we’ve been pursuing for quite some time. He’s a skilled player who can produce scoring chances," said Seca. "He’s a proven goal scorer and as a right shot we believe he compliments our group moving forward. With the NCAA rule changes we felt this trade and now signing is yet another influx of talent into our lineup. We are thrilled to welcome Matthew and the Manza family to Sarnia."
The NCAA is allowing players with Canadian Hockey League experience to compete at U.S. colleges starting next season.
The Sting acquired the rights to Manza from the Kingston Frontenacs on January 7.
Sarnia gave up a tenth round pick in 2027, and conditional fourth round picks in 2027 and 2028.
Manza, who has committed to playing for Ohio State University, was a ninth round pick of the Frontenacs in 2023.
The Mississauga-native spent the 2023-24 season with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s (OJHL) Toronto Patriots where he tallied 26 goals and 23 assists through 49 games played.
He earned recognition as the OJHL’s Rookie of the Year, a nomination to the OJHL’s First Prospect Team, as well as the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s Top Rookie honours.
This season Manza has suited up in 12 games for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL, recording two goals and four assists.