The Sarnia Sting have made a pair of roster moves official.
The OHL club has announced Russian forward Ruslan Karimov has been claimed off CHL import waivers by the WHL's Regina Pats.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca commented on the move.
“The growth and development of our younger players have naturally led to less ice time for Ruslan,” said Seca. “We felt he’s a worthy import player in the CHL and worked across all three leagues to find him a home. We wish Ruslan all the best moving forward.”
Karimov, who the Sting selected sixth overall in the 2024 CHL import draft, had 15 goals and 14 assists across 66 games last season. This year, he was held pointless in three games and was a healthy scratch for the others.
The Sting have also traded the rights to defenceman Jack O'Brien to the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds for an 11th round pick in the 2028 OHL Priority Selection.
O'Brien began the season with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Seca said the Sting have established some depth on the back end, and this is a trade that generates an asset and provides the player a chance to keep playing in the OHL.
The 20-year-old had seven points in 40 games with Sarnia last season after coming over from the BCHL.
The Sting take a 3-4-1-0 record into a pair of weekend games.
They host the Windsor Spitfires on Friday night, and then head to Windsor for a rematch on Saturday.
You can hear every game on CHOK.
