The Sarnia Sting have hired Mathieu Turcotte as the organization’s next head coach.
He takes over for Alan Letang, who was fired 20 games into the Ontario Hockey League campaign.
The Sting said Turcotte brings extensive coaching experience from the QMJHL, Hockey Canada and elite development programs.
Most recently, he was the head coach of the Blainville Boisbriand Armada for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
Turcotte has also served as the assistant coach for the Drummondville Voltigeurs, the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and the Val d'Or Foreurs.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said he's thrilled to welcome Turcotte to the team.
"Mathieu is an exceptional communicator and a proven developer of young talent, and his vision for how the game should be played aligns perfectly with the direction of our organization," said Seca. "His experience with Hockey Canada, including the gold medal in each of the U17 and U18 world championships and the head coaching experience at the U18 Hlinka tournament, has given him a deep understanding of elite standards and the preparation required to succeed at the highest levels. That background will be an asset to our players and staff."
From 2015 to 2019, Turcotte served as both head coach and GM in the QMAAA with the Lévis Commandeurs, now known as Lévis Chevaliers.
The Sting said his leadership helped build strong, competitive environments and further solidified his reputation as a developer of young talent.
In 2024-25 Turcotte served as head coach of Canada White at the U17 World Challenge in Sarnia, leading the team to a gold medal.
He then earned another gold as an assistant coach at the U18 World Championship, followed by a bronze medal as head coach at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Throughout these events he also had the opportunity to coach several top Canadian prospects, including current Sting players Alessandro Di Iorio and Beckham Edwards as well as recently acquired forward Tyler Challenger.
"I am truly honoured by the opportunity to lead the Sarnia Sting and excited for the challenge,” said Turcotte. “I would like to thank the Sting organization for their trust and look forward to working with the talented group of players and staff."
Mason Baptista and Brayden Guy remain behind the Sting bench as assistant coaches.
Sarnia will host the Soo Greyhounds on Friday, and the Flint Firebirds on Sunday afternoon.
You can hear every Sting game on 103.9 FM and 1070 AM CHOK.
