Alessandro Di Iorio will continue to serve as the captain of the Sarnia Sting for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.
He earned the "C" in December of last year after the team dealt Lukas Fischer to the Soo Greyhounds.
In a news release, Di Iorio commented on being captain once again.
“There’s no difference; the message is the same. I’m more mature, which focuses my mentality. It’s time to earn respect back in the league," said Di Iorio.
Over-ager Jack Van Volsen, Cameron Aucoin and newcomers Cole Emerton and Parker Holmes have all been named assistant captains.
The 20-year-old Van Volsen sees this season as a fresh opportunity.
“This year is going to be a different story. We will earn the respect back by playing hard every night and being a tough team to play against," he said.
Aucoin said he's looking forward to a great season.
“Being back this year and building the momentum with all the new guys, it's going to be a great season. As long as we keep our sights on playoffs and stay playing hard all year, we will be good," he said.
Emerton was acquired by the Sting in the offseason from the Barrie Colts, has already made a lasting impression on the team, and is eager to be a part of the leadership core.
“I want to show the group that I will work as hard as I can, on and off the ice," he said.
Holmes was another offseason addition to the team.
He came from Brantford and took part in Chicago Blackhawks camp.
He said he wants the Sting to be a "hard-nosed team who are hard to play against. Hard-working, and good guys on and off the ice”.
After winning their season opener 4-3 in the Soo, Sarnia heads to Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa this coming weekend.
Their home opener is October 2, for a rematch with the Greyhounds.
You can hear every game on Big Country 1039.
