Journal Staff The Bluewater International Granfondo is scrapping its in-person event due to ongoing pandemic restrictions and will instead hold a virtual ride this year. Organizers said cyclists can complete chosen distances from July 26 to Aug. 1 and record their ride with the Strava cycling app. Organizers will determine participation results. Riders have a… Read more »
Journal Staff The Sarnia Sting made hockey history recently by drafting a female player. Taya Currie of Parkhill, Ont. became the first female ever drafted by an Ontario Hockey League team when Sarnia claimed her in Round 14 with the 267th pick. “It was indescribable,” Currie, 16, told the CBC. The 5-foot-7 netminder played for… Read more »
Journal Staff Sarnia Sting co-owner and governor Derian Hatcher is stepping down as the hockey team’s head coach. In five seasons as bench boss, the former NHL defenceman and Stanley Cup winner led the Sting to two record-winning seasons and captured the team’s first division title since 2008. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working… Read more »
Journal Staff City council has agreed to rename Sarnia Arena after a local hockey hero. Sarnia native Pat Stapleton was an NHL all-star, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, and a key member of the famed Team Canada that won the 1972 summit against the Soviet Union. City staff said it would cost about $30,000 to… Read more »
Troy Shantz Prominent members of Sarnia’s basketball community are shocked and dismayed that Lambton College has suddenly and without explanation parted ways with the head coach of its women’s team. The college confirmed this week it wasn’t renewing the contract of Kendel Ross, a local basketball star who went on to play pro and coached… Read more »
Troy Shantz Sarnia’s first family of weightlifting is headed to the Olympics. Boady Santavy punched his ticket to Tokyo after winning silver at the Pan American senior weightlifting championships last month in the Dominican Republic. The 23-year-old lifted 181 kilograms in the snatch event to break both the Pan Am and Commonwealth Games records. He… Read more »
Journal Staff A Bright’s Grove native has been named an assistant coach at the University of Saskatchewan basketball program. Laura Dally said she was thrilled to fill the full-time post at the university that she once led, as a player, to a Canadian championship. “It will be an honour to work with and learn from… Read more »
Troy Shantz Sarnia’s AAA baseball team will boast a rich military heritage if and when it takes to the field this year. The Sarnia Braves are now known as the Sarnia Brigade after the Ontario Baseball Association mandated all teams remove Indigenous names and symbols, one of the coaches said. The Ontario Champions considered several… Read more »
Dave & Janet Greenwood Most people knew Pat “Whitey” Stapleton for his exploits as a hockey player: NHL All-Star, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, Team Canada member in the famed 1972 series against the Soviet Union. But as city council considers renaming Sarnia Arena for this man, it’s fitting to know what he did off… Read more »
Journal Staff Sarnia Sting’s goalie backstopped Canada to a gold medal last week at the U-18 World Hockey Championships in Texas. Ben Gaudreau made 31 saves to lead Canada to a 5-3 victory in the final against Russia on May 6. The Corbiel, Ont. native went 5-0 at the tournament, playing 240 minutes with a… Read more »
