Tara Jeffrey
It was a big moment for Sarnia’s Jack Nesbitt when he learned he’ll represent Ontario at the 2023 Canada Winter Games next month.
“I was definitely a little bit emotional,” said the captain and leading scorer with the Lambton Jr. Sting’s AAA U-16 team.
He was selected to the Team Ontario Men’s Hockey roster, along with players from across the province, announced this week.
The games, to be held in Prince Edward Island beginning Feb. 18, will showcase the top under-16 hockey talent in the country.
“Being able to represent my province and travel to PEI is pretty cool,” said the Northern Collegiate student, who turns 16 this month. “I just hope we can bring home the gold.”
The Games will bring together 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches, across 20 different sports, for the largest multi-sport event in the country.
For a Lambton player to be chosen, it’s a big deal, said Nesbitt’s coach Brad Riley.
“It doesn’t happen often, and it’s great for AAA hockey in Sarnia-Lambton,” said Riley, who describes Nesbitt as 6’4”, 180lbs and “skilled to the nines.”
“He’s the perfect match for what they want.”
Riley noted Nesbitt’s combination of work ethic, sportsmanship and skill; he’s admired among players across the league.
“He’s gifted,” Riley added. “When he’s on the ice, you know he’s a special player, that’s for sure.”
Nesbitt was among 40 players selected to the team’s evaluation camp roster last month. He was also selected to the Alliance Hockey AAA All-Star game being held this weekend in Komoka, along with teammates Luke Laevens, Owen Knight and Isaac Truman.
“I love everything about it,” he said about playing hockey. “Just like every other little kid — I want to make it to the NHL.”