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'Huge day' for Sting: Team acquires World Junior champ Del Mastro, Del Bel Belluz from Mississauga

Journal staff The Sarnia Sting have acquired National Hockey League (NHL) prospects Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bel Belluz from the Mississauga Steelheads ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, in exchange for forwards Porter Martone and Angus MacDonel
trade
Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bel Belluz

Journal staff

The Sarnia Sting have acquired National Hockey League (NHL) prospects Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bel Belluz from the Mississauga Steelheads ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, in exchange for forwards Porter Martone and Angus MacDonell, a second round pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection, as well as fourth round picks in 2025 n and 2026. 

Del Mastro, a 6’4", 206-pound defenceman from Freelton, Ontario just returned from representing Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Moncton and Halifax alongside Sting head coach Alan Letang and goaltender Ben Gaudreau. In addition to serving as an alternate captain for the Canadians, Del Mastro recorded three assists through seven games on route to a gold-medal win, his second in less than five months. 

He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round, 105th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Through 22 games played this season, the 19-year-old has tallied two goals and 19 assists for a total of 21 points

Del Bel Belluz (6'1, 178 pounds), was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2nd round, 44th overall in the NHL Entry Draft last spring. The Woodbridge, Ontario native has followed up a strong draft year, in which he collected 30 goals and 76 points over 68 gamed played. Through 34 games played with the Steelheads, Del Bel Belluz has recorded 20 goals and 21 assists for a total of 41 points. 

On the additions of Del Mastro and Del Bel Belluz, Sarnia Sting General Manager Dylan Seca comments: 

"This is a huge day for the Sarnia Sting organization,” said Sting general manager Dylan Seca.

“We have worked hard to build a culture of excellence and today's trade pushes our group towards that goal. Both Del Mastro and Del Bel Belluz are elite players in our league.

“Ethan recently won two world junior medals and knows what it takes to be a champion. We are excited to add both young men into our group." 

In exchange, former first round picks Angus MacDonell and Porter Martone will be joining the Mississauga Steelheads. Originally selected by the Sting with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Toronto-native MacDonell tallied 22 goals and 16 assists through 89 games played in a Sting uniform. After being selected with the 5th overall pick by the Sting in the OHL Draft last spring, Martone has recorded 6 goals and 7 assists through 29 OHL games played. 

"It was a very difficult decision to let Angus and Porter go,” Seca added. “They are both outstanding young men who have been excellent members of our organization and community. We wish them nothing but the best.”


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