Tara Jeffrey
Ben Gaudreau is headed to the Erie Otters following a three-team trade, the Sarnia Sting announced Tuesday.
The club sent the overage goaltender to the Erie Otters in exchange for netminder Nolan LaLonde, along with three draft picks (a 2026 3rd-round selection; 2027 4th-round selection; and 2027 6th-round selection).
The Sting then traded LaLonde to the Saginaw Spirit, acquiring an additional 5th round pick in 2024.
“Ben has been a leader both with the organization and the community since he arrived back in 2019,” Sting general manager Dylan Seca said in a news release. “We challenged the group coming out of the COVID pause and he was one of the players who wanted to change the culture and build a program that could challenge for the league championship.
“He’s a world-class goaltender and his Hockey Canada accolades speak for themselves,” Seca added. “He’s also a world-class individual, one that endeared himself to his teammates, billets, coaches, hockey, and business staff.
“Ben’s infectious smile will certainly be missed around the rink.”
“The move helps Ben get the opportunity he needs to earn an NHL contract and helps provide our young group with the chance to grow and develop into the next wave of leaders both in our organization and in the community,” Seca added. “This is certainly the difficult part of junior hockey; we forge relationships with players, we watch them grow, mature, and develop then we start the process all over again.”