Barry Wright
The newest member of the Sarnia Sting is expected to have an immediate impact on the club.
19-year-old Josh Jacobs has left the Michigan State hockey program and committed to the Sting for the coming season.
“I'm very excited to be here,” said the right-hand shooting rearguard at an introductory news conference on Monday.
“I hope to bring a lot to the team.”
The 6'2” and 195 lb. blueliner was selected by the Sting in the fourth round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection, but chose the U.S. college route instead.
He was subsequently drafted by the New Jersey in the second round of the National Hockey League draft last year.
“We expect him to play big minutes,” said head coach and co-owner Derian Hatcher, who noted it's not out of the realm of possibility Jacobs could be paired with Jakob Chychrun this season.
Jacobs had nine assists in 35 games last season with the Spartans and was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie team.
He previously played two seasons with the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League.
Spartans head coach Tom Anastos said the loss of Jacobs is a huge loss for Michigan State.
Sting General Manager Nick Sinclair said the acquisition of Jacobs is another building block as the club tries to take the organization to another level.