Sting Signs Sgro
Sarnia Sting Signs First-Round Pick Adrian Sgro, First From 2026 Draft Class
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The Sarnia Sting locked up their top 2026 prospect on the first day of development camp, signing defenceman Adrian Sgro to a Standard Player Agreement The Sarnia Observer. Sgro, selected 4th overall in the OHL Priority Selection, is the first player from the Sting's 2026 draft class to put pen to paper — a move the organization is calling a major recruiting win.
The Alliston native posted 10 goals and 21 assists in 33 games for the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program this past season The Sarnia Observer. He is also the first defenceman Sarnia has taken in the first round since Jakob Chychrun went 1st overall all the way back in 2014.
A 4th Overall Pick Built to Lead
Sgro is a 6-foot, 185-pound blueliner who captained the Vaughan Kings this past season. OHL Central Scouting called him "one of, if not the best skater in this age group" and praised his "unbelievable composure with the puck under pressure" Sarnia News Today. Scouts at PuckPreps went further, projecting him as a "Top Pair Offensive Defender" with "magician-like handles" and "elite lateral mobility" PuckPreps.
His 100 penalty minutes this season signal a physical edge that analysts say the Sting have lacked during their recent rebuild. GM Dylan Seca said the team always believed in the pick. "When we selected Adrian fourth overall, we knew he was a player who would look incredible in Sting colours," Seca said. "He has strong leadership qualities and a bright future."
Vaughan's 'King to Sting' Pipeline Strikes Again
Sgro's signing is the latest chapter in a well-worn path from Vaughan to Sarnia. Current Sting captain Alessandro Di Iorio is also a former Vaughan King, a connection that gave Sgro a familiar face inside the organization Canadian Hockey League. Sarnia also drafted Sgro's teammate and roommate, Brody Brown, 43rd overall in the 3rd round. GM Seca said their existing chemistry was a clear factor in the team's scouting.
Sgro's classmate Kane Cloutier — son of former NHL goalie Dan Cloutier — went 1st overall to the Oshawa Generals, also out of the Vaughan program The Hockey News. Sgro himself is a self-described "reliable, high IQ defenceman that is hard to play against" who will "do anything to win" The Sarnia Observer.
New OHL Rules Made Signing Easier to Seal
Sgro is among the first prospects to sign under the OHL's modernized Standard Player Agreement, which took effect for the 2025-26 season. The new deal gives players more flexibility to keep NCAA options open if they leave the league early The Sarnia Observer. Before this change, signing an OHL contract often meant giving up U.S. college eligibility entirely — a major sticking point for top prospects.
Hockey forums noted that Sgro's academic profile made him a serious candidate for the USHL and NCAA route. Sarnia getting him signed on Day 1 of camp is seen as a direct win over the American college system. Head coach Mathieu Turcotte said character drove the decision on both sides. "Strong character and ethics are a non-negotiable to be a member of the Sarnia Sting, and Sgro embodies these values," Turcotte said Petrolia Lambton Independent.
What Comes Next for Sgro and the Sting
Sgro is set to play in a round-robin prospect tournament at Clearwater Arena on June 20, suiting up for a team named "Team Chychrun" — a nod to the last first-round defenceman Sarnia drafted The Sarnia Observer. As a 2010-born player, he won't be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2028. But early rankings from Elite Prospects already list him as a potential first-round talent for that class Elite Prospects.
The Sting also bolstered their blue line by acquiring OHL All-Rookie defenceman Cole Emerton from the Barrie Colts on June 15. GM Seca has urged patience for the rest of the 2026 draft class, with 2nd-round pick Evan Bannister expected to develop through the Sarnia Legionnaires of the GOJHL. For now, Sgro is the one player from this class locked up for a future opening-day roster spot.
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