A prominent member of the Sarnia Sting won't be returning to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) club next season.
The team announced Tuesday that Easton Wainwright has committed to Colgate University in New York for the 2025-26 hockey season.
The 20-year-old could have returned to Sarnia as an overage player for the upcoming campaign.
Over the course of his OHL career, Wainwright appeared in 248 games, recording 57 goals, and 80 assists.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the game made him a valued member of the organization and a positive influence in the locker room.
"We're extremely proud of Easton and all he has accomplished during his time with the Sting," said Seca. "Since arriving in Sarnia, Easton has shown tremendous growth both as a player and as a person. His work ethic, attitude, and commitment to improving every day set a strong example for his teammates. We have no doubt he will succeed at Colgate, and we’re excited to see all that he accomplishes at the next level. We thank him for everything he brought to our program and wish him nothing but the best moving forward."
Wainwright shared a heartfelt message with the Sting community:
"I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to the whole Sting organization as well as the Sarnia Sting fans. I have been offered an opportunity to further my hockey career within the NCAA next season. It's with a heavy heart that I have decided this is the best thing for me to do at this stage of my career.
The Sarnia Sting organization has been nothing but great to me and my development to my hockey career. I wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity without the support they have provided all these years. I want to personally thank my billets who took me in on very short notice when I was 16 years old and right from the start made me feel like home. Having me for all these years has allowed me to create lifelong memories and relationships I will have for the rest of my life. Without you guys my ability to play in this league and chase my dreams would not be possible, I can’t thank you enough.
I also want to reach out to the entire Sting Nation fans to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The last 4 years have been an absolute honor and privilege to play in front of you. Thank you for your unwavering support and for making my dream of playing in the OHL a reality and accepting me as one of your own. I'll cherish the memories of the games, the celebrations, and the friendships I have made with many of you. I am forever grateful for your support and passion for this sport. Thank you for having me be part of the sting Family. Always in my heart, Go Sting Go!"
Fellow Sting graduate Tyson Doucette also committed to Colgate in an announcement made last December.
The NCAA’s division one council voted November 7, 2024 to permit former Canadian Hockey League players to compete for division one schools in the U.S. starting next August.
Previously, CHL participation ended players’ eligibility.