Barry Wright/The Independent

The Sarnia Sting have hired Mathieu Turcotte as the organization’s next head coach.

Turcotte brings extensive coaching experience from the QMJHL, Hockey Canada and elite development programs. He replaces Allan Letang, who was fired by the club two weeks ago.

Most recently, Turcotte served as head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Hockey League from 2023-25.  He’s also been an assistant coach in Drummondville, Chicoutimi and the Val d’Or.

“I am truly honoured by the opportunity to lead the Sarnia Sting and excited for the challenge,” said Turcotte in a release this week announcing the hiring.

“Mathieu is an exceptional communicator and a proven developer of young talent, and his vision for how the game should be played aligns perfectly with the direction of our organization, “ said Sting General Manager Dylan Seca. 

The 41-year-old Montreal native served as head coach of the gold medal winning Canada White team at the World Under-17 Challenge last year in Sarnia where he coached current Sting players Beckham Edwards and Tyler Challenger as well as coaching Edwards and Alessandro Di Iorio on the international stage at the under-18 level.

Sarnia will return to home ice this weekend with games against the Soo Greyhounds on Friday night and the Flint Firebirds for the annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Sunday afternoon.