Sarnia Sting unveil five-player leadership core focused on earning back respect

The OHL team’s new captain and four assistant captains are tasking themselves with building a tougher, more competitive roster for the 2026-27 season.

The Sarnia Sting have announced their full leadership group for the 2026-27 season, with Alessandro Di Iorio returning as captain and four new assistants joining the core: Jack Van Volsen, Cameron Aucoin, Cole Emerton, and Parker Holmes.

Di Iorio enters his second season wearing the C after earning the role last December. "There's no difference; the message is the same," he said. "I'm more mature, which focuses my mentality. It's time to earn respect back in the league."

Van Volsen, the lone 20-year-old overage player on the roster, brings five years of OHL experience across three teams. "This year is going to be a different story," he said. "We will earn the respect back by playing hard every night and being a tough team to play against."

Aucoin returns as a leader after a prominent first season in Sarnia. "Being back this year and building the momentum with all the new guys, it's going to be a great season," he said. "As long as we keep our sights on playoffs and stay playing hard all year, we will be good."

Emerton joined the Sting in the offseason from the Barrie Colts and is eager to establish himself within the leadership group. "I want to show the group that I will work as hard as I can, on and off the ice," he said.

Holmes, another offseason acquisition, brings physical presence and NHL camp experience. He envisions a team built on toughness and integrity. "A hard-nosed team who are hard to play against," he said. "Hard-working, and good guys on and off the ice."