The Sarnia Sting have hired former NHL defenceman Mark Mancari as an assistant coach.
Mancari, a 34-year-old London native, joins the Sting following a fourteen-year professional hockey career that saw him play in 876 pro games.
He suited up for 42 NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks and also spent time in the AHL and Germany before retiring in 2019. Last season, he served as an assistant coach with the Niagara Ice Dogs.
Mancari said he's tremendously grateful for the opportunity.
"I am looking forward to getting to Sarnia to meet all the staff, players, and fans," he said. "I hope to bring my experience at many levels of junior and professional hockey to help these players reach their full potential. This team has great potential and I cannot wait to get started."
Brad Staubitz has also been promoted to associate head coach, a position left vacant when David Legwand moved into the role of president of hockey operations.
Mancari and Staubitz are familiar with each other, having played for the Ottawa 67's during the 2004-2005 campaign that saw them advance all the way to the Memorial Cup tournament.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said they had several excellent coaches to choose from for the assistant coach role.
"In the end, it came down to our focus on player development and we feel Mark has both the experience and demeanour to fully embrace our desire to work closely with our players," he said.
"He is a great hockey guy and tremendous person that we are very excited to add to our group. On behalf of the entire organization, I welcome Mark and his family to the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club."