Sarnia Sting goalie Anson Thornton in preseason action vs. London - Sept. 4/21 (Photo courtesy of Metcalfe Photography)Sarnia Sting goalie Anson Thornton in preseason action vs. London - Sept. 4/21 (Photo courtesy of Metcalfe Photography)
Sarnia

Thornton signs contract with Arizona Coyotes

Sarnia Sting goalie Anson Thornton is officially a member of the Arizona Coyotes.

The 18-year-old Maple, ON native signed with the NHL club after being invited to training camp as a free agent. He was selected by the Sting third overall in the 2021 U-18 draft. He's the first player selected in the U-18 draft to sign an NHL contract.

Sting Head Coach Alan Letang is thrilled for Thornton.

"You've got to give him so much credit," said Letang. "He comes in, hasn't even played an OHL game and gets an invite to an NHL training camp. He goes there and plays incredibly well and stays longer than anybody thought he would just because of how well he played and how hard he worked. It's great for him and great for the organization. It just proves that even coming off that year of COVID, you need to do with the right things and work with your goalie coach. Franky (Palazzese) has done an incredible job of getting Anson ready."

Thornton has yet to suit up in an Ontario Hockey League game, but could see some action this coming weekend.

He had an impressive 2019 OHL Cup Showcase that included 4 games played, a 1.21 GAA and two shutouts.

Thornton previously played for the Toronto Titans U-18 and Don Mills Flyers U-16 teams.

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