Support for the Sarnia Sting will continue to be shown at home games even though fans can't physically be there to cheer from the stands.
The team recently set up a sign drop-off bin outside of gate two at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Leave your mark at Sting games this January!
Create your custom Sting signs and drop them off at the drop off bin located outside of our @cogeco Gate #2. We’ll place it inside the Hive to help cheer our boys to victory! #RiseUnited pic.twitter.com/DqdqlrLJ2D— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) January 8, 2022
Although OHL teams are paying scheduled games, they're doing so without fans, for the most part, as Ontario restrictions remain in place until at least January 26.
Director of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships Jake Bourrie said the Sting organization is trying to make the best of a bad situation by asking fans to share their signs.
"Hopefully it brings a little positivity to someone who might be a little down and can see their sign on TV and know that they're supporting the Sting from home," he said.
Bourrie said so far the team has received a lot of community support. About a 'bin full" of signs were dropped off ahead of Sarnia's game last weekend against the Flint Firebirds.
"A number of our players made comments [about] how they were surprised on how many signs were out there," he said. "They certainly feed off that energy and are grateful for all of the support. We [have] a great community here."
Bourrie said they look forward to seeing more creative signs fans come up with while arenas remain closed to the public.
"We look forward to seeing fans back in the building when it's appropriate to do so and hope that everybody's well during this time, both physically and mentally," said Bourrie. Making sure that we support each other as we get through this."
The Sarnia Sting are scheduled to host Owen Sound Wednesday night. You can hear the game live on CHOK with Leigh Cunningham and Patrick DesRochers. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.