Sarnia Sting goaltender Anson Thornton makes a pad save on a penalty shot versus the Windsor Spitfires.  15 March 2022.  (Metcalfe Photography)Sarnia Sting goaltender Anson Thornton makes a pad save on a penalty shot versus the Windsor Spitfires. 15 March 2022. (Metcalfe Photography)
Sarnia

Sting trade goaltender Thornton for three picks

The Sarnia Sting have traded goaltender Anson Thornton to the Barrie Colts in exchange for three draft picks.

The Sting will receive Flint’s 2nd round selection in 2023, Niagara’s 3rd round pick in 2024 and the 5th round pick in 2026 from the Colts. Sarnia will also give up a conditional 5th round pick in 2026 in the trade.

Thornton recorded eight wins and 16 losses in 26 games played during the 2021-22 season, his first in the OHL. The Maple, Ontario native had a goals against average of 4.06 and a save percentage of .883.

Thornton, 19, was the Sting's 3rd overall pick in the 2020 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection. In October, the 6'4" netminder signed a three-year entry level contract with the NHL's Arizona Coyotes.

Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said the club has seen Thornton's development skyrocket since joining the organization.

"Not only is Anson a skilled goaltender but he’s also a great person and well-respected teammate. For those reasons this was a really difficult trade to make."

Seca added that with Ben Gaudreau’s emergence as a world class goaltender this was unfortunately the inevitable conclusion.

"The return is great for our organization as we look to stock the cupboards with draft picks. We wish Anson and his family all the best and thank him for his contributions to our team."

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