Sting add young centre with track record of leadership and scoring
The Sarnia Sting have added another prospect to their junior roster, signing 16-year-old centre Evan Bannister to a Standard Player Agreement following his selection in the second round, 30th overall, of the 2026 Ontario Hockey League priority selection.
Bannister, a Georgetown native, arrives in Sarnia after a standout 2025-26 season as captain of the Credit River U16 AAA Capitals. He recorded 38 goals and 26 assists in 33 games with the Capitals, finishing the campaign with 64 points and earning recognition as one of the top players at the U16 level.
- Age: 16 (2010-born)
- Position: Centre
- Height / Weight: 6 ft / 176 lb
- Draft: 2026 OHL Priority Selection, 2nd round, 30th overall
Sting general manager Dylan Seca praised Bannister’s competitive edge and leadership qualities in the team’s announcement, calling him “one of the more dominant players in U16 hockey last year.” Seca highlighted Bannister’s skill around the net, his physical style and his leadership as attributes the organisation values.
“When we selected Evan, we knew we would get a competitive player who we believe is going to be someone who is important to our hockey club in every way,” — Dylan Seca
In a team video quoted in the club release, Bannister said the signing was a milestone in his development and a long-sought objective after being drafted:
“It feels great. After you get drafted it’s the first thing you think about, and the goal you’re reaching for. It’s a big step in my journey, and I’m really excited to get going.”
What the numbers say
Bannister’s U16 numbers offer a clear indicator of his offensive output and role on his previous club. The following table summarises his last recorded season with the Credit River Capitals.
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 38 | 26 | 64 |
The signing makes Bannister the second player from Sarnia’s 2026 OHL Priority Selection class to ink an agreement with the club. The team did not identify the other signee in its release; the Sting offered congratulations to Bannister and his family and formally welcomed him to “Sting Nation.”
Local impact and development pipeline
For Sarnia, adding a player described as both a scorer and a leader fits with the Sting’s ongoing effort to replenish the roster through the OHL Priority Selection and minor-hockey pipeline. The club’s evaluation of Bannister emphasises readiness to compete physically and contribute around the net — traits often sought in early junior rookies transitioning from U16 to OHL play.
While the agreement confirms Bannister’s move into the Sting organisation, further details regarding his integration into the club — including training camp participation, development timeline or roster plans — were not included in the announcement.
Sting supporters around Southwestern Ontario will watch Bannister’s progress closely; his combination of production, size and captaincy experience positions him as a prospect with expectations to adapt to the faster, more physical OHL environment.
The Sarnia Sting’s announcement continues the club’s work to secure and develop local and regional talent as it builds toward the next OHL season.
