Sarnia Signs OJHL Rookie Of The Year, Forward Committed To The NCAA

The Sarnia Sting made a rather significant signing earlier this week, adding a forward committed to the NCAA.

Sarnia successfully recruited the 2023-24 OJHL Rookie of the Year Matthew Manza to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Back on Jan. 7, the Sting acquired Manza's player rights from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for a 10th-round pick in 2027 and two conditional fourth-round picks, one in 2027, and the other in 2028.

The conditions of those two fourth-rounders were reportedly that Kingston would receive those draft selections if Manza reported to Sarnia.

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Manza, 17, played in the OJHL last season for the Toronto Patriots where he was an immediate star for them. He registered 26 goals and 49 points in 49 games, taking home the honors of the OJHL Rookie of the Year.

He changed up his scenery this year, moving to the BCHL to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs — recording two goals and six points in 12 games.

The Mississauga, Ontario native is committed to Ohio State University to play NCAA D1 hockey starting next season.

Sting GM Dylan Seca had these comments regarding his new 2007-born forward, who is scheduled to make his OHL debut on Friday.

“Matthew is a player we’ve been pursuing for quite some time. He’s a skilled player who can produce scoring chances. He’s a proven goal scorer and as a right shot, we believe he complements our group moving forward. With the NCAA rule changes we felt this trade and now signing is yet another influx of talent into our lineup."

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