Students at Catholic elementary schools across Sarnia and Lambton County are cheering on the hometown team, as the Sting faceoff against the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Western Conference Final.

“This is a historic moment for the city, the team and local hockey fans,” says Ryan Hare, Vice Principal at Holy Trinity and St. Matthew Catholic schools and himself a former Sting player.  “We’re excited to do our part, by sending messages of encouragement and support!”

Students have been busy creating artwork with inspiring words and messages, such as: “You can do it!”  “We believe in you!”  “You’ve got this!” and “Believe in yourself!”

The artwork was forwarded to the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, where it was used to paper the team’s dressing room area.

“Sarnia has some of the best fans in hockey and what these students have done is proof of that,” says Mark Glavin, Manager of Hockey Operations & Community Programming for the Sting.  “There’s no doubt this will be a huge boost to the team … thanks so much to these young fans!”

On behalf of the team, goalie Benjamin Gaudreau and left winger Sasha Pastujov had a chance to say ‘thank you’ to some of the students, when they arrived at the Progressive Sales Arena to see their artwork.

“It was incredible to see the work that went into the posters and the effort on behalf of the Sting organization in putting them up,” says Mr. Hare.  “The look on the students’ faces summed it up!”