The Sarnia Sting's offense is getting a big boost, with the addition of a player who many thought would be heading to the USHL this coming year.
The Sting have announced the signing of Beckham Edwards to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement.
He had previously been signed to a tender agreement by the Youngstown Phantoms back in December, 2023.
Edwards, a Komoka native, was chosen by the Sting 46th overall in this year's OHL draft out of the Little Caesars 15U AAA program.
He tallied 60 goals and 37 assists in 64 games last season.
Edwards was also invited to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp this past month where he joined Alessandro Di Iorio, who the Sting selected second overall in this year's priority selection and who signed with the team in May.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca is thrilled.
"Beckham is a player our scouting staff watched dozens of times over the last two years," said Seca. "He’s a local product, but chose to play at Little Caesars as he was pursuing the NCAA. He is one of the premier forwards in his age group, one that has size, can skate and is a gifted scorer. His play with Hockey Canada as a teammate with Alessandro Di Iorio shows he’s also someone who can work both ends of the ice."
Seca said the process was certainly a challenge.
"The Edwards family is one of high integrity, this would not have been an easy decision for them," he said. "But we know our program is ready to take off, adding more skill and talent to the ’08 age group further solidifies our progression back to the top of the Western Conference. We welcome Beckham and the Edwards family to Sarnia."
The Sting also previously signed 45th overall selection Chase Gaughan.
Sarnia opens the five game preseason schedule on Friday, September 6 in Windsor, before hosting Flint on September 7.
The club's regular season gets underway September 27 against the Windsor Spitfires at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. They'll be in Saginaw the following night, as the Spirit celebrate their Memorial Cup title.