A Utah Mammoth-drafted goaltender and hulking Norwegian winger will round out the Sting's final import spots.
Just like that, the Sarnia Sting have rounded out their final two import spots for the 2026-27 season.
The team announced the signing of both goaltender Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko and forward Jonas Frostestad Gulbrandsen on Friday, which maxes out the team's three import spots alongside Simon Katolicky, who was signed back in May.
Tkach-Tkachenko, 19, is a Utah Mammoth prospect who's played the last two seasons with Tolpar Ufa of the MHL in Russia. Sarnia picked him 10th overall in this year's import draft.
Last season, the 6-foot-3 goalie had a 14-7-4 record, .894 save percentage and 2.80 goals-against average, alongside a .882 save percentage in three playoff games.
Projecting to slot in as Sarnia's new starting goalie in his 19-year-old season, Tkach-Tkachenko will become the first Russian goalie in Sting history.
Frostestad Gulbrandsen, 17, is a 6-foot-5 Norwegian centre who split last season in the Stavanger Oilers system, playing with the men's team, U20 team, and even four games with the U18 team.
The Stavanger native, who will leave his hometown to play for the first time to join the Sting, went pointless in 12 games in the professional ranks last season, but put up 18 goals and nine assists in 18 games with the U20s.
Frostestad Gulbrandsen is also a fixture with Norway's youth national teams, scoring a goal at this year's U18 worlds.
A good season with the Sting could see the big draft-eligible forward get some attention from NHL teams next summer.
Never want to miss out on any OHL news? Make sure to bookmark THN's OHL site.
Also follow @roryyarthur and @AustinReporting on X/Twitter for more updates.
Read more
