It's being called a "significant and exciting moment for the Sarnia Sting and its fanbase."
The Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Board of Governors has officially approved the sale of the club to Ryan Finch and Mark Guy.
It's a dream come true for the pair, who met at the Ivey Business School and talked about owning a team together.
In a statement released Friday, the team said Finch and Guy have deep hockey knowledge, proven business leadership, strong community ties, and are well-positioned to guide the Sting into a promising future.
Finch is the President of London-based Finch Auto Group, which operates dealerships in several cities, including Sarnia.
In 2023, Finch made a landmark $5 million donation to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation to support the transformation of the mental health care system. It was one of the largest private contributions to mental health care in the region’s history.
"I’ve always admired how sports can bring a city together,” said Finch. "The Sarnia Sting are more than a hockey team. they’re a source of pride and inspiration for the region. I’m honoured to be part of the next chapter."
Guy brings over 25 years of experience in the hockey world, most notably with Newport Sports Management.
He's represented players including former Sting Steven Stamkos, Travis Konecny, Alex Pietrangelo, Bo Horvat, Tom Wilson, and both the Strome and Subban brothers.
Guy also played with the London Knights and Western University. His son, Brayden Guy, wore the “C” in Sarnia and was a respected leader both on and off the ice.
“I’ve spent my life in this game, and I believe in what the Sting represent,” said Guy. “This is a strong franchise with passionate fans, a dedicated staff, and a great future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and excited about what lies ahead.”
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford welcomed Finch and Guy to the league.
"Having had the opportunity to get to know both Ryan and Mark over the past several months, it's very evident that both of these men care deeply about junior hockey, the players and being an active community presence in Sarnia-Lambton," he said.
David Legwand will remain part of the ownership group, and has been with the Sting since 2015.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan and Mark to the organization,” said Legwand. “Both bring unique strengths, and most importantly, they care deeply about hockey and this community. This is a major step forward for the franchise.”
Pending Sarnia council approval, the new ownership group is expected to officially assume operations later this month.
More details will be provided at a news conference on Monday, June 16 at 11 a.m. at the Four Points Hotel and Conference Centre.
It will be open to the public.