Sting announce Front Office Changes

Press Release

Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia Sting are very pleased to announce several organizational changes that will solidify the team’s commitment to positive improvement and future success.

Effective immediately Dave MacQueen is confirmed as General Manager and Head Coach of the Sarnia Sting. MacQueen has been working under an interim title since the end of the 08/09 season but a new three year deal underscores the confidence of the ownership in Dave as he accepts a dual role with the organization.

A native of Woodstock, ON, Dave has just completed his 13th year in the OHL as a Head Coach and his first Priority Selection in the role of General Manager of a team. He began his Ontario Hockey League coaching career as Head Coach of the Peterborough Petes in 1993 where he spent 3 years. The Petes won the 1996 OHL Championship under MacQueen.

Following his championship run with the Petes, MacQueen spent two years (96-98) as the Assistant Coach with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning working with Stanley Cup Champion (Calgary Flames) Head Coach Terry Crisp.

MacQueen would then come back to the OHL and spent the next 7 years with the Erie Otters. He enjoyed success with the Otters winning an OHL Championship, a regular season title, as well as three consecutive Midwest Division Championships. Also during his tenure with the Otters he would be named the OHL Coach of the Year in 2000-2001.

In 2006 MacQueen was named the Head Coach of the Sarnia Sting. In his 3 seasons with the Sting he has won 106 games, winning 30-plus games in each of his 3 seasons.

Earlier this season MacQueen recorded a career highlight when he joined the elusive 400-win club. He currently sits with 411 career coaching victories.

A new addition to the Sting front office staff is Bill Abercrombie in the role of VP, Operations.

Abercrombie has most recently been tied to the WOHL’s Sarnia Legionnaire’s at the Junior B level. As Head Coach in the 08/09 season he led the Legionnaires on a glorious run winning 37 of 52 games and eventually the Bill Weir Cup and the WOHL Championship.

Along the way the Legionnaires made a very large impact on the Sarnia-Lambton community and brought local and national focus to bear on the team and the region. The efforts and success elevated the Legionnaire’s attendance to among the best of the Greater Ontario Hockey League teams.

Bill’s new role with the Sting will see him cover and address several key aspects of the team’s operation including: recruitment, scouting, league business, player education and off-ice development. As well, Abercrombie will bring his business experience to bear in overseeing such aspects as: ticket marketing, sponsorship, media and community relations and organizational development.

Further bolstering the Sting front office will be newly appointed Head Scout, Jim Debenham. Jim brings several years of scouting experience to the team, not the least of which is his most recent experience as Head Scout with division rival Plymouth Whalers.

During Jim’s 7-year tenure with Plymouth the Whalers won the West Division title four times, went to the conference finals twice, and won an OHL Championship and an appearance in the 2007 Memorial Cup.

Co-owner Larry Ciccarelli will assume the title and role of team President taking over from his brother and co-owner Robert Ciccarelli who will remain as Governor of the organization.

This change will ensure more direct involvement by the owners as they split the responsibility of setting the direction for the team operationally and in accordance with the ongoing growth of the OHL.

Returning to the Sting under new contracts are Assistant Coaches Greg Walters and Tim Bascik. Walters has signed on for a three year extension while Bacik has agreed to a one year deal.


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)