A Junior Hockey Player Takes Over The Bench After Being Scratched

The OHL had a unique situation Friday Night, as the Sarnia Sting and Saginaw Spirit battled it out.

The Florida Panthers prospect and current Sarnia Sting winger, Kai Schwindt ended up in an interesting conundrum.


He was scratched Friday night during the team's final home game during the 2023-2024 regular season.


The team did something unique and allowed him to serve as an assistant coach during the game, to let him be closer to his teammates.

Kai Schwindt relishing his #OHL coaching debut for @StingHockey pic.twitter.com/aWC2QZueOc— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 23, 2024

However, he would end up the only coach near the end of the game putting the forward in a unique situation.

Late in the third period head coach Alan Letang and assistant coach Michael Haley were both ejected from the game, leaving Schwindt alone behind the bench. Which led to GM Dylan Seca having to rush down to offer support from the press box to the bench.

In all my years, this is a new one...Sarnia Sting Coach Al Letang got ejected, and then later Assistant Micheal Haley was ejected. Leaving the Sting with no coach until GM Dylan Seca ran down from the pressbox. OA Kai Schwindt was on the bench, and about to take over.— Terry Doyle (@Terry_Doyle) March 23, 2024

The Sting albeit already eliminated from playoff contention, would lose to the Spirit, 4-2 with Schwindt's OHL career, ending on Saturday night against the Flint Firebirds.

But this unique situation is one he will have to remember for some time.

As Seen On: bladeofsteel.com