05/04/2026
LEGIONNAIRES HIRE NEW HOCKEY OPS STAFF; AGREE TO AFFILIATION WITH STING
Trying to put a winless season in the rearview mirror, the Sarnia Legionnaires of the Greater Ontario Hockey League has hired a new head coach and general manager.
In a news release team president Theo Bet says Tate Philips has been hired as general manager and director of hockey operations and Ryan Foster will take over as head coach.
Foster replaces MIke Bondy who was let go after the franchise was given back to the original owners after the previous ownership failed to live up to its responsibilities, according to the GOHL.
Philips joins the Legionnaires after a short stint with the Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL.
"Their dynamic resumes reflect a shared commitment to developing elite-level players and fostering a culture focused on advancement to the next level, including
opportunities in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and U Sports and NCAA," said the team in a news release issued Sunday night.
Foster has been playing and coaching in Europe, mostly in Austria and Germany, since the late 1990's. His son, Ben has been a goaltender with North MIddlesex and Exeter of the PJHL over the past two seasons.
The Legionnaires has also announced an affiliation with the OHL's Sarnia Sting moving forward, a move applauded by Sting owner and president Mark Guy.
"Hockey working together in an infrastructure to produce and move kids on in the hockey pathway is something we strongly believe," said Guy in a statement.
"We look forward to working with the Sarnia Legionnaires of the GOHL and developing prospects together. We can’t wait to get started.”
GM Philips is also excited about the new partnership.
"We plan to develop and move players on to the next level. We are honoured and privileged to work in affiliation with and in support of the Sarnia Sting and their prospects. We are excited to work with the (Lambton Jr. Sting) U18 program and midget-level players to create a true development pyramid—from U18 to Junior GOHL and ultimately to the OHL—all within the city of Sarnia," he said.
"Stay tuned, exciting things are ahead," Philips concluded.
The Legionnaires will host their Spring training Camp on at the Moore Sports Complex on June 6 and 7.
