Peterborough Lakers Trade For Defenceman From Brampton Excelsiors

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have obtained right-handed defenceman Liam Patten from the Brampton Excelsiors, along with a fifth-round draft pick in 2027.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Brampton receives Michael Blaymires, Cody Inness, a 2027 third-round draft pick and future considerations.

Last season with Brampton, Patten played 10 games, scoring four goals and four assists with 11 penalty minutes. He previously played with the Cobourg Kodiaks and Victoria Shamrocks.

The 6’1, 200 lb Barrie native was drafted 26th overall by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2017 and has had stops with the National Lacrosse League in Buffalo, Philadelphia and Panther City. He has played the last two seasons back in Philadelphia under former Lakers’ GM Paul Day and current offensive coach Tracey Kelusky.

Patten played collegiate lacrosse at the University of Guelph.

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

• May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

• June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

• June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

• July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

• July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Free Fishing During Mother's Day Weekend

Ontario is offering families a chance to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors together for free during Mother’s Day Weekend, this Saturday and Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Fishing is a great way for families to make unforgettable memories while enjoying the outdoors,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Free fishing weekends are an opportunity to check out Ontario’s top‑notch fishing and take part in a timeless tradition that brings people together right across the province.”

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province, according to the Provincial Government.

All conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply during the free fishing weekend.

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Two Right-Hand Forwards Return to Peterborough Lakers For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have welcomed the return of righty forwards Rob Hellyer and Braedon Saris ahead of the 2026 season, announced on Tuesday.

Braedon Saris (keft) and Rob Hellyer (right). Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The 5’9, 180 lb. Hellyer was originally acquired from the Oakville Rock in 2024 in exchange for defencemen Thomas Whitty and Matt Wright. The Lion’s Head, Ontario native had 44 points across nine games in the regular season, plus another 42 playoff points to finish second in team scoring.

Hellyer signed with the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) just before the 2024-25 season and moved with his wife to San Diego, making him unavailable to the Lakers last summer. After a trade to Ottawa prior to the 2025-26 season, Hellyer and his family returned home to Ontario.

The 33-year-old’s stint with Ottawa saw him finish second in team scoring and 12th overall in the league with 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points.

Saris returns, fresh off his rookie season with the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth, where he finished fourth in team scoring with 16 goals and 37 assists. Saris was acquired by the Lakers from the Cobourg Kodiaks last summer in exchange for Tommy Collins and a third-round draft pick. Saris finished the regular season with 29 points and the playoffs with 31 points last year with the Lakers.

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

• May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

• June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

• June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

• July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

• July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Three Bonnerworth Park Pickleball Courts Closed Due to Vandalism

Three pickleball courts at Bonnerworth Park, including one accessible court, will not open as scheduled on Friday due to vandalism in the park.   

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

According to the City, earlier this week, rocks and high-visibility paint-filled balloons were thrown over the fence surrounding the pickleball courts at the park, resulting in damage to the playing surfaces on three of the 14 courts. 

The City cannot provide an estimate of repair costs or the duration of closures at this time.

The vandalism has been reported to Peterborough Police Service. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

The remaining pickleball courts at Bonnerworth Park are scheduled to open on Friday.  

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12-Year Old Boy Lands Grand Prize Fish 'Walter' At 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

It only took roughly 30 minutes for 12-year-old Jonny Patterson to land the grand prize of $1,000 by catching ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Saturday.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register. Photo courtesy of OFAH.

Walter was caught just before noon on Saturday during the youth derby for those aged 15 and under.

According to an OFAH’s Facebook post, three of the top five prizes have already been claimed as of Sunday. ‘Gordon’ and ‘Opie’ are the two remaining grand prize fish, worth $500 and a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service, respectively.

The all-ages event began on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and continues until May 3.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

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Beloved Peterborough Coach Passes Away Suddenly At Age 64

The Peterborough sports community has mourned the loss of coach John Welsh, who passed away suddenly at age 64 on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of KMFL Peterborough.

Welsh was active in the sports world for several decades. He coached in the Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) for 45 years, was the founding president of the Peterborough Hockey Association for 25 years and coached the St. Peter’s Secondary School Saints Senior football team.

The KMFL released this statement regarding Welsh’s passing:

“John had a heart of gold. He cared deeply, and he showed it in the way he treated everyone—especially his players, who he loved like family. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a quiet check-in, or simply being there when someone needed support, John was someone you could always count on. And if you ever watched John on the sidelines, you saw the joy in his face watching his players play. There was pride in every moment, in every rep, in every success they achieved. Their growth and happiness meant everything to him.”

Brian Junkin of the Peterborough Wolverines, who worked with Welsh, also released a statement on behalf of the organization:

“Football is Family. Unfortunately, we lost a prominent member of our family last night. It saddens me to inform you that longtime Wolverines and KMFL Coach John Welsh has passed away. John devoted over 45 years of his life to coaching youth in multiple sports, but especially football. This is a generational loss to the Peterborough Football Community. Some of our coaching staff were actually coached by John as children and have now had their own kids coached by John. He spent thousands of hours coaching thousands of kids in high school, house league and rep ball.

On a personal note, it was John Welsh that gave me my first opportunity to coach football some 23 years ago and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to coach under him for 16 years in the KMFL. He will be greatly missed.”

Welsh leaves behind his wife Vicki; his children Sarah and Jonathon and his grandchildren Lila-Jane, William and Margaret. He is a brother to Jim and Bill; brother-in-law to Nancy and an uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Highland Park Funeral Centre on May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service to start immediately after. Words of remembrance will be shared at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the KMFL John Welsh Financial Grant, which can be made by emailing fundraising@kmfl.ca.

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Fleming College Celebrate Phoenix Athletes With 53rd Varsity Awards Banquet

Over 130 student-athletes from Fleming College celebrated another athletic season and recognized exceptional players at the 53rd Annual Phoenix Varsity Awards Banquet on April 10.

Nicole Roy (left) and Thomas Kitchen (right) winning Women’s and Men’s Athlete of the year respectively and other high-honour awards at the banquet. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The special highlighted team, following their historic double-gold national championship win this season, were the Men’s and Women’s Loggersports teams. The Loggersports program took home the Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Female All-Around Athlete of the Year, All-Academic and Coach of the Year awards.

The 2025-2026 Fleming Phoenix varsity athlete awards were presented to:

Eric O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment, and dedication.

• Nicole Roy – Women’s Loggersports

• Ryan Clarke – Men's Volleyball and Men’s Soccer

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Nicole Roy – Women's Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men's Loggersports

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication on the field.

• Sara Petersen – Women's Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Awards: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Kris Starr Award: Sayre Hart – Loggersports

• Adam Evans Award: Jacob Ricker – Loggersports

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Sarah Porter – Women’s Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere, and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.

• Al Cavers – Loggersports

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college, as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Ashley Smith – Women's Rugby Sevens

Most Valuable Player Award: Recognized by their respective team for significant contribution to their team’s success.

• Ashley Smith – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Emma Radley – Women’s Soccer

• Ryan Clarke – Men’s Soccer

• Mattea Miller-Evans - Women’s Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men’s Loggersports

• Owen Wisman – Men’s Basketball

• Samantha de Koning – Women’s Volleyball

• Calvin Dekok – Men’s Volleyball

Rookie of the Year Award: Recognized by their respective team for outstanding skills and positive integration with the team.

• Charlotte Murray – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Claire Deschatelets – Women’s Soccer

• Aidan Sproule – Men’s Soccer

• Morgan Specht – Women’s Loggersports

• Lyndon Jarbeau – Men’s Loggersports

• Nathan Walters – Sundararajah – Men’s Basketball

• Guinevere Hallock – Women’s Volleyball

• Jordan Flynn – Men’s Volleyball

There were 30 student athletes were awarded for achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while balancing the demands of varsity-level competition.

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Peterborough Jr. C. Lakers Looking For Three-Peat As Season Begins With Home Opener This Sunday

After back-to-back Meredith Cup wins, the Peterborough Jr. C. Lakers are looking for a three-peat as they start their season at home against the West Grey Rampage this Sunday at the Healthy Planet Arena at 2 p.m.

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are back-to-back defending Mereidith Cup Champions. Photo courtesy of the ONtario Junior C Lacrosse League.

Sunday begins a three-game homestretch, including matches against the West Grey Rampage, Whitby Warriors and Clarington Shamrox before six consecutive road games.

The Lakers have their fourth home game of the season after a 30-day stretch against the Fergus Thistles to start a three-game homestand. After two more road games, they will cap their regular season with two home games, finishing things on June 21 before the playoffs.

The following is the Lakers’ schedule:

• April 26 vs. West Grey Rampage @ 2 p.m.

• April 29 vs. Whitby Warriors @ 8 p.m.

• May 1 vs. Clarington Shamrox @ 8 p.m.

• May 3 at Six Nations Stealth @ 2 p.m.

• May 6 at Clarington Shamrox @ 8 p.m.

• May 20 at Clarington Shamrox @ 8 p.m.

• May 22 at Whitby Warriors @ 8 p.m.

• May 24 at Burlington Warriors @ 1 p.m.

• May 30 at Huntsville Hawks @ 7 p.m.

• May 31 vs. Fergus Thistles @ 3 p.m.

• June 6 vs. Kahnawake Hunters @ 2 p.m.

• June 7 vs. North Shore Kodiaks @ 1 p.m.

• June 13 at Nepean Knights @ 7 p.m.

• June 14 at Gloucester Griffins @ 2 p.m.

• June 19 vs. Whitby Warriors @ 8 p.m.

• June 21 vs. Huntsville Hawks @ 2 p.m.

All Lakers home games are at the Healthy Planet Arena.

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Lift Lock Canal Stocked Up For 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby This Saturday

The Peterborough Lift Lock’s canal has been stocked with over 3,000 trout to kickstart the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby starting this Saturday.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, showcases Walter before releasing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 26th year releasing Walter into the water. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The youth derby is for those aged 15 and under and kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the all-ages event starting Sunday at 9:00 a.m. until May 3.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register, helping maintain a long-standing tradition that is important to Peterborough, according to David Ryrie, OFAH director of communications.

“It is a community staple and we hear every year how happy people that we're still putting this on,, he said. “The OFAH is really proud to continue this tradition.”

There is more than $35,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year features five grand prizes, including the return of rainbow trout ‘Walter,’ and a $1,000 cash prize for the person who catches him. New this year is a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service.

“(This is) a little bit something for those new anglers that want to get outside of the regular shore fishing,” said Ryrie.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

@ptbo_canada Walter has been cast into the canal to help kick off the 37th Under the Lock Fishing Derby from April 25 to May 3! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ Gone Fishing - BDR Music

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Lakers and Lansdowne Place Partner Up In Celebration of 40-Year Anniversary of Peterborough Maulers Sponsorship

The Peterborough Lakers and Lansdowne Place have partnered ahead of the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season to mark the 40th anniversary of the Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team, as announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the 1986 Peterborough Maulers, Sponsors and Lakers staff join at one of three chairs at Centre Court in lansdowne Place. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Lansdowne Place sponsored the 1986 Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team 40 years ago.

In honour of the milestone, Lansdowne Place is sponsoring a special Retro Game Night on July 23 against the Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m. The night features retro Maulers jerseys, a soundtrack of iconic 80s and 90s tunes and more to be announced.

“We are excited about bringing a small piece of Peterborough lacrosse history alive,” said Jessica Khouri, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “Lansdowne Place is thrilled about this new partnership with the Lakers and we look forward to cheering them on this season.”

“We are looking forward to working with Lansdowne Place to create memorable experiences for our fans while celebrating the history of the game in our community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “This partnership is a great fit and we’re excited to kick it off.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax and Lansdowne Place have partnered to bring a large chair at the mall and bringing Retro Night to the Lakers game on July 23. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

With the partnership’s launch, a large Lakers-branded Kawartha Chair will be at Lansdowne Place for a month, leading up to the Lakers’s home opener on May 21 against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs. The community is encouraged to take photos on/with the display and share them on social media.

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