Local Journalist Releases New Book of Peterborough's 1974 Undefeated Lacrosse Season

Peterborough’s greatest hidden lacrosse story comes to light as journalist Ed Arnold unveils his new book, “Peterborough’s Perfect Season: With Benny and his Jets” regarding the Peterborough PCOs undefeated 1974 season on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Tim Barrie, Don Barrie, Ed Arnold and Jason Hinton. The Lakers won two additional exhibition games atop their 46-0 record in 1974. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 410-page book describes the 46-0 season the PCOs had en route to their third of four straight Minto cups. It depicts the team’s storm while reflecting on the city’s lacrosse history.

The title is a reference to PCO’s coach Ben Floyd when he and the team would walk out to the arena to Elton John’s hit song, “Bennie and the Jets.”

The season is a story that has not been talked about enough in Peterborough sports history according to Arnold.

“(It's) Not very well-recognized in Peterborough," he said. "There are no plaques and there are no banners. If someone says it would have happened in the States, they would have put it on a cereal box and would have made a movie about it."

The back and front of Arnold’s 410-page book. It took just over a year to research and write the book. Photo courtesy of Ed Arnold.

Lacrosse began on a cricket field in East City in 1972. Sullivan’s I.D.A. Pharmacy opened in the same year as the second oldest business that still exists in Peterborough. Arnold chose to celebrate the book’s release in front of the pharmacy.

He wants the book to create awareness of Peterborough’s accomplishments and the rich lacrosse history the city has to offer.

"That's one of the biggest reasons I did it," said Arnold. "To give them a legacy and hopefully someone will recognize it."

The book is available for $25 at Sullivan’s I.D.A. Pharmacy, Trent Valley Archives, and Happenstance in Lakefield. It is also on sale for at the Peterborough Lakers home opener at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 2 and on June 23.

Local orders can be made by emailing perfectseason46@gmail.com.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.