Four More NHL Alumni Join Battle of Ontario Game in Peterborough, Including Former Pete Dave Reid

By Scott Arnold

Four more NHL alumni have been added to Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, including two former Senators and a former Peterborough Pete.

Former Peterborough Pete and two-time Stanley Cup champion Dave Reid will join the Maple Leafs Alumni team for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation)

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Peterborough Memorial Centre have announced that Wade Redden and Craig Anderson will join the Ottawa Senators Alumni team, while Todd Gill and Dave Reid have been added to the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni roster for the November 6th fundraiser at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The four new additions bring the announced alumni rosters to 16 players, with more names still to come.

Redden spent 11 seasons with the Senators after joining the organization as a rookie in 1996-97. He became an alternate captain and a key part of Ottawa's teams during the Battle of Ontario years, making two NHL All-Star Game appearances and helping the Senators reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2007. Redden was also the first player inducted into the Senators Ring of Honour.

Former Ottawa Senators defenceman Wade Redden will join the Senators Alumni team for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario on November 6th. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation)

Anderson spent 10 seasons with Ottawa after being acquired during the 2010-11 season. He became the franchise's all-time leader in wins by a goaltender in 2017 and holds Senators single-season records for goals-against average and save percentage. He also won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2017.

Former Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson is one of four new alumni announced for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation)

Gill spent 12 seasons with the Maple Leafs and was part of Toronto teams that reached the conference finals in the early 1990s. He played 19 seasons in the NHL before moving into coaching, spending 13 years behind the bench with AHL and OHL teams.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Todd Gill will suit up for the Maple Leafs Alumni team at the November 6th fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation)

Reid brings a strong Peterborough connection to the Leafs alumni team. Born in Etobicoke, Reid spent his entire OHL career with the Peterborough Petes before going on to play 961 NHL games. He won Stanley Cups with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and later returned to Peterborough as the Petes' general manager from 2010 to 2012.

The four new additions join the previously announced alumni.

Ottawa Senators Alumni: Mike Fisher, Chris Neil, Chris Phillips, Jason York, Shaun Van Allen, Marc Methot, Wade Redden and Craig Anderson.

Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni: Darcy Tucker, Nik Antropov, Rick Vaive, Gary Leeman, Steve Thomas, Todd Gill and Dave Reid.

Fisher is the latest Peterborough connection to join the event. Born and raised in the area, he played his minor hockey with the Peterborough Minor Hockey Association before playing for the Sudbury Wolves and spending nearly 11 seasons with the Senators. He later finished his NHL career with the Nashville Predators.

The complete rosters for both alumni teams are expected to be announced the week of October 12th, although rosters will be subject to change.

Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario takes place November 6th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Tickets are available now, including Meet and Greet packages with Fisher and the Senators Alumni or the Maple Leafs Alumni team, through the Peterborough Memorial Centre website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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

Mike Fisher Coming Home to Peterborough for Battle of Ontario Alumni Game

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough’s own Mike Fisher is coming home to take part in Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on November 6th.

Mike Fisher will return to peterborough when he suits up with the ottawa senators on November 6th for the battle of ontario against the toronto maple leafs (photo courtesy of the greater peterborough health services foundation)

Fisher has been added to the Ottawa Senators Alumni roster for the special fundraiser, where the Senators alumni will take on a Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team.

For Fisher, the game brings him back to the community where his hockey career began.

Born and raised in the Peterborough area, in Bridgenorth, Fisher played his minor hockey with the Peterborough Minor Hockey Association before being selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the second round of the 1997 OHL Priority Draft.

before making it big in the national lacrosse league, Mike fisher grow up playing in the peterborough minor hockey system

After two seasons in Sudbury, Fisher was selected by the Senators in the second round of the 1998 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut with Ottawa in 1999 and spent nearly 11 seasons with the organization, becoming a key part of the Senators teams involved in the Battle of Ontario rivalry in the early 2000s.

Fisher recorded several 20-plus-goal seasons during his time in Ottawa and played a major role in the Senators' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007.

He finished his NHL career with the Nashville Predators, where he eventually served as captain before retiring in 2018.

Now, Fisher will return to the Memorial Centre as part of the Senators alumni team, joining previously announced alumni including Chris Neil and Chris Phillips.

Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario takes place November 6th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Tickets are available now, including Meet and Greet packages with Fisher and the Senators Alumni or the Maple Leafs Alumni team, through the Peterborough Memorial Centre website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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

Six More NHL Alumni Join Lineup for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators alumni rosters for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario continue to grow, with six more former NHL players announced for the November 6th fundraiser at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Former Leafs captain rck vaive is one of the alumni who will be in peterborough for Battle of ontario rivalry night on november 6th (photo courtesy of the GPHSF

The Peterborough Greater Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) and the PMC announced on Thursday that Rick Vaive, Gary Leeman and Steve Thomas will join the Maple Leafs Alumni, while Jason York, Shaun Van Allen and Marc Methot have been added to the Senators Alumni.

The six players join previously announced alumni Darcy Tucker, Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips, as well as Chris Neil.

Vaive served as the Maple Leafs captain from 1982 to 1986 and became the first player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season. Leeman was an NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup champion, while Thomas enjoyed two stints with Toronto and became known for his playoff performances.

On the Ottawa side, York spent five seasons with the Senators and led the team’s defencemen in scoring during the 1998–99 season. Van Allen played 15 NHL seasons, including multiple stints in Ottawa, while Methot spent five seasons with the Senators as a key part of their defence.

More alumni are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with team lineups subject to change.

Rivalry Night will raise funds for concussion education and awareness in youth sport through the GPHSF Concussion Fund. Tickets and meet-and-greet packages are available online.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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

Funding Available for Local Senior Care Projects Through GPHSF Micro Grants

By Scott Arnold

Local organizations working to improve senior care and healthy aging can now apply for one of two grants worth up to $5,000 each through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Vince Bierworth, Executive Director of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, presents a cheque to Community Care Peterborough CEO Danielle Belair, joined by Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donors and Public Relations for Community Care Peterborough, in support of local senior care and healthy aging initiatives (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The 2026 Senior Care Micro Grants are designed to help community and not-for-profit organizations start new projects or support existing programs benefiting seniors in Peterborough City, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

A total of $10,000 is available, with a maximum of $5,000 awarded through each of the two grants.

Eligible projects can focus on areas including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, equipment and research. Priority will be given to projects that address emerging community needs, improve seniors' quality of life and have a lasting impact.

The program is open to not-for-profit charitable organizations, including medical organizations, with a charitable registration number that are located in or serve the eligible communities.

Projects must be completed within one year of approval unless an extension is granted, and applications must include a project timeline and budget.

The program has already supported local initiatives. Last year's recipients were Curve Lake First Nation, which received funding for a Home and Community Care and Mental Health Project addressing gaps in Elder care, and One City Peterborough, which received funding for nutritional support for at-risk seniors.

The grants are funded through the June Towle Trust, established following the passing of June Towle in 2023 as part of her legacy of supporting health care in the community.

Applications for the 2026 grants are open until September 30th at 11:59pm.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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

Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil Coming to Peterborough for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

The first two NHL alumni have been announced for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker and Ottawa Senators legend Chris Neil set to take part in the November 6th event at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

darcy tucker and chris neil have been announced as the latest players to join the battle of ontario rivalry night on november 6th at the peterborough memorial centre (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators rivalry is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday, November 6th, with Tucker representing the Leafs alumni and Neil joining the Senators alumni.

For fans who remember the heated playoff battles between Toronto and Ottawa in the early 2000s, the two names should be familiar. The teams met in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2005, producing plenty of memorable moments, including several involving Tucker and Neil.

Tucker spent 16 seasons in the NHL and played more than 1,000 games, including eight seasons with Toronto. He became a fan favourite in Toronto thanks to his physical, hard-nosed style and was a prominent figure during the Leafs' playoff battles with Ottawa.

Neil spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Senators after being drafted by the organization in 1998. Known for his physical play, he became a popular figure in Ottawa and had his number retired by the Senators in 2023.

The two were involved in one of the rivalry's most memorable confrontations, including a bench altercation during a March 2003 game.

The November 6th event will feature alumni teams representing both clubs, with the full rosters expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Lineups are subject to change.

Meet-and-greet packages will also be available for fans who want the chance to meet Tucker and the Maple Leafs alumni or Neil and the Senators alumni.

The game is being held as a fundraiser for concussion education and awareness in youth sports through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation's Concussion Fund. The fund supports concussion programming, including Peterborough Athletic Concussion Awareness and the H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former Peterborough Pete and NHL defenceman Steve Montador.

Tickets are available online or through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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

DBIA Featured Post: Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF)

If you live in or around Peterborough and have a pulse, then surely you have dealt with some part of our cities great healthcare team at some time or another. Behind every great team is a great coach and management, which is exactly what the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) can be considered. Located at 150 King St, the foundation formerly known as the St. Joseph’s Care Foundation has been an integral part of our community for almost 30 years now.

In a nutshell, the foundation is a major fundraiser for healthcare equipment, education, research and innovative programs that help the community’s health care team give its patients the best treatment possible.

The foundation consists of a team of tireless workers, including Executive director Hannah Routly, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator Carol Lawless, Board Chair Laura Boden, and physician lead ambassador Dr. Don Harterre to name just a few. On top of these positions are a long list of tremendous volunteers who aid in improving the community based health care system that the GPHSF aims to put forth.

Along with its fundraising efforts, the GPHSF also works behind the scenes in our community in creating and fostering a team like atmosphere with every branch of healthcare. From nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and mental health clinicians, to medical secretaries, dieticians, and family physicians, they help combine the expertise of a team working together to provide you with the right care, when you need it, same day or at a time convenient to you.

This overall team effort has been helping to make things better in our community for years now and the GPHSF is actually the first foundation in Canada to support such a family health care team.

One of the GPHSF's major events held yearly is the Peterborough Speaker Series. This year's event, titled Fire Starters, is taking place on April 16th at Market Hall. Previously the GPHSF has also been a part of the Festival of Trees and the Freedom 55 Financial charity golf tournament.

A few of the initiatives and items that the GPHSF has been a major part in assisting with are the incredible Partners in Pregnancy clinic, which works with many women in our community going through various phases of pregnancy. They have also recently raised money to purchase ophthalmology equipment, 17 automated external defibrillators, 40 pulse oximeters, and 20 patient transport chairs that are all located across the city helping our healthcare team put forth the greatest care possible.

For more information on GPHSF, and to find out about volunteer opportunities, go to:
Website: Gphsf.ca
Twitter: @Gphsf
Facebook: Gphsf
Phone: 705.740.8074

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

'It’s A Small World' Fundraiser For Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, the foundation that supports your local family health team, is a little “short” on funds.

You can help them raise money by joining hosts Erica Cherney and Dr. Tom Phillips at a unique event that celebrates all the good things that come in small packages — including small business, short fiction, compact cars and, yes, a darn good haiku!

"It’s a Small World" will be held at Le Petit Bar in downtown Peterborough on Sunday, September 15th.

“Tom and I decided it was time to put our height to good use and have a charity event to celebrate people who are smaller....less than 5 feet, 2 inches,” says Erica Cherney, who is co-hosting the event with Dr. Tom Phillips. “Being not so-tall needs to be celebrated. We hope people of all heights will join us, even tall people. It’s a great chance for them to see how the other half lives!”

"It’s a Small World" takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 15th. The first 30 ticket holders will have their choice of which sitting they wish to attend. Guests can enjoy a short stay that includes a wee bit of wine, finger foods, merry-making and other entertainment.

Proceeds from the event will help to fund hearing-amplified headphones for use by family health team doctors in long-term care homes in the City and County of Peterborough.

Tickets are available for $50 online at smallworld2013.eventbrite.ca or at Cherney Realty, 171 King St., Peterborough.

For more information on the event, call Erica Cherney at 705-876-1717, Dr. Tom Phillips at 705-748-1011 Ext 7009, or the Foundation office at 705-740-8074.

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook. 

An Inspiring List Of Individuals Speaking At 2013 Peterborough Speakers Series Event

Shannon McNevan, director of the wildly popular Boots and Hearts Festival, is just one of seven dynamic individuals who will share their stories and reveal how they beat the odds to achieve success during the annual Peterborough Speakers Series event at Market Hall, April 10, 2013.

Presented by the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, “UNSTOPPABLE” also features Olympic Silver Medalist Ashley Brzozowicz, Peterborough Lakers president Ted Higgins, mystery writer John Moss, comedic actor of television and theater Derek McGrath, Trent University professor and expert in economics Dr. Tom Phillips, and dynamic motivational speaking duo Barbara and Bill Johnston.

"The Peterborough Speakers Series shines a spotlight on some of our community's most dynamic and innovative people," says Health Services Foundation executive director Hannah Routly. "We’re excited to present their remarkable contributions of personal and professional success."

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and speakers begin at 7:00 p.m. An intimate cocktail reception follows, offering attendees an opportunity to connect and chat with the speakers in a relaxed and casual setting.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 705-740-8074.

------------------------

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada (hashtag #bethechangeptbo) or Like us on Facebook.

Boston Pizza Hosting Special Event Tonight For Greater Peterborough Health Services

Support your Family Health Teams by visiting Boston Pizza South today (October 5th) between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., where the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation is hosting a Celebrity Server Night to raise funds and awareness for the Family Health Teams in the City and County of Peterborough.

Local personalities such as former Peterborough Petes Captain and Canada’s World Junior Team Captain Brent Tully will be among the celebrity servers for this special occasion.

Ten percent of sales from the night go to ensuring that your family health care clinics are in a place to respond effectively to our community’s health care needs.

Reservations are recommended. Call Allen at Boston Pizza at 705.740.2775.

[Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.

Peterborough Speakers Series "Visionaries of Change" A True Inspiration

Honourable Peter Adams

Recently, the Peterborough Speakers Series "Visionaries of Change" presented by the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation took place at The Venue. Seven speakers from the local area brought their personal stories of belief, courage, and inspiration to the stage to share with an audience of about 150 people. This event, which will now become an annual thing, raises funds for the five local Peterborough Networked Family Health Teams.

Tracey Groombridge with Laura Kennedy & Julie Brown

Katherine sharing her stories about her trek to Mt. EverestI had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Katherine Barron, who at 16 years old completed the Everest Base Camp Trek in October 2010. Katherine joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets at age 12 after hearing a presentation and immediately knew it was the right fit for her.  She discussed her challenges and triumphs that she faced as she prepared for such an experience not even knowing yet whether she'd be one of the 16 people chosen. Once chosen, anticipation and nervousness grew and even the day of departure they all had to pass one last fitness test before boarding the airplane—which unfortunately sent two people returning home. Katherine set off on this once-in-a-lifetime journey for 17 days. Throughout the trek, there was a constant rollercoaster of emotions and physical exhaustion with the long days, illness and lower oxygen levels with being at such a high altitude. Katherine hopes by sharing her story of the difference cadets has made in her life and the opportunities she has had will encourage other youth to join and discover the discipline and dedication she has experienced.

John Hastings chatting with guests from the evening.Canadian Kayak National Team member John Hastings captivated the audience with footage of his kayak journeys over the years and how driven he's been to pursue his dreams, despite the challenges that he has faced. Yet he continues to strive harder to accomplish all the goals he has set for himself.  

I was so honoured to be in the company of such wonderful people for the evening. It was definitely a reminder that we are capable of being resilient and to not let obstacles we are faced with force us to give up. Rather, those obstacles should only be a motivator to get the best out of what life has to offer us.  

Thank you to all who made this event happen and I already look forward to next year's event and the stories that will be shared to inspire us all.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.