Five Counties Children’s Centre Family Leads the Charge For Little Lakers Night On July 16

To lead the charge for the fourth consecutive year of the Little Lakers Night with the Peterborough Lakers, the Hyde family is representing Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) for July 16 against the Oakville Rock.

(from left to right) Georgia Dueck, Peterborough Lakers Game Day Operations; Isabelle Hyde, 8; Maureen Hyde; Edward Hyde, 8; Elizabeth Hyde, 12 and Kassie Graham, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $16,128 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraising game directs all proceeds to FCCC’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which enables more kids and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them. The night also shines a spotlight on children and families who have benefited from FCCC’s services.

The Hyde family has had three children (Isabelle, 8; Edward, 8 and Elizabeth, 12) who have benefited from FCCC.

“We’ve done speech and we’ve done occupational therapy,” said Maureen Hyde. “Edward and Isabelle didn’t speak until later on in life… Edward does occupational therapy for his tightness of his legs for his autism… Elizabeth didn’t walk so they straightened her legs as well.”

“My hip would go out whenever I’d walk so I needed therapy for that,” added Elizabeth.

@ptbo_canada The fourth-annual Little Lakers Night takes over the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the @ptbolakerslax take on the Oakville Rock on July 16! All proceeds from the fundraising night go towards Five Counties Children’s Centre! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughlakers ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Hyde’s will take part in the ceremonial pre-game ball drop.

“Little Lakers Night is one of those special events that brings our community together around a shared purpose — supporting children and families while celebrating the spirit of sport,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “For many of the kids and families we serve, this night creates unforgettable memories and opportunities to feel connected, included, and celebrated. We're deeply grateful to the Peterborough Lakers, our sponsors, and the community for helping make this event such a success year after year.”

“The partnership between the Lakers and Five Counties is something we're incredibly proud of,” says Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. “Little Lakers Night is a chance for our team, our fans and our community to come together in support of local children and families. We’re excited to welcome Five Counties families and Lakers fans together for a fun-filled night that supports an incredible cause and showcases the positive impact we can make when we work together.”

Little Lakers Night kicks off with pre-game festivities starting at 7 pm. Activities and fundraising initiatives include face painting by donation, outdoor games, a ‘Pass the Bucket’ fundraiser and ‘Ball Toss for a Cause.’ During the game, a silent auction is being run with prizes such as Toronto Blue Jays tickets, a couples Float package, local gift cards, sports memorabilia and more. New this year is the debut of a new Lakers Jersey auction, with six available.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 16 are available on the Five Counties website. Every $15 ticket purchased through Five Counties helps support children and families in the community.

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Peterborough Lakers Ship Local Defenceman to Brooklin L.C. For Two Draft Picks

The Peterborough Lakers have traded defenceman Broedie Birkhof to the Brooklin L.C. for a fourth- and fifth-round draft pick in 2028, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Birkhof was originally traded to the Lakers along with his brother Dustyn and a 2026 third-round pick from the Kodiaks for Andrew Vradenburg, Cole Begley, Payton Tasse and 2026 second-round pick that originally belonged to Brampton in June of last year.

The Peterborough native previously played for the Cobourg Kodiaks and Six Nations Chiefs. He has also suited up for several Arena Lacrosse League teams, including the Peterborough Timbermen in their inaugural season.

Outside of lacrosse, he was the former strength and conditioning coach for the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks from 2004-05 and had the same role with the Peterborough Petes from May 2022 to March 2024.

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Lakefield Unveils Veterans Memorial Crosswalk Marking 100 Years of Remembrance

By Scott Arnold

A new downtown crosswalk in Lakefield is honouring generations of service members while marking a major milestone for the local Royal Canadian Legion.

A Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield was unveilled over the weekend (photo courtesy of peterborough county)

Peterborough County, Selwyn Township and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield have officially unveiled the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield, creating a permanent tribute to local veterans and their service.

The unveiling took place on June 20, 2026, with veterans, community members and invited guests in attendance. The crosswalk also marks the 100th anniversary of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield.

The ceremony was emceed by Legion President Lorna McDonald and included remarks from Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis, MPP Dave Smith and Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation. The Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party and local veterans also took part in the event.

local veterans were on hand for the unveilling of the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield (photo courtesy of peterborough county)

The project was completed through a partnership between the Lakefield Legion, Peterborough County and Selwyn Township. The County supported the road marking installation, while the Township assisted with the unveiling as part of the Legion’s centennial celebrations.

McDonald said the crosswalk had been a long-standing goal for the branch and was especially meaningful to complete during its 100th anniversary year. She said the tribute is intended to express gratitude to veterans who have served or are still serving.

During the ceremony, Second World War veterans from the Lakefield Legion were escorted as part of the formal proceedings, followed by other veterans and members of the Colour Party.

it was a special day in lakefield at the unveilling of the Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield (photo courtesy of peterborough county)

Officials say the crosswalk will serve as a year-round reminder of the service and sacrifice of veterans in the Lakefield area, while also highlighting the importance of local partnerships in supporting remembrance initiatives.

Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark said the crosswalk is a meaningful tribute that honours veterans while creating a lasting symbol for residents and visitors. Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis said it offers an opportunity to reflect on sacrifices made in defence of freedom and to ensure that legacy is carried forward.

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

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Lakers Bitten by Kodiaks in Cobourg on Sunday Night

By Scott Arnold

A five-goal run in the second period proved too much for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers to overcome in a 13-9 loss to the Cobourg Kodiaks on Sunday night.

newest laker ryan lanchbury (7) had a strong debut for peterborough with two goals and two assists (photo courtesy of peterborough lakers, via anna taylor)

The Lakers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals from Mike Robinson and Colton Armitage, but Cobourg responded and eventually took control of the game.

After the teams were tied 3-3, the Kodiaks scored five straight goals in the second period to build an 8-3 advantage. Peterborough battled back and cut the deficit to two goals late in the game, but Cobourg answered with the final two goals to secure the victory.

Ryan Lanchbury made his Lakers debut after being acquired from Oakville and led Peterborough with four points, scoring twice and adding two assists.

Robinson and Taite Cattoni each scored twice, while Rob Hellyer, Colton Armitage and Colton Armstrong added singles.

Deacan Knott started in goal before being relieved by Drew Hutchison in the second period. The two netminders combined for 51 saves.

The Lakers will look to rebound quickly when they return home Thursday night to host Brooklin at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for PRHC Night. The team will wear special jerseys for the occasion, which will be auctioned off after the game in support of the PRHC Foundation.

The loss puts Peterborough at 4-4 on the Major Series Lacrosse season, sitting at fifth place in the standings.

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

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Peterborough Lakers Launch Second Annual Fundraiser For PRHC Foundation On June 25

For a second straight year, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have teamed with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation to support the latter with a special fundraising night on June 25.

(From left to right) Lesley Heighway PRHC Foundation president and CEO shows off her ball skills as Bob Hall, Kinsmen vice president; Teddy, Lakers Mascot and Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships watch on. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PRHC Night is when the Lakers take on the Brooklin Lacrosse Club, with all proceeds going towards the PRHC Foundation.

The funding supports PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign to fund state-of-the-art hospital equipment and technology, help attract top healthcare professionals and address urgent needs at PRHC.

With $61.7 million raised, the Lakers have chipped in again to help the PRHC Foundation reach their $70 million goal by March.

“Last year’s PRHC Night was a success and the organization is excited to build on that momentum,” said Len Powers, Lakers Board Chair. “The Lakers are all about community and there’s nothing more important than supporting our regional hospital. PRHC is there for all of us when we need it most and we’re proud to do our part to help.”

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough committed to match fundraising efforts from the game up to $10,000.

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is proud to support both the Peterborough Lakers and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation,” said Bob Hall, Kinsmen vice president. “For 96 years, the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has been serving our community’s greatest needs through volunteer service and initiatives such as Kinsmen Super TV Bingo, which raises funds that support communities across the Peterborough region and Eastern Ontario. Healthcare impacts every person and family in our region, and we’re excited to help amplify the fundraising efforts on June 25.”

@ptbo_canada June 25 is PRHC Foundation Night for the @ptbolakerslax with all proceeds for the PRHC Foundation! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #sports ♬ Fighters - OctaSounds

To help with fundraising, an auction featuring a signed hockey stick from Philadelphia Flyers rookie and Peterborough native Porter Martone, as well as a jersey auction. In celebration of Canada Day, the Lakers are sporting Canadian-themed jerseys to be auctioned following the game.

The Lakers’ new Ball Toss initiative will also support the Campaign on game day. Fans can purchase three balls for five dollars for a chance to win by landing closest to the centre of the floor.

Fans can add a two-dollar donation to the PRHC Foundation while purchasing tickets by using the code ‘PRHC26.’

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said Lesley Heighway PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “They represent dedication, heart and excellence. We know how passionately this region rallies around the Lakers and PRHC and together we can help reimagine healthcare close to home. It’s wonderful that another community organization like the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is excited to be a part of the collaboration.”

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Peterborough Lakers Drop Home Opener to Defending Mann Cup Champion Six Nations Chiefs

The Peterborough Lakers could not repeat last year’s home opener result and fell to the defending Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs, 11-6, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Christine Liu and the Peterborough Lakers.

Davin Bomberry opened the scoring just 67 seconds in for the Chiefs to record the first goal of the season. Nearly six minutes later, Dylan Hutchinson tied the game for the Lakers. Six Nations went on a four-goal run after the Peterborough score while Chiefs goalie Doug Jamieson clamped things down for a 5-1 first-period score.

The visitors added to their run with a pair of Chris Cloutier goals and the Lakers found themselves in a 7-1 hole. Rob Hellyer scored for the Lakers to try and build momentum for the team but Six Nations responded nearly four minutes later. Peterborough took advantage of some disciplinary issues from the Chiefs and scored two-straight power play goals thanks to Justin Sykes and Hellyer to make it 8-4 going into the final frame.

The Chiefs opened another period with a run, this time with three goals, including a shorthanded and power play score. Carter Page and Matt Gilray scored later for the Lakers, but it was too little too late, and the defending champs left Peterborough with an 11-6 victory to start the season.

The win puts the Chiefs at a 2-0 record after they shut out Owen Sound 12-0 on Monday, with nearly their entire roster in place. The Lakers were shorthanded, missing several regulars due to prior commitments and injury. 

“Unfortunately, it’s May 21st. Our roster is healing from the winter,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers head coach. “They’re going to be here and it’s going to be a lot better.”

The loss put the Lakers at a 0-1 record and they look to rebound against the Brampton Excelsiors, who come to town this Thursday night.

“(We) competed against the best team in Canada,” explained Hasen. “There were a lot of good pieces on the floor here tonight. Scoreboard-wise, we kind of poo-pooed it a little bit but when our group really gets here, we’ll start clicking and you’ll see what these guys are going to do for us.”

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Peterborough Lakers Introduce Shuttle Trolley to Transport Fans to Select Home Games; Starts On Thursday's Home Opener

The Peterborough Lakers have introduced a trolley on select home games this season to transport fans to and from the game, starting with the Home Opener this Thursday against the Six Nations Chiefs.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

Sponsored exclusively on opening night by 180 Hunter Bar & Restaurant, the trolley will pick up fans starting at 6:45 p.m. for transport to the Memorial Centre, with additional pickups leading up to game time.

There is no cost to fans to ride the Trolley.

The Trolley will return fans downtown approximately 15 minutes after the game.

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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Peterborough Lakers Introduce New Fundraising Intermission Activity For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Lakers have introduced ‘Toss For a Cause’ as a new fundraising intermission activity for fans of all ages.  

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The fundraiser partners with local teams and groups to raise money for their organizations. Proceeds from the May 21st home opener will support Kawartha Fury Lacrosse.

Fans can purchase three balls for $5.00 from one of three locations throughout the arena and are encouraged to toss them on the floor at the second intermission. The closest ball to the centre dot wins a prize. 

Balls can be purchased at the Front Lobby, East Lobby or Club Lounge.

The Lakers are looking for teams and groups interested in participating and raising funds for their group. Contact Pete Dalliday petedalliday@gmail.com.

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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Peterborough Lakers' Back-End Locked and Loaded For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Lakers have locked down their defensive core and goaltending for the 2026 season.

Robert Hope has won four Mann Cups for the Peterborough Lakers and is also the head coach for the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Over the last week, a number of veteran defenders have returned for another run at the Mann Cup national championship.

Fourteen-year veteran and captain, Robert Hope, returns this year. A Peterborough native and Jr. A Laker graduate, Hope was named captain in 2017 and has led the team to four Mann Cup championships. 

He is joined by fellow Peterborough natives Dustyn Birkhof and Dylan Hutchison. Assistant captain Matt Gilray also returns for his 10th season.

The Lakers expect sophomore Chris Harland to play a bigger role this season after gaining experience with the Arena Lacrosse League’s Toronto Monarchs.

Brenden Boyle was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and has committed to the team for the season after playing in Nanaimo for the last two summers.

All three Lakers’ goaltenders are back, with Nick Rose and Drew Hutchison returning to the team after the NLL season’s conclusion. The two face off against each other in the NLL Cup championship with Rose’s Toronto Rock taking on Hutchison’s Halifax Thunderbirds in a best-of-three series. 

Curve Lake’s Deacan Knott is between the pipes until their return.

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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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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