Former Petes Star Jason Dawe Was in Manhattan When 9/11 Changed Everything

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By Scott Arnold

Twenty-five years later, the former Peterborough Petes star still gets chills thinking about what he witnessed in New York City that morning.

Twenty-five years later, the former Peterborough Petes star still gets chills thinking about what he witnessed in New York City that morning.

Jason Dawe during his time with the Peterborough Petes (photo courtesy of the ontario hockey league)

For Jason Dawe, September 11th, 2001, wasn't something he watched unfold from a television screen.

He was in Manhattan.

Dawe, who played for the Peterborough Petes from 1989 to 1993 and helped the team win an OHL championship in 1993, was in New York as part of the Rangers organization when the terrorist attacks happened.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11th, Dawe shared his memories of that morning on Facebook, offering a glimpse into what it was like to experience the events from inside New York City.

He was at Madison Square Garden for New York Rangers training camp when, according to Dawe, he watched the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

At that moment, Dawe says, there was no way of knowing what was happening or what was still to come.

Then another plane hit.

The events of the morning continued to unfold, and what initially seemed impossible became a terrifying reality for those watching from Manhattan.

Dawe remembers the moment the towers came down especially vividly.

Madison Square Garden, several kilometres from the World Trade Center, felt like it had been hit by a massive earthquake.

His hotel room was at 34th Street and Lexington Avenue, giving him a view toward the Hudson River and the area around Ground Zero.

He was suddenly witnessing one of the most devastating days in American history from the heart of New York City.

Twenty-five years later, the memories haven't faded.

Dawe described September 11th as the craziest day of his life and said he still gets chills thinking about what happened.

For Peterborough, Dawe is best remembered as one of the greatest offensive players in Petes history.

He remains the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 169 goals and ranks second in career points with 337. After his time in Peterborough, Dawe was selected in the second round of the NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and went on to play in the NHL with Buffalo, the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens before joining the New York Rangers organization.

But on September 11th, 2001, none of that mattered.

He was simply a hockey player in New York who found himself watching history unfold from inside the city.

And 25 years later, he still remembers exactly what it felt like.

We remember September 11th, 2001, through the stories of the people who were there, and Dawe's is one that brings that day a little closer to home.


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

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Peterborough’s Porter Martone Takes His Talents to the Major League Baseball … to Throw Out the First Pitch for the Phillies

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By Scott Arnold

Porter Martone hasn't played his first full NHL season yet, but he's already getting a pretty good idea of what it's like to be part of Philadelphia's sports scene.

peterborough native porter martone got to throw out the first pitch on the thursday night as the philadelphia phillies hosting the houston astros in mlb action (photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

The Peterborough native and 6th overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers threw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday, September 10th, as the Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park.

Martone, wearing a powder blue Phillies jersey, got a big ovation from the Philadelphia crowd before taking the mound and delivering the pitch to the Phillie Phanatic.

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

The 19-year-old also joined the Phillies broadcast during the game, getting a chance to take in another side of the city's passionate sports culture.

It's another pretty cool stop in what's been a whirlwind year for Martone, who went from his freshman season at Michigan State to making his NHL debut with the Flyers, playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and representing Canada at the IIHF World Championship.

Now, with his first full NHL season just around the corner, Martone is getting a taste of what it means to be a Philadelphia sports star.


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

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Adam Levac’s Birthday to Remember

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By Scott Arnold

For Adam Levac, turning 18 came with a birthday celebration he won’t soon forget, as the Peterborough Petes forward watched one of the biggest moments of his young hockey career unfold surrounded by his family.

For Adam Levac, turning 18 came with a birthday celebration he won’t soon forget, as the Peterborough Petes forward watched one of the biggest moments of his young hockey career unfold surrounded by his family.

Adam Novotný was back in Peterborough briefly after a busy summer that has seen him selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft. (photo by scott arnold)

The Peterborough Petes centre was celebrating with his family at a cottage on June 27th when the Detroit Red Wings selected him 108th overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

It was the latest milestone in a breakout second season with the Petes, where Levac went from 10 points as a rookie to 44 points in 60 games, scoring 16 goals and adding 28 assists.

After a summer that included plenty of training and skating, Levac is heading into his third OHL season with a different role on the Petes.

With several younger players joining the team, he is now one of the veterans who can help show them the way.

“I just got to lead by example, welcome all the new guys and be a good teammate and a good leader for this team.”

On the ice, Levac has his own areas he wants to continue working on, including getting more shots on net and playing with confidence.

“I think just shooting the puck a bit more, playing hard now, it’s going to be my third year in the league. So just keep improving, keep playing with confidence and yeah, it should be a good year.”

And while Levac knows there is still plenty of work to do, there is a genuine belief inside the Petes dressing room that this group can make some noise this season.

“Yeah, it’s very exciting. I think we all feel it. We feel in the dressing room with the group of guys we have, coaching staff we have and the management. I think we have a good chance this year.”

Levac’s third season will bring a bigger role, a new group of teammates and a little extra attention after hearing his name called by the Red Wings on his birthday.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.


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

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Porter Martone Pulls Back Curtain on His Peterborough Training Routine Ahead of Rookie NHL Season With Flyers

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By Scott Arnold

Peterborough native Porter Martone was putting in the work at home this summer as he prepares for his first full NHL season with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Peterborough native Porter Martone is putting in the work at home this summer as he prepares for his first full NHL season with the Philadelphia Flyers.

peterborough native porter martone showed off his summer workout routine in a new tiktok video, which included several familiar local spots around the city (screenshot from video)

The 6th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft recently gave fans a look at what his summer training routine looks like in a TikTok video he created that was shared by the NHL.

And for Martone, getting ready for the NHL means getting plenty of work in right here at home.

His routine includes running the stairs at the Peterborough Lift Lock, workouts at Hybrid Fitness, and plenty of time on the ice at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

Martone also gets some help from a familiar face. His father, former Peterborough Petes captain Mike Martone, joins him on the ice to run drills and work with his son.

The younger Martone has already had a taste of NHL hockey. After his freshman season at Michigan State, he joined the Flyers for the final nine regular-season games and recorded four goals and six points before adding two goals and three assists in 10 playoff games.

Now, with his rookie NHL season on the horizon, he was back in Peterborough putting in the work.

And judging by the video, he made the most of being home while he could, with golf, boating, fishing and time with family and friends filling out the rest of his summer.

@portermartone94

Training camp 🔜

♬ original sound - Porter Martone


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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Adam Novotný Is Just Getting Started

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By Scott Arnold

The 18-year-old Peterborough Petes forward has spent much of the summer travelling between Peterborough, Vancouver and Czechia, preparing for the NHL Draft, attending the NHL Combine and eventually hearing his name called in the first round.

The 18-year-old Peterborough Petes forward spent much of the summer travelling between Czechia, Peterborough and Vancouver, preparing for the NHL Draft, attending the NHL Combine and eventually hearing his name called in the first round.

Adam Novotný was back in Peterborough briefly after a busy summer that has seen him selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft. (photo by scott arnold)

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Adam Novotný.

The Vancouver Canucks selected Novotný 24th overall in June, adding another major milestone to what has already been an impressive start to his North American career.

Now, he’s back in Peterborough briefly before heading west once again, this time for Vancouver’s rookie showcase and training camp.

“It feels unbelievable,” Novotný said of returning to the Memorial Centre. “It felt like I never left for the summer.”

That familiarity could be important for a player looking to take another step forward after a strong first season in Peterborough.

Novotný finished last season second on the Petes in both goals and points, scoring 34 goals and adding 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games. Only Kieran Walton, who had 40 goals and 88 points, finished ahead of him in both categories.

But despite the offensive numbers, Novotný isn’t satisfied.

After spending time at Vancouver’s development camp this summer, one of Novotný’s priorities is becoming more composed when he gets his chances.

“Obviously finishing a little bit more, be a little bit more calm in finishing maybe.”

That’s part of a bigger goal for Novotný, who wants to continue developing every aspect of his game.

“I just wanted to work on everything basically to just get better as an overall player.”

His summer experience in Vancouver also gave him a taste of what it takes to reach the next level. Being around NHL coaches, Novotný said, reinforced the importance of professionalism and provided lessons he can bring back to Peterborough.

Now, there’s another opportunity waiting for him in Vancouver.

For the rookie showcase, Novotný said he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice and competing for an opportunity.

“I’m just trying to get prepared for that now,” he said. “It’s super exciting to get there and do my best and fight for a spot.

A first-round selection was one highlight of Novotný’s summer. Now he gets another chance to show Vancouver what he can do.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.


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

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

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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.

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers trail the Six Nations Stealth 2-1 in the best-of-five Meredith Cup Final heading into a must-win Game 4 on Friday night at Healthy Planet Arena. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers, via Christine Liu)

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

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Scores Twice In First Period In NHL Debut

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It was a night to remember for former Peterborough Pete Avery Hayes, who scored twice in the first period of his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Thursday night.

Hayes is the third player in penguins history to score multiple times in his NHL debut, joining Jake Guentzel (2G on Nov. 21, 2016) and Rob Brown (2G on Oct. 21, 1987). Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Hayes’s first goal came at 9:18 of the opening period. Penguins defenceman Ilya Solovyov cleared the puck after a faceoff which lead to Hayes blowing by the defence and winning the race to the loose puck for a breakaway. He snapped it past Sabers goaltender Alex Lyon to score his first NHL goal on his first shot of the night.

Hayes was not done making a statement as Penguins defenceman Parker Wotherspoon held the line and dumped the puck into the Sabres' zone. Penguins forward Anthony Mantha gave a one-touch pass to the slot for Hayes and the latter snapped it home for his second goal of the period to give the Penguins a 2-1 lead. Pittsburgh eventually defeated the Sabres 5-2.

“Honestly, I can't say much right now. I kind of blacked out but it was a big goal for the team which is most important,” said Hayes about his first goal.

Hayes is a two-time OHL Champion with the then Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and the Peterborough Petes in 2023. He was traded to the Petes from Hamilton on Jan. 7, 2023. He scored 16 goals and 20 assists in 32 regular-season games for the Petes. The Westland, Mich.-born forward tacked on another 12 goals and seven assists in 22 playoff games, en route to a championship with Peterborough.

Hayes went undrafted in the NHL. He signed a two-year deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. He accepted a contract as a free agent with Pittsburgh on March 13.

On the day after his NHL debut, he was reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

@ptbo_canada #duet with @Pittsburgh Penguins #NHL What a debut for former @Peterborough Petes, Avery Hayes! #ptbocanada #journalism #news ♬ original sound - Pittsburgh Penguins

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Photos: Peterborough Petes Alumnus Chris Pronger Holds Whiskey Bottle Signing At Local LCBO

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It was a spirited homecoming for Peterborough Petes Alumnus and Stanley Cup champion Chris Pronger as he held a bottle signing of his whiskey brand ‘JRNY’ at the LCBO on Lansdowne Street and Goodfellow Road on Thursday afternoon.

Roughly 20 people were lined up outside the LCBO prior to his bottle signing and several more joined in throughout the two-hour timeframe to get autographs including on their respective hockey apparel and photographs.

The whiskey was created alongside his brother and former NHLer Sean Pronger who was also present during the bottle signing.

Chris played for two seasons with the Petes from 1991 to 1993. The Hart Memorial Trophy-winning defenceman scored 32 goals and 107 assists in two seasons with the Petes.

Chris is performing the ceremonial puck drop for the Peterborough Petes game as they host the rival Oshawa Generals on the same night.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Brennan Othmann Has Memorable NHL Debut With the New York Rangers

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It was a birthday that Peterborough Petes alumnus and OHL champion Brennan Othmann will not forget in his NHL debut with the New York Rangers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason to help the team win an OHL Championship. Photo by David Tuan Bui

During warmups, Othmann got a solo lap around the Rangers’s side of the ice and got a few shots in before the rest of the team joined him. The game was on the eve of his 21st birthday.

The Rangers defeated the visiting Blackhawks 4-1. While Othmann did not register a point, the Pickering native had five shots on net, three hits and one blocked shot for 12:26 time on ice. It was the most shots on goal by a debuting Rangers player since Mario Marois had seven in 1977.

“I just wanted to have fun and just play my game, I think,” said Othmann. “My game is physicality and shooting and just kind of bringing a presence on the ice.”

Othmann had a few shifts on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider when Blake Wheeler had a five-minute fighting major penalty.

After the game, Rangers forward Artemi Panarin gave Othmann a hat and had him give a speech. The former Pete had few words but drew applause from his teammates.

“Thanks for the welcome, boys. Good two points, see you on the plane,” said Othmann.

The Rangers are likely to continue using Othmann as the team has several injuries such as Tyler Pitlick (lower body) is week-to-week while Kaapo Kakko (lower body) and Filip Chytil (upper body) are on injured reserve.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Brennan Othmann to Make NHL Debut With New York Rangers Thursday Night

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Peterborough Petes alumnus and OHL champion Brennan Othmann is making his NHL debut with the New York Rangers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason to help the team win an OHL Championship. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The Pete alumnus is being placed on the third line with Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. The two were on his line in Hartford before he was recalled to New York on Nov. 28.

Othmann replacing Tyler Pitlick who is out week to week with a lower-body injury.

He was acquired from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, 2022. The Petes traded Artem Guryev, Peterborough’s third-round priority selections in 2023 and 2026 and Hamilton’s second-round selection in 2024 for Othmann.

The Scarborough native, in 40 regular-season games, scored 18 goals and 25 assists with the Petes. Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason.

The New York Rangers drafted him in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 16th overall. In 28 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, he recorded nine goals (tied for seventh in the league) and 14 assists this season before getting called up. His goal and assist totals are tied for seventh and eighth among rookies league-wide, respectively.

Othmann is a two-time IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal winner with Team Canada back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 with the latter as a Peterborough Pete.

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