Peterborough Liftlock Hockey Tournament Legacy Lives On with PRHC Donation

By Scott Arnold

Although the Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament has come to an end after a remarkable 66-year run, its legacy will continue through a donation supporting the region's youngest patients.

Longtime tournament volunteers recently stopped by PRHC Foundation to present a very generous gift of $15,000 in support of PRHC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the hospital's tiniest patients (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

Longtime tournament volunteers recently presented the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation with a $15,000 donation in support of the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament brought together young athletes, families, volunteers and the community for nearly seven decades before concluding its historic run.

The PRHC Foundation thanked everyone who helped make the tournament a long-standing community tradition, noting that its impact now extends beyond the rink by helping support exceptional care for newborns and their families at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

While the tournament may be over, its legacy will continue to make a difference in the community for years to come.

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

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Former Pete Ryan Ramsay Named Cobourg Cougars President and General Manager

By Scott Arnold

Former Peterborough Petes forward Ryan Ramsay is taking on a new leadership role after being named President and General Manager of the Cobourg Cougars.

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada later this year at the u17 world challenge in oakville (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via david pickering)

The Cobourg Cougars announced Ramsay's appointment this week as the team continues preparations for its first season following the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg.

Ramsay brings plenty of junior hockey experience to the role. He spent the past seven seasons as General Manager and Head Coach of the Haliburton County Huskies and the Whitby Fury. During his time with the Huskies, the club reached the playoffs every season.

Before moving into coaching and management, Ramsay enjoyed a lengthy playing career. After signing with the St. Louis Blues as an undrafted free agent in 2004, he went on to play in the American Hockey League, ECHL and spent seven seasons in Germany's top professional league, the DEL.

Peterborough hockey fans will also remember Ramsay from his time with the Petes. He played 99 games for the maroon and white between 1999 and 2001, recording 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points. More recently, he returned to the organization as a Development Coach during the 2025-26 season.

The announcement comes as the new-look Cobourg Cougars prepare for their inaugural season after the OJHL approved the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg. As part of the move, the incoming ownership group assumed the historic Cobourg Cougars name and identity while taking over operations at the Cobourg Community Centre.

Ramsay will now lead the Cougars into the next chapter of the franchise as it begins its first season under the familiar Cobourg name.

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

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Peterborough Petes Forward Named to USA Hockey's 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp roster

Peterborough Petes forward Gerry DiCunzolo has been named to USA Hockey's 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp roster.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Selection Camp runs from July 23 to 27 at the TRIA Rink in Saint Paul, Minn. Those chosen from the Hlinka Camp will play for the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Men's Select Team during the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup from Aug. 3 to 8 in Edmonton.

The 17-year-old DiCunzolo has appeared in 39 games with the Petes, with five goals and four assists for nine points.

The Buffalo native was chosen by Peterborough in the third round (61st overall) of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection from Shattuck-St. Mary's School. He stood out with the United States during last summer's U17 Four Nations Tournament, earning eight points in four games.

He joins Mason Courville (Flint Firebirds), Sawyer Schmidt (Saginaw Spirit) and Nolan Snyder (Kingston Frontenacs) as the only four invitees from the Ontario Hockey League.

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Peterborough Petes' Alex Darling Named to Hockey Canada Staff

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada at this year's National Under-17 Development Camp and the 2026 U17 World Challenge.

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada later this year at the u17 world challenge in oakville (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via david pickering)

Hockey Canada announced Thursday that Darling has been named video coach for Team White, one of two Canadian teams that will compete at the 2026 U17 World Challenge, taking place Nov. 1 to 7 in Oakville.

Before the tournament, Darling will also serve on Team White's staff at Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp, which runs July 17 to 21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville. The camp will bring together many of the country's top under-17 players for practices and exhibition games before final evaluations are made ahead of the tournament.

Darling has been with the Peterborough Petes organization since 2021, first joining as a sales and service intern before moving into an administration and community engagement internship the following year.

He was promoted to Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager before the 2023-24 season after serving as the team's video coordinator. Darling was also part of the Petes coaching staff during the club's 2023 Ontario Hockey League championship run.

A graduate of Brock University's Sport Management program, Darling has continued to take on a larger role with the Petes organization, and his selection by Hockey Canada marks another milestone in his coaching career.

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

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Peterborough Native Evan Fitzgerald Signs With Defending Memorial Cup Champion Kitchener Rangers

By Scott Arnold

Another young Peterborough hockey player is taking the next step in his career, with forward Evan Fitzgerald officially signing an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Kitchener Rangers.

peterborough native evan fitzgerald was all smiles after being drafted by the defending memorial cup kitchener rangers at the ohl priority selection last month (photo via instagram @ohlrangers)

The 15-year-old was selected by defending Memorial Cup Champions in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection after a strong season with the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program.

Fitzgerald recorded 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points in 32 regular-season games before adding five points, including two goals, in four OHL Cup games.

The signing continues a family tradition in the OHL. Evan's older brother, Colin Fitzgerald, is a member of the Soo Greyhounds and was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2026 NHL Draft. Colin is also familiar to Peterborough hockey fans after being chosen third overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

Their father, Rob Fitzgerald, also played in the OHL, suiting up for the Owen Sound Platers and Belleville Bulls during his junior career.

Kitchener General Manager Mike McKenzie described Fitzgerald as a tenacious, hard-to-play-against forward who creates offence by winning battles and competing in the hard areas of the ice, adding that the Rangers believe his style of play will translate well to the OHL.

Signing the agreement marks another milestone for Fitzgerald as he prepares to attend the Rangers' training camp and begin the next chapter of his hockey career.

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

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Peterborough Petes Sign Fenelon Falls Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed 2007-born forward and Fenelon Falls native James McMurray to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Emily Simonetta and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s a dream come true to join the Petes, the team I grew up watching,” exclaimed McMurray. “I can’t wait to get the season started.”

McMurray has spent the last two years in Sheffield, Mass., playing for Berkshire School in the New England Prep School Athletic Council. He totalled 78 points in 65 games. A product of the Central Ontario Wolves organization, McMurray played for the Peterborough Petes U18s in 2023-24, leading the team in points with 47 in 34 games. That same season, he played in three games for the Lindsay Muskies of the OJHL, registering one assist.

“James is a player we've been tracking since his days with the Central Ontario Wolves,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We got to know him well during his time with the U18 Petes and when he attended our Development Camp in 2024. He’s a skilled forward who competes hard every shift and is coming off two strong seasons at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.”

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Peterborough Petes Release 2026 Preseason Schedule

The Peterborough Petes have four games scheduled for the 2026 preseason, with two home and two road games, starting on Aug. 28.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough takes on the Guelph Storm and Ottawa 67’s on the road while hosting the Sarnia Sting and Niagara IceDogs.

The Petes full preseason schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Aug. 28 @ Guelph Storm - 7:00 p.m. - Sleeman Centre

• Thursday, Sept. 3 vs Sarnia Sting - 7:00 p.m. - Peterborough Memorial Centre

• Saturday, Sept. 5 @ Ottawa 67’s - 4:00 p.m. - Bert Hall Arena - Arnprior, ON

• Saturday, Sept. 12 vs Niagara IceDogs - Time TBD - Miskin Law Community Complex

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes have four games scheduled for the 2026 preseason, with two home and two road games, starting on Aug. 28. #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughpetes ♬ Winning - ROKKA

Ticket details for the Petes’ home games will be released at a later date.

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Petes Sign Goaltender Owen Nelson After Strong Showing at Development Camp

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have added another piece to their future, signing American goaltender Owen Nelson to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

peterborough petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke announced today that the team has signed goaltender owen nelson (photo courtesy of peterborough petes)

The 2007-born netminder earned the opportunity after attending the Petes' Development Camp as a free-agent invitee.

A native of Hudson, Wisconsin, Nelson spent last season with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, appearing in 26 games while posting a 2.92 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He also appeared in one playoff game, recording a 1.61 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage.

Nelson also suited up for Cretin-Derham Hall in Minnesota during the 2024-25 high school season, where he earned 20 wins while finishing with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

"I'm very excited and honoured to sign with the Peterborough Petes," Nelson said. "I can't wait to get to Peterborough and get the chance to play for one of the most storied franchises in junior hockey and in front of an awesome fan base."

Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke said Nelson made a strong impression during development camp, both on and off the ice.

Oke described the 6-foot-4 goaltender as a big, athletic player who moves well and is coming off a solid season in the USHL, adding the organization is excited to welcome him to Peterborough.

Nelson becomes the latest addition to the Petes as the club continues preparing for the 2026-27 OHL season.

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

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Levac Selected 108th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Detroit Red Wings

It was an 18th birthday to remember for Peterborough Petes forward Adam Levac, as the Detroit Red Wings selected him 108th overall in round four at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Levac becomes the second Pete to be drafted in the 2026 NHL Draft, with Adam Novotny being taken 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night.

“It’s an honour and a dream come true to be selected in the NHL Draft by the Red Wings,” exclaimed Levac. “This is a great birthday gift and I’m excited to be able to enjoy it with all of my family.”

The Levac family celebrating Adam’s 18th birthday during his draft party. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Embrun, Ont. native was originally selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s. In two seasons with the Petes, Levac has played in 117 games, scoring 17 goals and 32 assists for 54 points. This past season, Levac put up 44 points in 60 games. He also finished second on the team in scoring during the playoffs, recording four points in six games.

“On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, I’d like to congratulate Adam on this amazing accomplishment,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “This is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, dedication, and character shown by Adam throughout his time in Peterborough. I’d also like to congratulate Adam’s family and recognize our coaches and staff for the role they played in helping him reach this milestone.”

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Novotný Selected 24th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Vancouver Canucks

Peterborough Petes forward Adam Novotný finally had his name called when the Vancouver Canucks selected him 24th overall at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

Hailing from Kobylice, Czechia, he was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He was the first Czech player taken in this year's draft and the first Pete.

Since 2002, he has been one of four Petes to record 30+ goals and 65+ points in a draft-eligible season, joining Nick Ritchie (2013-2014), Matt Puempel (2010-11) and Eric Staal (2002-03).

This past season with Peterborough, he scored 34 goals, the second-best behind Kieron Walton. He was fourth on the team with 31 assists and second with 65 points in 58 games. He tallied one assist in six playoff games.

Two seasons ago, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points.

He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023-24, Novotný played in 48 games for Mountfield HK U20, scoring 32 goals and adding 27 assists for 59 points. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga with Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score in the league at 15.

Novotný has also represented his home country of Czechia on the international stage at multiple levels. Two seasons ago, he featured in seven games for Czechia at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, scoring once and helping his team win a bronze medal. He also represented his country at the 2025 U18 World Championships in Texas, scoring twice and adding four assists for six points in five games. 

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