TELUS Cup Ticket Packages Go On Sale On Tuesday

The City of Peterborough is releasing the TELUS Cup ticket package starting this Tuesday, which includes one ticket for each of the tournament’s 19 games.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Early Bird pricing packages are $130 to attend every game. Ticket package prices will increase once single ticket sales begin in early 2026. The TELUS Cup will take place from April 20 to 26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.  

Fans who buy ticket packages early will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a prize package.  

Prize packages include:  

• One camper spot to Canadian Hockey Enterprise Christmas Camp at the Miskin Law Community Complex on December 29, 30 and 31, for ticket packages purchased before Dec. 19 

• Two tickets to the OHL Top Prospects Game on January 14, for ticket packages purchased before Jan.9 

• Petes Prize Pack, for ticket packages purchased before Jan. 30 

• Two tickets to The Offspring on Feb. 17, for ticket packages purchased before Feb. 13 

• Two tickets to the Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on March 17, for ticket packages purchased before Feb. 27 

School packages are available for educators. Tickets for school packages are $5 per seat, per game.  Educators can contact the Memorial Centre box office at 705-745-3561 or email MemCentre@peterborough.ca for more information on school packages.

The TELUS Cup is bringing some of the nation’s top U18 players to Peterborough for six days of fast-paced, high-calibre hockey, showcasing the next generation of Canada's hockey talent.  

The U18 AAA Peterborough Junior Petes will be among the six teams competing for the national title, making their national championship debut on home ice. 

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Peterborough Hockey Association to Continue Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament In 2027

A cherished tradition will continue after all, as the Peterborough Hockey Association (PHA) will host the Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament for 2027, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The decision came after close collaboration with the City of Peterborough.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the current and past volunteers and board members of the Liftlock Atom Tournament for their many years of dedication, which have sustained this cherished event,” according to a statement made in a press release.

The original tournament organizers announced that the 66th edition would be the last back in late July due to a lack of volunteers and the shifting landscape of minor hockey.

The past organizers stated that “finding and retaining enough individuals to manage the extensive logistics, from scheduling to arena operations, has become increasingly difficult.”

They also mentioned that “changes within the broader minor hockey landscape may have also contributed to the challenges faced by the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Tournament.”

Eighty-seven alumni participated in the tournament and went on to play in the National Hockey League.

They include:

• Wayne Gretzky - The Great One and was one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers

• Eric Lindros - NHL MVP

• Bob Gainey - Multiple Stanley Cup winner and successful coach

• Corey Perry - Hometown Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks

• Steve Larmer - An ‘iron man’ forward who played 884 consecutive games for the Chicago Blackhawks

• John Vanbiesbrouck - Stanley Cup goaltender and finalist

• Tie Domi - Renowned Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer

• Mickey Redmond - Montréal Canadiens forward and Detroit Red Wings colour commentator

• Cory Stillman - A two-time Stanley Cup champion

• Mike Fisher - An 18-season NHL veteran

“Their connection to this tournament highlights its role in developing young talent, and the legacy we build upon,” PHA stated.

The 2026 edition is being held from Jan. 9-11.

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Canadian Hockey Enterprises to Launch U18 Academy Starting In the 2026-27 Season

Canadian Hockey Enterprises (CHE) has launched the CHE Academy, set to begin in the 2026-27 season at the U18 level, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of CHE.

Fully sanctioned by Hockey Canada, the CHE Academy is based in Peterborough. It provides a developmental opportunity for aspiring young athletes.

The CHE Academy is committed to fostering athletic, academic, and personal growth in a supportive and high-performance environment.

Through strategic partnerships with Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, Hybrid FHP, Miskin Law Community Complex and the City of Peterborough, the CHE Academy is poised to make a meaningful impact both on and off the ice including with the community.

The partnerships and professionals are meant to equip student-athletes to succeed both as athletes and as engaged members of the community.

“The City of Peterborough is proud to support the launch of the CHE Hockey Academy — a program that embodies the values of teamwork, dedication, and community that define our city,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen Peterborough’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence while providing young athletes with the tools to thrive both on and off the ice.”

Canadian Hockey Enterprises was founded in 1987 and has been heavily involved in the hockey community through its camps, tournaments and player development programs.

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Lakefield Junior ‘C’ Chiefs to Honour Long-Time Coach On Opening Night

The Lakefield Graham Carpentry Jr. C Chiefs are honouring former coach, Colin Donaldson, at their home opener on Sept. 16.

Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Graham Carpentry Jr. C Chiefs.

Donaldson coached the Chiefs for 14 seasons across three different stints, from 1983 to 2008. He led the team to five Central Ontario Championships and two Ontario Championships. He also coached the Lakefield Midgets to an Ontario Championship in 1992.

The ceremony will take place before the game's opening faceoff on Sept. 16.

The Chiefs host the Amherstview Jets at 7 p.m.

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The 66th Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament To Be the Finale

A continued Peterborough hockey tradition hits the end of the road as the 66th edition of the Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament will be the last, announced on Tuesday evening.

Last year’s U11A Petes competed in the “Chris Fee Cup”, defeating the U11A Toronto Wolverines. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Formerly known as the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament, the decision came down to two contributing factors: a lack of volunteers and the shifting landscape of minor hockey.

The tournament has relied heavily on local volunteers, but organizers say, “finding and retaining enough individuals to manage the extensive logistics, from scheduling to arena operations, has become increasingly difficult.”

Organizers also state that “changes within the broader minor hockey landscape may have also contributed to the challenges faced by the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Tournament.”

The tournament began during the 1958-59 season as a one-day, eight-team affair for Pee Wee players. Over the years, it adapted to age-grouping changes by the OMHA, eventually settling on the ‘Atom’ (now U11) designation in 1974.

In 1969, a group including Jack Guerin, Lloyd Hardy, Don Dorsett and Howie Eastman proposed an expansion to a two-day, 16-team event, laying the groundwork for its significant growth.

“(It’s) Not just a hockey tournament...It's a community affair,” said organizers. The Liftlock Tournament was one of the largest Atom-level tournaments in North America. Attracting more than 100 teams from across Ontario, Quebec and even the United States, the tournament proceeds went to lower hockey costs for local minor players and assisting numerous local and national charities, as well as capital projects like the Evinrude Centre and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

There are 87 alumni who participated in the tournament and went on to make the National Hockey League.

They include:

• Wayne Gretzky - The Great One and was one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers

• Eric Lindros - NHL MVP

• Bob Gainey - Multiple Stanley Cup winner and successful coach

• Corey Perry - Hometown Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks

• Steve Larmer - An ‘iron man’ forward who played 884 consecutive games for the Chicago Blackhawks

• John Vanbiesbrouck - Stanley Cup goaltender and finalist

• Tie Domi - Renowned Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer

• Mickey Redmond - Montréal Canadiens forward and Detroit Red Wings colour commentator

• Cory Stillman - A two-time Stanley Cup champion

• Mike Fisher - An 18-season NHL veteran

Organizers made a final statement regarding the last edition of the tournament, “While the 2026 edition promises to be a celebratory send-off, it will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for a tournament that has been a cherished tradition and a vital part of Peterborough's identity for over six decades. Its legacy, however, will continue to resonate in the memories of those who played, volunteered, and cheered on the young hockey hopefuls at the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament.”

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Photos: Hockey Benders Hit Lansdowne Place For Meet-and-Greet As Part of Canadian Mall Tour

Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale, also known as “The Hockey Benders,” had fun with fans in a meet-and-greet event at Lansdowne Place as part of their Canadian Summer Mall Tour.

Hockey Benders Cole Lequier (left) and Aiden Dale (right) walk through the large queue of fans waiting to get their photos taken and autographs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The pair are known for their hockey branding and apparel and social media videos.

Fans could have their photos taken with the duo, purchase their merchandise, have their autographs taken and quickly chat with them.

@ptbo_canada The @HockeyBenders hit up Lansdowne Place in a meet-and-greet as part of their “Canadian Summer Tour.” #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #hockeybenders ♬ The Hockey Song - Smithnthompson

Their tour has four Ontario stops including Kingston, Ottawa, Oshawa and Peterborough as the last city of their Eastern leg.

They continue their tour, heading west to Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.

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Peterborough Selected to Host 2026 TELUS Cup National Club Championship

The Electric City has been selected to host the 2026 Telus Cup, Canada’s National Under-18 Men’s Club Championship, announced by Hockey Canada at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday.

Members of Peterborough Minor Petes team and staff, City Council and more with the official logo for the Telus Cup for 2026 in the middle of the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s rink. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Telus Cup runs from April 20 to 26 next year with all games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The event has six elite men’s U18 teams from across the nation battling for the title. The host Peterborough Minor Petes are making their national championship debut in the tournament.

“This is the most exciting hockey moment for our community since we hosted the Memorial Cup in 1996,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “In Peterborough, hockey is more than a game, it is part of our identity. The TELUS Cup is an incredible chance to cheer on the future stars of the sport, showcase our facilities and the home of the legendary Peterborough Petes, and celebrate everything that makes Peterborough an unforgettable destination not only for youth hockey, but also for active family fun.”

The successful bid was led by Peterborough Tourism, the City’s destination marketing program, with the support and partnership of the community including the Ontario Hockey Federation, Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, local tourism business operators and organizations and the Peterborough Petes. The City expects the event to generate more than 1,200 total room nights and over $1 million in economic impact, boosting hotels, restaurants, shops and local attractions during the tournament week.

“Hosting premier hockey events takes a tremendous effort from everyone in the chosen communities,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice president, revenue, fan experience and community impact. “From volunteers, sponsors and the fans, Canadians from coast to coast step up every year to help grow the game of hockey and provide lifelong memories for these athletes.”

(From Left to right) Lucy Christie, 10; Mason Scollard, 12; Cale Christie, 12; Emmett Scollard, 10 and Isaac Cavanagh, 11. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As the oldest continuously operating franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Peterborough Petes have produced over 175 NHL players, including Steve Yzerman, Chris Pronger, Larry Murphy and Bob Gainey. The city has also hosted high-profile events, including the 1996 Memorial Cup and six Mann Cup lacrosse championships between 2004 and 2022.

“Hosting the TELUS Cup is an amazing opportunity for the Peterborough Community and the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “The Men’s U18 National Club Championship has hosted a number of big names over the years, including Petes alumni like Steve Yzerman, Larry Murphy, Luke Richardson, and Slater Koekkoek to name a few. This is also a great opportunity for the Peterborough Petes and the U18 Petes to showcase our partnership on a national stage.”

The 2025 TELUS Cup is being held in Chilliwack, B.C. Dieppe, N.B. was also announced as the host location for the 2026 Esso Cup.

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Hometown PTBO: Peterborough Petes In-Game Host Hannah Elliott of Her Timeline With the Team and Hockey

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Peterborough Petes in-game host Hannah Elliott about her timeline working with the team, interacting with fans and growing up a hockey lover despite not playing the sport.

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U16 and U18 AAA Peterborough Petes Victorious In Opening Games For the Steve Richey Tournament Hockey Championship

The U16 and U18 AAA Peterborough Petes kicked off their Steve Richey Tournament Hockey Championship with tallies in the win columns on Thursday.

U16 PETERBOROUGH PETES AAA centreman Garrett Jones (left) makes a tip-in goal to make it 2-0 against the U16 Markham Majors to kick off the Steve Richey Memorial Tournament of Champions. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The U16 Petes dominated the U16 Markham Majors in a 6-3 win at the Healthy Planet Arena.

Peterborough opened the game with five straight goals as Dean Sheridan, Garrett Jones, Keaton Legacy, Nathan White and Lucas Cavanaugh scored.

Markham scored their first goal in the final minute of the second period.

Peterborough scored once more in the third, thanks to Joseph Gallagher, to make it 6-1. Markham scored twice more, but Peterborough easily hung on for the 6-3 win.

The U16 Petes remained undefeated, defeating the U16 Chatham-Kent Cyclones 2-1 at the Healthy Planet Arena Friday morning for a 2-0 record. They will play a second game on the same day against the U16 Elgin-Middlesex Canucks at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 6:30 p.m.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The U18 Petes won a close game against the U18 New Liskeard Cubs, 2-1, at the Miskin Law Community Complex on Thursday evening.

Rowan Turner opened the Petes early in the first period for a 1-0 lead.

In the second, the Cubs scored on the powerplay to tie it at one for the period’s only score.

Petes captain Cameron Meek broke the tie late in the third with just over five minutes left to make it 2-1. That would be the game-winning goal, and the U18 Petes would have their first win of the tournament.

The U18 team battled the U18 York Simcoe Express to a 2-2 tie at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday morning. The result gave Peterborough a 1-0-1 record.

The Petes will play against the U18 Burlington Eagles at the Peterborough Memorial Center at 8:15 p.m.

The event is a showcase tournament for the AAA-level U16 and U18 players. Several hockey scouts are in attendance for the event. Many players are already OHL prospects, while others may have been overlooked or attempting to make a good impression to potentially be drafted.

Almost 60 teams are competing in the tournament. It runs for four days, from Thursday until Sunday. Semifinals and finals occur on the Sunday.

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Photos: U11 Collingwood Blues Win 'Chris Fee Cup' From Host U11 Peterborough Petes to Kick Off 64th Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament

The Chris Fee Cup goes to the Collingwood Jr. Blues U11A, shutting out the host Peterborough Petes U11A team, 3-0 to open the 65th Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday morning.

All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

The cup is a feature opening game against a visiting team against the host Petes team since 1997.

Will Whiteley, Ellis Cox and Benner Leal scored for Collingwood to shut out the Petes 3-0 to capture the 2025 Chris Fee Cup.

The tournament features 64 teams in seven divisions.

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