Peterborough Bringing Top Youth Hockey to Town As Host of 2016 OMHA Championships

Peterborough has been named the host of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)’s 2026 U16 and U18 AAA Championships on March 13 to 15 at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U16 PETERBOROUGH PETES.

These high-level competitions are significant events leading up to the TELUS Cup, which takes place from April 20 to 26 and is also hosted by Peterborough.

Roughly 300 athletes from 16 teams and hundreds of supporters are expected to be drawn to the community.

“Hockey is woven into the fabric of our community, and events like the OMHA Championships remind us why Peterborough has earned its place among Canada’s great hockey cities,” said Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “These Championships celebrate hockey at its highest level of competition, but also it’s a celebration of our local rinks, our volunteers, and the generations of players who have grown up dreaming of moments like this. We’re thrilled to welcome athletes, families, and fans to Peterborough to share this moment.”

According to the City, Peterborough Tourism has been working closely with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to bring the U16 and U18 AAA championships to the Miskin Law Community Complex. The City says this is the latest sports tourism win for the community, alongside the 2025 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship, the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Championships and the TELUS Cup.

“This weekend will be an unforgettable experience that brings teams and players from across the province in thrilling competition,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “Good luck to all teams this season and see you soon on the Road to #RedHats in Peterborough.”

This tournament is an important milestone for competitive athletes as Peterborough prepares to host the TELUS Cup. The OMHA U18 AAA champion advances to the Ontario Hockey Federation Tournament, and the winner there earns a spot at the TELUS Cup. U16 AAA champions move on to the OHL Cup.

The TELUS Cup will take place April 20-26, 2026, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and will see six elite men’s U18 teams from across Canada, including the host Peterborough Minor Petes, making their national championship debut, to compete for the national title.

As the countdown to a spring filled with hockey highlights, the community will be rallying behind the hometown Peterborough Petes and other hockey players while preparing to welcome visitors from across Canada to explore the city.

For updates on tournament schedules, ticket sales, and volunteer opportunities, visit HelloPeterborough.ca or follow Peterborough Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

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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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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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Undefeated U11 AA Peterborough Petes Crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association Champions

The U11 AA Peterborough Minor Petes are bringing home the hardware as they were crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) champions at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Chad Buchner.

The team opened the three-day tournament with two victories over the Glancaster Bombers and Barrie Colts, shutting them out 2-0 in both games.

The Petes only had one game on Saturday against the Upper York Admirals to a 4-4 tie. The draw clinched the top seed for Peterborough in Group A with five points and qualified for the playoffs.

In the semi-final matchup, they drew the second-seeded Centre Wellington Fusion from Group B. It was a close battle but the Petes broke the tie with 59 seconds left in regulation to win the game 3-2 and advance to the championship.

The team had their toughest matchup in the finals. They were pitted against the undefeated Clarington Toros, who won Group B with a perfect 3-0 record. Peterborough rung off two goals later in the first period to go up 2-0. With 8:34 left in the second, they added extra insurance with a power play goal for a 3-0 lead. The Petes coughed up an early goal in the third but hung on for the 3-1 win and OMHA championship.

“I’m still at a loss for words,” explained Chad Buchner, U11 AA Petes coach. “There’s nothing better than watching someone realize they can do something—that their goals aren’t just dreams, but something real, something achievable. And there’s nothing more powerful than watching a group of kids come together to shift their mindset, to turn belief into reality.”

The Petes ended with an overall record of 4-0-1 as the last remaining undefeated team in the tournament.

“It was about the culture we built—the countless hours given by coaches, team staff, grandparents, and families who poured their hearts into something bigger than hockey,” said Buchner. “It was about respect, kindness, philanthropy and a group of young athletes who didn’t just play for each other, but because of each other.”

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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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U15 AAA Peterborough Petes Capture Hamilton Steel Classic Championship In Undefeated Run

The U15 AAA Peterborough Petes went undefeated to capture the 32nd-annual Hamilton Steel Classic Championship at the Chedoke Twin Pad Arena in Hamilton on Sunday.

(Left to right) Front row: Tyson Hawley, Blake Brioux, Taytem Adams, Cole Roberts, Matty Colling, Landen white and Liam Williams, 

Back row: Brock Davis, Kevin Sparling, Lynn Todd, Cooper poskin, Taymon browne, Kalum Phillips, Hannu Packalen, Gage cooper Bailey, Lucas McIntyre, Prestin Allen, Colton Adams, Kotter Grove, Joey Gusso, Reid Cameron, Joe hawley and Dan Robertson. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Minor Petes.

The three-day tournament saw the Petes begin the qualifying rounds, beating the Waterloo Wolves 4-2 and 6-1 over the Soo Jr. Greyhounds. On Saturday, they played two more qualifiers, defeating Sun County Panthers 4-1 and North York Rangers, 5-2.

On Sunday. the Petes had a rematch against the Panthers in the quarterfinals. Peterborough had some late-game heroics as Peterborough was down 2-0 late in the third. They scored with 2:04 left in regulation to cut the deficit to one. In a last gasp, the Petes scored with 2.7 seconds left to send the game to overtime. Colton Adams was the hero for Peterborough with a walk-off goal with 91 seconds left on the clock to advance to the semifinals.,

In the next game, Peterborough defeated the host Hamilton Steel team 2-1, with Kalum Phillips scoring the game-winning goal to advance to the finals.

The finals were a battle of the undefeated as Peterborough faced the North Central Predators. The game came down to a shootout after a 1-1 score and saw Petes’s Blake Brioux score the eventual winner to seal the championship. Landon White was named the game MVP for the Petes.

After two and a half months, the U15 Petes have a 31-4-1 record including pre-season, league play, and two tournament titles.

The U15 Petes host the Ajax-Pickering Raiders at the Healthy Planet Arena at the Sign-a-Fied Pad. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

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Peterborough U15 AAA Petes Undefeated to Capture BP Icefest Championship

The Peterborough Jesse’s Tap and Grill U15 AAA Petes reached the top of the mountain to become BP Icefest champions, defeating the Kitchener Jr. Rangers in overtime, 1-0, to cap off an undefeated run on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Minor Petes.

Their journey to the top started with routing Timmins 6-0 on Thursday.

In a close game, the Petes edged out the same Kitchener team 2-1 in overtime followed by a 5-0 win over Cambridge.

On Saturday, the Petes knocked off the Buffalo Regals 5-2 to advance to the quarterfinals.

They faced off against Burlington and shut them out 4-0.

The Petes got the Grey Bruce Highlanders in the semifinals and posted another shutout, winning 1-0 over Grey Bruce on Sunday morning.

With little rest, the Petes capped off their undefeated tournament with a win over Kitchener, earning their fifth shutout of BP Icefest.

Goaltenders Landen White and Matty Colling were outstanding all weekend.

Rostered players were Prestin Allen, Blake Brioux, Tyson Hawley, Taymon Browne, Liam Williams, Kotter Grove, Reid Cameron, Lucas McIntyre, Cole Roberts, Cooper Poskin, Hannu Packalen, Colton Adams, Kalum Phillips, Gage Cooper-Bailey, Joe Gusso, Taytem Adams. Landen White and Matty Colling were the goalie tandem that helped Peterborough with five combined shutouts.

Head coach Joe Hawley led the team which was backed by assistant coaches Rob Baker, Dan Robertson, Brock Davis and Kevin Sparling. Trainer Lynn Todd and manager Ben Adams were also part of the winning Petes team.

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Flint Firebirds Sign AAA U16 Peterborough Pete to Standard Player Agreement

The Flint Firebirds have signed AAA U16 Peterborough Pete Ryland Cunningham to a standard player agreement.

Cunningham becomes the third player drafted by the Firebirds in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection to commit to the team, joining first-round pick Cole Zurawski and third-round pick Gage Brandon. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Hockey League.

“Playing in the OHL has always been a dream of mine so I’m super pumped to finally make that dream come true,” said Cunningham.

The 2024 second-round pick was taken 41st overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

The Coubourg native played for the Peterborough Petes AAA program for the past three years. In the 2023-24 season, he played 35 games for 17 goals and 20 assists. He scored three times in six games at the OHL Cup.

“Ryland is a great combination of speed and skill that plays with a feisty edge,” said Mike Oliverio, FIrebirds head scout. “He is a player we feel plays with a high IQ and a lot of pace. Ryland plays in the hard areas and drives the net with or without the puck. He was relied on heavily for his offense down the stretch and playoff run for his Peterborough team.”

“I have heard nothing but great things about the Firebirds,” said Cunningham. “I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team.”

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History Repeats Itself As Peterborough U16 AAA Petes Get Eliminated In OHL Cup Semifinals For a Second Consecutive Year

For the second straight year, the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes were eliminated in the semifinals of the OHL Cup by the same opponent, the Vaughan Kings, in a 3-0 loss at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto on Thursday night.

The Petes lost to the Vaughan Kings in last year’s OHL Cup, 4-2, on April Fools Day. pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough U16 AAA Petes.

It was a battle of the undefeated as both teams boasted a 5-0 record heading into the semifinal. The winner would take on the Oakville Rangers, who narrowly defeated the North York Rangers, 6-5, earlier that day.

Peterborough struggled to muster any offense in the first period as they registered three shots on net. The Kings had 13 shots, one of which was courtesy of Cole Emerton. With just over four minutes left in the stanza, the Petes turned the puck over in the defensive zone; Emerton intercepted the pass and was uncontested in his shot to make it 1-0 Kings.

Vaughan extended their lead with a one-timer at point-blank range from Caleb Malhotra, was seemingly stopped by Petes Morgan Hyndman but the puck was sitting at the line. Peterborough tried to clear the puck but the referee deemed the puck had crossed and it was 2-0, Kings over Petes.

Things would not improve for the Petes as one of their top prospects, Colin Fitzgerald, took a tripping penalty, putting the Kings on the powerplay. It only took 10 seconds for Vaughan to capitalize, as Alessandro Di Iorio took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle and ripped it through traffic for a 3-0 lead.

It was all or nothing for the Petes in the period to try and erase a three-goal deficit. Fitzgerald had an opportunity to get Peterborough on the board with a breakaway. He tried the five-hold of Kings goaltender Justin Young but he closed the door on any chance of a comeback and made the save. The Petes outshot the Kings for the first time in any period with 6-4 but none found the back of the net. Peterborough was eliminated from the OHL Cup by a 3-0 score.

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U10 AAA Peterborough Petes Spread Holiday Cheer By Giving Gifts To Young Patients at PRHC

The U10 AAA Peterborough Petes were in the giving spirit as the team gave presents to children treated at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Chad cavanaugh.

There were 17 Petes who participated in the event along with their families and coaches to spread holiday cheer to the PRHC. The team collaborated with the health centre a week ago to arrange a day for all the children to meet for the gift exchange.

Each Pete was given a gift request from the children at the PRHC. The team fulfilled those wishlists and returned with nine presents for the hospitalized children.

“It was a good learning curve for the U10s to give back and that’s what we wanted to teach them,” said Chad Cavanaugh, U10 Petes head coach. “We wanted to do something for the community and the kids wanted to give back.”

This act of generosity was a feeling of moral obligation that Cavanaugh wanted to instill in his players. That there is more to life than just hockey and giving back was vital, regardless of status.

“I think it’s good for kids to learn lessons outside of hockey and help kids that they may not have the skills or health that they have,” he explained.

The team participated in an exhibition of parents versus kids hockey on the same night.

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