Peterborough Petes Draft a Forward and Defenceman In the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection

/

The Peterborough Petes have selected forward Dylan Turcotte and defenceman Cameron Martin in the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Turcotte was taken in the first round, third overall from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18s. The Orleans native was featured in 30 games for the Jr. 67’s this season, leading the HEO U18 league in scoring with 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points.

He added another 15 points in 10 playoff games, leading his team to an HEO Championship and a spot in the 2024 Ontario U18 AAA Championships. In the tournament, Dylan finished tied for third in scoring with 11 points in seven games.

The 6’ forward played in four games for the Ottawa Jr. Canadians (EOJHL) this year, picking up six points, while also appearing in two games with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL.

“Dylan is a power forward with good size who can score,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s a proven winner, leading his team to an HEO Championship this season. We’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at Development Camp in the coming weeks.”

Martin was taken in the second round, 23rd overall. The Minesing-born defenceman stands at 6’3 and played 32 games for the Barrie Colts U18s this season. He scored four goals and adding 13 assists for 17 points. He also played in 13 playoff games, picking up four assists.

“Cameron is a huge defenceman who moves the puck well,” said Oke. “We had an opportunity to watch him a lot this season as he played in Barrie alongside Petes prospect Francis Parish. We were very impressed with his game and are excited to see him on the ice at Development Camp.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

What You Need to Know About the Petes 2024 OHL Priority Selection

/

With a third-overall pick in hand, the Peterborough Petes will begin their quest to draft future young stars in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection that kicks off Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first three rounds will be drafted on Friday at 7 p.m. Rounds 4-15 will occur on Saturday at 9 a.m. The Petes have 15 selections in the draft, two on day one and 13 on day two.

With the Petes drafting third, it is the fifth time Peterborough has attained the spot in franchise history. They have drafted names like Jordan Staal and Matt Spencer at three.

A full list of Peterborough’s selections can be found below:

  • Round 1 (3)

  • Round 2 (32) - From Ottawa

  • Round 5 (85)

  • Round 5 (99) - From Oshawa

  • Round 6 (105)

  • Round 7 (125)

  • Round 8 (145)

  • Round 9 (165)

  • Round 10 (185)

  • Round 11 (205)

  • Round 12 (225)

  • Round 13 (245)

  • Round 14 (265)

  • Round 15 (283) - From Niagara

  • Round 15 (285)

In last year’s OHL Priority Selection, the Petes made 14 selections. They included Bobcaygeon native and 2024 Ushers Trophy winner Carson Cameron, forward Joseph Cadorin and defenceman Liam Ladds.

The following is a last from last year’s selection:

First round, 13th overall: Carson Cameron, D, Central Ontario Wolves

  • Fourth round, 76th overall: Joseph Cadorin, F, Toronto Marlboros

  • Fifth round, 88th overall: Liam Ladds, D, Elgin-Middlesex Canucks

  • Sixth round, 112th overall: Masen Johnston, G, Peterborough Petes

  • Seventh round, 133rd overall: Chase Del Colombo, F, Toronto Nationals

  • Eighth round, 153rd overall: Gavin Lock, F, Detroit Little Caesars

  • Ninth round, 173rd overall: Easton Lynds, F, Mississauga Senators

  • 10th round, 193rd overall: Calum Hartnell, D, Ottawa Jr. Senators

  • 10th round, 196th overall: Thanasi Marentette, D, Toronto Nationals

  • 11th round, 213th overall: Francis Parish, F, Central Ontario Wolves

  • 12th round, 234th overall: Aiden Lee, F, Markham Majors

  • 13th round, 253rd overall: Brody Leet, F, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs

  • 14th round, 273rd overall: Joshua Kaufman, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers

  • 15th round, 293rd overall: Kaiden Thatcher, D, Ajax-Pickering Raiders

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet

/

Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.

More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.

The following awards were presented:

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.

  • Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball

  • Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

  • Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports

  • Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.

  • Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

  • Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award

  • Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

  • Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

  • Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.

  • Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby

  • Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby

  • Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling

  • Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling

  • Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country

  • Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country

  • Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer

  • Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer

  • Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer

  • Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer

  • Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports

  • Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports

  • Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports

  • Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports

  • Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball

  • Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball

  • Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball

  • Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball

  • Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball

  • Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Swim Club to Host 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships

/

Swim Ontario has chosen the Peterborough Swim Club to host the 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships.

The Peterborough Swim Club is the third oldest swim club in Ontario. starting in 1939, this year marks 85 consecutive years that the club has been providing competitive and recreational swimming opportunities in Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The provincial championships are four days long and they are held from June 13 to 16 at the Markham Pan Am Center in Markham, Ontario.

The Championships will host between 600 to 700+ qualified swimmers, representing 65 to 85+ clubs from across Ontario. This event showcases young swimmers aged 13 - 18 as they compete in various categories and events.

There is no 50-meter pool within the Peterborough area to host this provincial meet; the Peterborough Swim Club says they see this as a unique opportunity to showcase its spirit and promote the region of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Peterborough Swim Club is actively seeking local sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor can contact David Jonkers at communications@ptboswimclub.com for more information.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

CMHA HKPR Launches Second-Annual 'Change the Cycle' to Raise $25,000 For Mental Health Initiatives

/

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the second-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 15.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right) after the latter kickstarted the fundraiser with a $7,000 donation. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This year's funds support Youth and Family Mental Health programming.

“By supporting Change the Cycle, you are supporting youth and family mental health services in our region and ensuring that the mental health needs of our youth and caregivers are met," said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Youth and caregiver supports are an important factor in fostering a healthier and more supportive community for all.”

Last year, the funds went to CMHA’s Garden Homes Project, an initiative of their Supportive Housing program. It aims to support vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

“This year we changed our focus and we're focusing more on youth and family mental health care,” said Veitch. “Our goal being $25,000 to support the program, to support youth mental health and family caregiver mental health supports.”

While the event raised $40,000 last year, 2024’s goal is $25,000 which Veitch believes can easily be reached. To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $7,000.

“I've had a lot of friends that really seen the impacts mentally when our whole country went on lockdown,” said Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president. “Seeing that impact literally change them socially, I thought it was important to help out in some way, shape or form. I was presented with this as an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, contact Veitch by emailing him at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

First Career Goal a Game-Winner For Former Peterborough Pete

/

Former Peterborough Pete Akil Thomas’s first NHL goal was the game-winner for the Los Angeles Kings in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center on Thursday night.

Thomas is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic. Twitter Photo of Los Angeles Kings.

It was Thomas’s second game in the NHL with the Kings after making his debut against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night.

His goal came just over halfway through the first period. After winger Adrian Kempe scored for the Kings, Thomas scored 18 seconds later.

He joined teammates Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jordan Spence on the rush as they entered the offensive zone. After Spence left a drop pass for Thomas, the latter used the former and a Sharks defenceman as a screen to snap the puck past Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, making it 2-0 for the Kings.

“It felt amazing,” said Thomas. “I just wanted to have a good first (period) and to score in the first period just made the nerves go away. It just made me feel a little bit more comfortable.”

The Sharks scored late in the third period with 1:52 left in the game to make it 2-1 but could not score again. That made Thomas’s goal the game-winner for the Kings.

He was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022) and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans on May 15.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Former Peterborough Pete Makes NHL Debut With Los Angeles Kings

/

It was a few years in the making but former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings who took on the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre on Monday night.

Akil Thomas skating with a young fan prior to a game. Photo courtesy of the PEterborough Petes.

Thomas got his opportunity after centreman and former Montréal Canadien Philip Danault is day-to-day with an upper body injury. Thomas got to play on the fourth line with former Hamilton Bulldog Arthur Kaliyev and rookie Alex Laferriere. Thomas only logged 3:42 of ice time and was on the ice for the Jets’s first goal of the game.

“It's kind of a crazy couple of days and a lot has to be taken in pretty quick but I'm very thankful to be here,” said Thomas.

Thomas’s parents were in attendance for the game and drove roughly 22 hours to see their son in his debut. They were unable to get a flight in time and opted to drive from Toronto to Winnipeg for the game.

“It means the world with the injuries and everything so I'm very thankful for the opportunity and obviously having people come out and support me means the world to me,” said Thomas.

Thomas has struggled with injuries in the last two years. He missed the first half of the 2021-22 season and only played 40 games. The next year, he suffered another injury on Nov. 19 that ended his year after just 13 games.

Prior to being called up to the Kings, Thomas had 22 goals and 21 assists in 61 games with the Ontario Reign (the Kings’s AHL affiliate) this season.

He was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022) and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans on May 15.

Thomas is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

Thomas was drafted by the Kings in 2018 in the second round, 51st overall. Following his OHL career, Thomas spent time with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign since the 2020-21 season.

The Kings lost to the Jets 4-3 with a late goal from Winnipeg in the third.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

2024 Inductees Announced For Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

/

Six names are being immortalized into Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame for the class of 2024, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

The inductees are being honoured at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in a ceremony on June 8 at 7 p.m.

The following are this year’s inductees:

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Fred Blowes (Builder: Women’s Field Lacrosse)

Blowes came to Peterborough in 1987 to teach at Lakefield District Secondary School. His contribution to field lacrosse in Peterborough has been significant, particularly in developing female lacrosse players.

He founded and coached the Kawartha Women’s Field Lacrosse Club which began as an U20 team that competed in the Ontario Women’s Lacrosse League.

The Kawartha Lacrosse Club has grown over the years with the addition of U9/11/13/15/19, Senior Rep Teams and a House League.

The KWFC has earned many provincial honours. As a coach, Fred’s U19A teams earned provincial gold in 1998, 1999 and 2002 and two Ontario Summer Games Gold Medals in 1998 and 2002. He was named OWFL Coach of the Year in 1998, 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2011.

Blowes continues to lead the Kawartha Lacrosse Club as President. Many players from the Club have succeeded at the Provincial, National, International, Ontario University and NCAA levels.

He has mentored more than forty players who have received NCAA Scholarships and eleven players who have gone on to represent Canada at both U19 and/or Senior World Championships.

Under Blowes’s leadership, Peterborough has hosted several female field lacrosse international, national and provincial championships and World Lacrosse Festivals. Over a 37-year high school career, Blowes has chaired both OFSAA Boys’ Basketball Championships at Lakefield and two Girls’ Ontario High School Provincial Cups while at Kenner.

He served as Boys’ (1995-2008) and Girls’ (2001-2011) High School Lacrosse Convenor. He coached many high school teams to Kawartha and COSSA Championships, including the Lakefield Tiger Boy’s Lacrosse Team to four Ontario High School “B” Championships and the Kenner Rams Senior Boy’s Basketball team to a fourth-place finish at OFSAA “A” in 2023, followed by an OFSAA “A” Silver Medal in 2024.

He also served as the Head Coach of the Fleming College Women’s Basketball team in 2013. It would be safe to say that Fred Blowes is the driving force behind the success of female field lacrosse in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Steve Caban (Athlete: Multi-sport Special Olympian)

Since the age of 10, Caban has competed in local, provincial, national and international competition in many sports: cross-country skiing, floor hockey, swimming, soccer, softball, basketball and 10-pin bowling.

He has travelled the world competing for Canada as an elite Special Olympian. He represented Canada at the 1999 World Special Olympics summer games in North Carolina winning three gold medals; the 2005 world winter games in Nagano, Japan, winning gold in the 5K x-country, 4th in the 1K and 5th in the 4x 1K relay; he medaled in the 2009 winter games in Boise, Idaho; and won bronze in x-country skiing at the 2013 winter games in Pyenongchang, South Korea.

Caban has medaled at many provincial and national winter and summer games. At the 2008 national winter games in Quebec City, he took home three cross-country skiing gold medals; in the 2016 national winter games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, he won one silver and two bronze in cross-country skiing.

In 2023, Caban along with a number of other Peterborough Special Olympians won gold at the provincial qualifier swim meet in Pickering. In 2024, him and his Ontario team won silver in floor hockey at the national winter games in Calgary. He will be competing in swimming at the 2024 Ontario Spring Games in Waterloo.

Caban is one of Ontario’s most decorated Special Olympians. In 2017 he was awarded the Ontario Special Olympics Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been recognized for his athletic achievements by the Government of Canada, Provincial Government and the City of Peterborough.

He is a successful athlete because of his talent and the hard work he puts into his training in order to qualify for national and world competition. One of Peterborough's most decorated athletes, Steve remains humble about his success and still enjoys playing many summer and winter sports.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Ray Kerslake (Builder: Squash)

The Peterborough native was introduced to squash while attending university. In 1975, he joined the Peterborough Racquet Club. For over 45 years, he has played in many local and area tournaments; he was the Peterborough Squash Champion in 2001 and has played in Ontario and Canadian Masters Championships over the past 25 years, winning bronze in Ontario in 2019 and placing 4th at the Canadians in 2019. He was the 60+ winner at the Paul Wilson Squash Classic in 2018 and 2019.

Kerslake’s passion for the sport has translated into his leadership role in the Peterborough Squash community. He has achieved Level 1 and 2 Squash Ontario coaching certifications. He continues to teach juniors and adults which he has done for over 40 years including a few athletes who went on to be successful at the national and international level.

A Squash57 program for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities was established in 2021. He was Club Pro at Goodlife Fitness; took over lead person for the intercity league (Kawartha Squash League); in 2010 formed the KSL a competitive league for A and B level teams from clubs in the area, Peterborough, Cobourg, Campbellford, YMCA, Trent University and Clarington. He launched ‘The Squash Shop’ at the PSC in 2013, providing high-quality equipment and racquet stringing for members and local squash players at reasonable prices.

Kerslake is the glue that brought people to the table in 2012 to find a way to create the Peterborough Squash Club (PSC), a Not-for-Profit Club run by volunteers and provide the stability that exists today.

He has chaired over 15 tournaments and has been a PSC Board member since 2013. It is the accepted fact within the squash community that if it were not for the effort, leadership, organization and commitment of Ray Kerslake, there would be no squash in Peterborough.

As a flourishing club, the PSC was recognized with the 2018 Squash Ontario ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award. Ray was individually recognized for his contributions to Peterborough squash with the 2022 Squash Ontario ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award. As a Squash Pro, program coordinator and financial lead for the PSC, Ray is a true ambassador of the game. He is a ‘Builder Extraordinaire."‘

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Barbara Mervin (Athlete: Rugby)

Mervin was born in St. John’s, Nfld and moved to Peterborough in 1984. Growing up, she was a competitive gymnast at Kawartha Gymnastics.

After seeing rugby played by the boys at Adam Scott CVI, she decided to give it a go and join the Peterborough Pagans Rugby Club from 1998-2005 and was a player/coach in 2005.

She played for the University of Western Ontario, earning a B.A. in Art History and winning USPORT 2002 Rookie of the Year. From 2003 to 2005, she was an All Canadian and 2005 MVP at the National University Rugby Championships in 2004 and 2005.

Mervin was a member of the U23 Canadian team from 2002- 2004, the Senior Canadian 15’s team from 2005-2017 and the Canadian sevens team from 2008-2013.

She has played 38 international 15s games and seven international Sevens tournaments for team Canada. In world championship competition, the 15s team placed sixth in 2010, second in 2014 and fifth in 2017. The Sevens team placed first in tournaments in Vegas in 2011 and 2012, Dubai in 2011 and Hong Kong in 2012. Barbara won national championships in Ontario in 2002 and 2005 and three in British Columbia.

She moved to British Columbia and has continued to be involved in rugby as a head coach and assistant coach with the following organizations: BC Grassroots Rugby, University of Victoria, Westshore Rugby Club and Shawnigan Lake School.

She served and continues to serve Rugby Canada in many different capacities: Player’s Association, Club Rugby National Board of Directors, and Canadian Rugby Foundation Scholarship Award Committee.

Mervin has received a great deal of recognition for her contribution to the sport of rugby: the 2015 Gillian Florence Award - Rugby Canada Player’s Player Award, 2020 Inductee Rugby Canada Hall of Fame and 2021 Inductee University of Western Hall of Fame.

She completed the fashion design program at Pacific Design College, and in 2012, she founded her line of rugby active wear explicitly made for girls and produced in Canada

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Anna Panton (Athlete/Builder: Lawn Bowling)

Born in Peterborough, Panton joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1957 and after her military career, she returned home to Peterborough in 1964.

She has been a presence in lawn bowling for over 25 years. Panton contributed to the success of the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club as President of the Board of Directors from 2005-2013, overseeing the entire operation of the Club. She was a benefactor for the relocated Club in 2010 and worked to ensure a space for the Club to continue to play.

She is a Level 1 and 2 Certified Coach. Panton coached a District 14 novice team in 2005-2006 and has conducted clinics to train new skips and vices.

From 2003 to 2019, she umpired 16 district, provincial, and national events. As a player, she won trophies in 93 open tournaments between 1999 and 2023. At the Senior Games, she won gold in 2002, bronze in 2007 and gold in pairs in 2009. In 2005, she won two hot shot awards for scoring perfect ends.

In 2007, Panton was named the WOBA ‘Lady Bowler of the Week.’ She was a part of 19 District Championships as a PLBC team member; won ladies single handicap trophy 10 times 1999-2019; ladies novice District 14 Champion three times; ladies fours District 14 Champions five times; ladies pairs District 14 Champions 2005, 2007; ladies seniors District 14 Champions 2005, 2007, 2008; six-time OLBA Provincial medals; Bowls Canada Boulingrin Canadian ladies senior silver medalists 2005 and OLBA mixed pairs District 14 Champions in 2007.

In 2012, Panton received the ‘Award of Merit’ from Bowls Canada for chairing the mixed pairs Canadian Championship. In 2017, Panton and Bob Matthews won the prestigious 71st Black Family Memorial Trophy Mixed Pairs PLBC Tournament for the first time.

On the bowling greens, Panton’s role is that of Skip, managing gameplay and calling the shots. She is an active member of the foundation of the PLBC and proves on and off the bowling greens that she is a valuable and trusted leader within the PLBC organization. When not lawn bowling, Anna is a golfer and curler.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Brent Tully (Athlete: Hockey)

The Peterborough native grew up playing hockey in the church league for St. Anne’s 1980-84. He played for the Minor Petes from minor Atom to major Bantam between 1984-89.

He was captain of the OMHA Bantam Peterborough Petes Champions in 1989. Tully was also an accomplished lacrosse player winning several provincial championships and one national championship with the Peterborough Minor Lakers in 1987.

Drafted by his hometown team in the second round in 1990, the 6’3 defenseman established himself as an elite player in the OHL from 1990-1994.

During his tenure with the Petes, he scored 30+ points in all three of his full-time seasons. The Petes were the OHL Champions and Memorial Cup runner-up in the 1992-1993 season. Tully was a second-team OHL All-Star for the 1992-93 season. In 1991, Tully was selected to Team Ontario U17 and won Gold at the Canada Winter Games; selected to Team Canada U18 in 1992 winning a world U18 silver medal in Yokohama Japan and won Gold twice while playing on the 1993 and 1994 Canadian National Junior Team at the IIHF World Junior Championships in Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Tully was voted to the tournament all-star team in 1993 and captained the 1994 team. In recent years, TSN named Tully to their all time World Junior All-Star team as one of the best players to ever represent Canada at the World Junior Championships.

In 1992, the Vancouver Canucks selected Brent in the fourth round of the NHL entry draft. HE was under contract for four seasons with the Canucks and joined their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, playing from 1994-1997. He moved to Europe in 1997 to further his career in the German Elite League (DEL) with the Augsburg Panthers, Dusseldorf EG, Hannover Scorpions, Kassel Huskies and finished his career in 2002 with the Frankfurt Lions.

Tully was awarded the City of Peterborough Senior Male Athlete of the Year in 1993. In 1994, as a member of the Peterborough Petes, he was named the OHL Humanitarian of the Year for his work in the Peterborough Community.

He continued his winning ways as the General Manager of the Ontario Junior Hockey League Cobourg Cougars from 2014-2017. The team captured the RBC/Centennial Cup, the Canadian Junior A Hockey Championship in 2017 under his guidance. In 2019, he was elected to the Ontario Hockey Association board of governors where he served for three years.

Tully remains the third-highest scoring Petes defenseman in team history. Brent continues to give back to local hockey as a head coach of several AAA Peterborough Petes teams.

The public is invited to attend the induction ceremony with tickets at $20. They can be purchased by emailing info@pdshof.com or calling 705-743-6897.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Commemorate Staff and Players in Annual Year-End Ceremony; Head Coach Rob Wilson Signs Eight-Year Extension

/

To mark the end of the regular season, Peterborough Petes staff, family and friends attended the team’s annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday.

In addition to winning the Petes Executive Trophy, Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska (left) was a recipient of the Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media). pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Michael Oke, Petes general manager, made a surprise announcement that the organization has signed head coach Rob Wilson to an eight-year contract extension through the 2031-32 season.

“I’m very privileged to be head coach of the Peterborough Petes and I do feel that,” said Wilson.

Wilson was the teams’s 23rd Head Coach in May 2018. Wilson has amassed 154 wins, clinching a playoff spot in four of his five seasons in his tenure with the Petes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Following speeches from Wilson and team president Dave Lorentz, captain Johnathan Melee gave a public address in which he recognized his teammates, staff, and several others for supporting the organization throughout the season.

After the speeches, the following awards were presented:

  • Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Tommy Purdeller (34 assists)

  • Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Brody Partridge

  • Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Jonathan Melee

  • Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Carson Cameron

  • Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Tracy and Chip Adamo

  • Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Liam Sztuska

  • Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedication to team) – Cam Gauvreau

  • Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Braydon McCallum (18 goals)

  • Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Braydon McCallum

  • Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Carson Cameron

  • Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Tommy Purdeller (47 points)

  • Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Tommy Purdeller

  • Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Liam Sztuska

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association presented gifts to the graduating and overage players:

  • Liam Sztuska

  • Quinn Binnie

  • Chase Lefebvre

  • Jonathan Melee

  • Ryder McIntyre

  • Tommy Purdeller

  • Cam Gauvreau

Oke ended the night with a speech, acknowledging the players, hockey and business staff, billets, parents and fans. He then continued by marking on- and off-ice achievements this season.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Finish Off Last Home Game of the Season; Set Season Attendance Record

/

Outside of the score, it was all smiles and positivity for a sold-out crowd of 3,862 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the defending OHL-Champion Petes had their final home game of the season in a 9-0 loss to the Ottawa 67’s on Thursday night.

pHOTO courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Prior to the puck drop, the Petes honoured overage defenceman and assistant captain Cam Gauvreau, who was playing his last home game with the team.

The sold-out crowd made the overall total 119,747 over 34 home games, 8,505 more than the previous record of 111,242 from the 2005-06 championship season.

After Thursday’s sell-out, the average attendance this season climbed to 3,522, 250 higher than the previous record of 3,272 during 2005-06. These numbers also factored into 20 new single-game attendance records that were set this season.

“The growth following last season's OHL championship is tremendous and unprecedented,” said Eric Evenbauer, director of sales. “Behind the scenes, there is a hard-working staff on both the business and hockey side who work together to provide the best experience possible for our fan base. To have 17 sell-outs in a rebuilding season is remarkable, it goes to show that our fans are excited about the team and the direction we’re heading both on and off the ice. None of what we do would be possible without our incredibly loyal and knowledgeable fan base.”

Unfortunately, it went all downhill from here as the Petes let an early penalty kill their momentum.

After a mad scramble in front of the net, Brady Stonehouse picked up the pieces and scored, beating Petes goaltender Zach Bowen for a 1-0 lead. That was the score heading into the second period. Peterborough only had four shots to Ottawa’s 20.

While the shots were more balanced at 16-10 in favour of the 67’s, the score became lopsided as the visitors rung off five unanswered goals for a 6-0 lead at the end of two.

Easton Rye took over goaltending duties to start the third period. However, Ottawa kept their foot on the gas in the final frame as they tacked on three more goals and routed the Petes 9-0.

The Petes continue their last stretch of road games as they take on the Barrie Colts on Saturday for 7:30 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.