Trent Excalibur Men’s Soccer Player Named U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian

Trent University business administration student, John Moncada of the Excalibur men’s varsity soccer team, has earned U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status which is awarded to the top-performing student-athletes across Canadian universities. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This is a historic milestone for John and for our men’s soccer program to be recognized on the national stage,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “Earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status is a testament not only to John’s high-end skill and work ethic, but also to the strong belief head coach Grant Purdy has in his players to showcase their talent early in their career. We’re proud of John’s remarkable first campaign, the program’s best season ever, and what it signals for the future of Excalibur soccer.” 

Moncada led the Ontario University Athletics Association with 14 goals in 11 games, the most ever by an Excalibur men's soccer player in their first season. He is also first nationally in goals and tied for first in total points across all of U SPORTS men's soccer.

His rookie season placed him second on Trent’s all-time goals list, tying Aaron Chia (‘15). His teammate, Leo Frans, holds the top honour with 18 career goals in three years with the Excalibur.

“What stands out about John is just how humble he is. He never lets ego dominate what he wants for the team and is supportive of every player,” said Grant Purdy, head coach of Excalibur men’s soccer. “On the field, he has a special gift; a sense of where the ball is going to be, which allows him to beat defenders and score. This recognition is a reflection of what John is capable of and how far the men’s soccer program has come. I believe the best is yet to come.” 

Moncada’s accomplishment marks the first time a Trent Excalibur men's soccer player has received the national honour and the fourth All-Canadian selection in Trent Athletics history. Earlier this fall, he was also named the OUA East Division Most Valuable Player and an OUA First Team All-Star.  

“Being named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian means everything to me.  I came into the season with a bit of a chip on my shoulder, ready to turn some heads and the environment here at Trent made it all possible,” said Moncada. “The coaches giving me the opportunity and my teammates believing in me made it fun to play and pushed me to succeed. To know my name will be in the Trent history books is a special feeling. Looking ahead, my goal is to help the team make a playoff run and win a championship.” 

He joins an exclusive list that includes Kristine Boyles from women's rugby, who earned First Team All-Canadian honours in both 2007 and 2009 and Thaddeus Bolton from men's soccer, who was named a Second Team All-Canadian in 2009.

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City of Peterborough Receives $50,000 Investment Towards the TELUS Cup

The Ontario Government has invested $50,000 to the City of Peterborough to host Hockey Canada’s TELUS Cup in Peterborough from April 20 to 26.

The 21 national and nine international amateur sport events in communities across the province welcome 10,000 athletes from across Canada and around the world to Ontario and are expected to generate over $34 million in economic activity. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The TELUS Cup is on display at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

“This investment of $50,000 to bring the TELUS Cup to Peterborough is fantastic news for our community. Hockey Canada’s national championship will not only showcase the tremendous talent of the young athletes but will also generate significant economic activity for our local businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.” By supporting events like this, our government is following through on its commitment to promote active, healthy living while reinforcing Peterborough-Kawartha’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class amateur sport.”

“Securing support through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program is an important step on the road to the TELUS Cup," said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk. “As we prepare to showcase Peterborough on the national stage, strong collaboration across all levels of government is crucial. We’re grateful to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the value these tournaments bring to our community.”

Peterborough was selected to host the TELUS Cup back on April 23. 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.

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.

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Havelock Receives Ontario Trillium Grant of $145,000 to Revitalize Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink

The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen has received a $145,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to revitalize the Cordova Mines outdoor rink, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

Funds provided by the OTF grant have enabled major repairs to the existing outdoor rink. This provides additional recreation opportunities, including basketball, pickleball, tennis and ball hockey.

“By providing funding for major repairs, we are ensuring this vital community hub is not just saved but transformed into a year-round multi-purpose facility,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This supports active, healthy living and ensures families have a modern, safe, and accessible place to play, whether they are enjoying skating in the winter or ball hockey, pickleball and basketball in the warmer months.”

This funding extends the rink's current seasonal use to year-round multi-purpose.

“On behalf of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, I want to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting the revitalization of the Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink,” said Mayor Jim Martin. “This beloved attraction in the Hamlet with a Heart of Gold where families come together and pride of place shines and continues to strengthen our local spirit and economy. We’re also very grateful to the Cordova Mines Recreation Association and our dedicated Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Fire Fighters whose volunteer efforts keep this treasured gathering place alive and thriving.”

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U11 Kawartha Lacrosse Girls Bring Home Silver At Sixes Provincial Tournament

Kawartha Lacrosse’s U11 girls make the podium as they won silver at the Ontario Lacrosse Association's (OLA) Sixes Provincial Championships held on Oct. 25 and 26 in Hamilton.

Back: Coach Tara King, Coach Kayla Briffett, Trainer Nicole Campbell-Leveck
Middle: Ruby McKinley, Hadley Hoar, Fiona King, Kaitlin Aiello, Kinsley Briffett, Avery Carroll, Nev McCormick
Front: Kaylen Booth, Blake Murray, Sienna Adams
Absent: Coach Sam Berardi, Alyssa Clarkson, Everlee Cook. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Lacrosse.

The performance marked the first time Kawartha Lacrosse has fielded a team in the Sixes format.

Kawartha Lacrosse’s small roster included three underage players from the U9 division. The U11 team demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout the tournament said coach Tara King.

“It has been rewarding to watch these young athletes grow as teammates and competitors throughout our inaugural sixes season,” she said. “The girls consistently demonstrated outstanding work ethic and a positive attitude — both of which were key to our success. Also, coaching alongside my former Kawartha Lacrosse teammates with our daughters on the field made this season especially meaningful.”

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Local Embroidery's Custom Jacket Showcased By Toronto Blue Jays's Pitcher's Girlfriend

Local embroidery brand Petals & Thread has gotten some World Series attention, as one of its custom jackets was highlighted during Game One of the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Shannon Bryant, Petals & Thread founder with the finished design of the custom jacket. Screenshot.

Taylor Frick, the girlfriend of Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage was spotted wearing the custom jacket during Game One of the World Series. It was featured in Sports Illustrated in an article published on Friday.

Petals & Thread founder Shannon Bryant says moments like this make her work extra meaningful.

“Seeing one of our jackets at the World Series was surreal,” said Bryant. “Our brand was built from a love of storytelling through embroidery and to see that story reach this level is something I’ll never forget.”

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Bryant posted an Instagram reel unveiling the finished jacket, tagging Frick.

The latter commented the following on the reel:

“The best of the best!!! You deserve all the recognition 🤍🤍 couldn’t be happier!”

After receiving the jacket, Bryant posted a photo of herself with it on her Instagram story.

Frick posting an Instagram story of her with the custom jacket and thanking Petals & Thread. Screenshot.

The World Series is tied at one piece in the best-of-seven series. Game three is in Los Angeles starting at 8 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

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Two Fleming Phoenix Women Given Provincial Recognition For Their Athletic Abilities

Ashley Smith and Shelby Hubert of the Fleming Phoenix Women’s Rugby Sevens team have received provincial recognition from the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) for their athletic abilities this season, as recognized on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Smith was one of 13 student-athletes from across the province recognized as a League All-Star. Hubert was named as one of the eight members of the OCAA Women’s Rugby Sevens League All-Rookie Team.

Smith is a second-year student in the Resource Drilling Technician program at the Frost campus in Lindsay and a native of Ravenna, Ontario. She was a wing on the Phoenix Varsity Women’s Rugby Sevens Team. During her second season on the team, Smith played in all 14 games and scored two tries.

Hubert is a Bowmanville native in her first year of Fleming’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. She also played wing in all 14 games played.

Hubert had a background in football and used those skills to transition to rugby. Fleming says her athleticism and superior tackling ability made her a highly effective player.

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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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54th Head of the Trent Weekend Rowing Its Way For Oct. 3 to 5

A major university tradition is back as the 54th annual Head of the Trent (HOTT) Weekend takes place from Oct. 3 to 5, featuring world-class rowing, spirited varsity competition, alumni gatherings and family-friendly activities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Head of the Trent is a time-honoured tradition where generations of Trent pride and spirit converge,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “It brings together our alumni, students, and community along the river and across campus to celebrate what makes Trent University so special. It’s an experience unlike any other, and we invite everyone to be part of it.”

The Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Since its inception in 1971 with just 13 boats, the regatta has grown into one of the largest head races in North America, with over 800 boats and 1,400 athletes competing along the five-km course on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

This year, regatta spectators can enjoy premium riverside viewing from the revitalized Founders Walk along the Otonabee River and a licensed area inside and outside of the Ceilie Pub in Trent’s Champlain College. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also providing livestream coverage and commentary available throughout the weekend.

The event pays tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70, who is considered a ‘founding father’ of the rowing community in Peterborough. He led the charge to establish the inaugural Head of the Trent Regatta in 1971 and was a founder of the Trent Rowing Club and Peterborough Rowing Club. The Trent University Rowing Club will sell a commemorative mug featuring one of Leach’s quintessential quotes as part of their annual merchandise sales at Head of the Trent in support of Trent’s renowned rowing program.

With premium rowing, varsity games, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities, the Symons Campus has activities for everyone all weekend. Featured activities include:

• Rowing Recognition: Join the Trent Alumni Rowing Social on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring the christening of a new single rowing shell and a tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70.

• Alumni Gatherings: Visit the Alumni Welcome Tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the upper Bata Podium to activate your Trent Alumni Perks and enjoy giveaways, family games, and exclusive perks.

• Family Fun: Bring the kids to the expanded Kid’s Zone Children’s Area (Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Lady Eaton College lawn for play zones, giant games, Bluey & Bingo appearance with The Play Spot Peterborough and animal encounters with Zoo to You. This event is free to attend and brought to you by the Trent University Alumni Association.

• Food and Refreshment: Enjoy a range of cuisine in the food truck area in the parking lot near Bata Library, or enjoy eats with prime riverfront views at the Ceilie, the only licensed location on campus (no cover, and all ages are welcome).

• Varsity Competition: Cheer on the Trent Excalibur with a full schedule of varsity games throughout the weekend, including men’s and women’s rugby, volleyball and soccer. Don’t miss Saturday’s pep rally at 11 a.m., led by the Trent Pom Team, designed especially to get Trent fans fired up.

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Trent Excalibur's Team Bus Gets Makeover With Unveiling of New Wrap

Trent Athletics & Recreation can kick off the sports season with new threads as it unveiled the wrap for its first-ever Excalibur team bus, put on display on Wednesday.

The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at Trent University. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This is something when I came here from day one, it was certainly right at the top of the list and I told them as such that we'd be working on this and getting it for them,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent University director of Athletics & Recreation.

While the team had a vehicle to transport the athletes for road games, this is the first time in the school’s history that it has had a custom-wrapped bus for away games and championships.

“The unveiling of the Excalibur bus marks a true milestone for our varsity program,” said McFadden. “Our Trent Excalibur bus is more than transportation, it's a symbol of our commitment to the student-athlete experience, to building community, and to proudly showcasing the Excalibur spirit wherever we travel.”

@ptbo_canada Trent Excalibur has unveiled a new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, “Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.” The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at @trentuniversity #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #trentuniversity ♬ Sport Motivation - Eternal Waves

The new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, ‘Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.’

“We very much wanted something that was dynamic and bold; two things hat are important to our program,” explained McFadden. “The 'Defend the River' was something we had student-athletes come up with about a year or so ago and we had used it a little bit in our branding. It was something they gravitated to and we did as well so we went through with that. With the river running through our campus, this is something that ties in for us.”

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