Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Petes Reveal New State-of-the-Art Video Board
/Games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre are going to be more visually appealing as the Peterborough Petes unveiled their new state-of-the-art video board in time for the team’s 65th OHL season after a press conference held on Wednesday.
Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
The video board features four 13 foot x 6 foot screens, with an approximately 13 foot x 2 foot high diameter digital ring display underneath the screens, all in high definition. The Petes also received a new fan camera, which will capture the game’s best moments on and off the ice.
“We’re really excited to have the best video board in the Canadian Hockey League in our building,” said Eric Ebenbaur, Petes Director of Sales. “This is an opportunity for us to improve our game day and fan experience while giving our players and hockey operations the best experience possible.”
Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
The team also announced that Fully Promoted/Signarama has been named as the Petes season presenting sponsor.
“We are very excited to work with the Petes to help give their fans the best experience at their games,” said Morgan Smith, Fully Promoted/Signarama president. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Petes this season and enhancing the game experience.”
Fans can see the new video board and experience the improved fan experience at the Petes home opener on Oct.14 at 7:05 p.m. against the Sudbury Wolves.
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Peterborough Petes Acquire Former First-Round Pick In Trade
/The Peterborough Petes have acquired left-winger Emmett Sproule from the Erie Otters in exchange for Peterborough’s sixth-round pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection announced on Tuesday.
Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Sproule, a 2001-born forward was selected in the first round, 21st overall by the Otters in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. The 5’11, 174 lbs Collingwood, Ont. native has recorded 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 187 games with the Erie. He hass recorded three points (two goals, one assist) in five preseason games this season.
“We’re excited to add Emmett to our team,” said Michael Oke, Petes General Manager. “He’s a player that we took note of during his OHL Draft year, and have been following as his OHL career has progressed. Emmett has the skills and abilities that we think will complement our roster, both on and off the ice.”
Sproule attended the Philadelphia Flyers 2019 Development Camp on an invite basis.
Sproule is expected to be in the Petes lineup when they face the Battalion in North Bay this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
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Holy Cross Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Sport Complex
/After three years of construction, the next era of athletics for Holy Cross Secondary School (HCSS) is here as a new sports complex with an artificial turf field has officially opened on Tuesday.
City members, Holy Cross student athletes and staff celebrate on the artificial turf that is also available for use by the community. The Holy Cross’s football team began in 2003. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The project cost $3.7 million and sports such as field hockey, football, track and field, rugby and more are played at the complex.
Upgrades include an artificial turf field converting from natural grass. Night lighting, improving track and field features, such as high jump, long jump, and resurfacing the eight-lane track surrounding the field. New pathways and upgraded spectator seating improve the accessibility of the facility.
“To have the field here for all our rugby practices and games, it's awesome,” said Sophie McLean, Grade 11 student and girls’ rugby player.
“For my whole high school career, it's always been at a different school because our field has been at work,” said Eli McColl, HCSS senior student trustee and HCSS quarterback. “It finally feels amazing to be stepping at home and bring our teams here and show them what Holy Cross really is.”
@ptbo_canada This is what $3.7 million dollars looks like! Awesome new field you have Holy Cross Secondary School!
♬ Rock 'n' Roll (Part 2) - Gary Glitter
The joint project was led by the city and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB).
Mayor Diane Therrien, Councillor Leslie Parnell and school board officials were in attendance to briefly speak on the official opening.
“We have been watching the construction of this new state-of-the art track and field at Holy Cross CSS with much excitement,” said Joan Carragher, PVNC Director of Education. “We are thrilled that the track is now officially open and we look forward to seeing students and staff using these facilities to the fullest this upcoming school year and for many years to come.”
“Being a father of four daughters who are all involved in athletics, I know that some of the greatest lessons are learned on the sports field,” said David Bernier, PVNCCDSB Chair.
“The new artificial turf field and track amenities are top-notch. This is an exciting project that will greatly improve sports and recreation facilities for the Peterborough community, PVNC students. Artificial turf fields allow us to expand the sports season and add to our “sport’s hub” for sports tourism and local tournaments,” said Parnell. “Artificial fields present savings in terms of annual operating costs as they only need to be raked once weekly and do not need watering or fertilizing.”
Mayor Diane Therrien was one of several speakers that attended the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The artificial turf also has safety advantages that the coaches and players have experienced on other fields.
“You're getting consistency in turf like this. It is an aggressive surface. It moves faster but there are no potholes for you to fall into,” said Geoff McKinley, HCSS boys football coach. “Things that we're working on with the athletes are acceleration and deceleration to make sure that they're minimizing injuries but you're not dealing with things that you can't control that can happen on a grass field and the maintenance that goes with that.”
“It gives you the opportunity to cut in and out, make those runs and those passes that you need to make,” said McColl. “It gives you the opportunity to shine as an athlete and shows your full potential as well.”
The facility was available to permit beginning July 19 with community sports groups using it throughout the summer and on evenings and weekends in the fall.
Holy Cross CSS has been using the facility since the beginning of the school year. Community sports teams can contact 705-742-7777 ext. 1829 for current permit information.
The first game played on the field since its opening was girls’ rugby as the Holy Cross Hurricanes hosted the Campbellford District Flames on Tuesday.
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Remy Peters Becomes the Final Petes Frontline Worker of the Week
/Remy Peters becomes the final Petes Frontline Worker Drop the Puck winner announced on Friday.
Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Peters is a respiratory nurse who has been splitting his time between the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Sunnybrook Hospital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Peters was spending most of his time at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital but slowly transitioned to the PRHC due to the increased demand for respiratory nurses in the Peterborough area.
The Petes are celebrating frontline workers who have gone above and beyond for their community during these unprecedented times.
“Both Remy and his wife are frontline workers, and have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic,” said Stephanie Phillips-Nopes, who nominated Peters. “Remy is a kind-hearted man and never complains about his job and has been through a lot during the pandemic. He is a huge Petes fan and deserves a little bit of recognition for his efforts.”
Six frontline workers will take part in the Petes ceremonial puck drop at the maroon and white home opener on Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. This game will also mark the first time the Petes and Peterborough Memorial Centre reveal the new, state of the art video board to fans.
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Annual Friday Night Lights Fundraiser For Suicide Awareness Running for a Touchdown
/The ninth annual “Friday Night Lights” football fundraiser for suicide awareness with Team55 will take the spotlight at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School on Friday.
Photo Courtesy of Team55.
The “Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness” campaign will feature a double-header of football games with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. and girls’ rugby games in the afternoon.
7:00 p.m. - Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute vs. Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School
9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Secondary School vs Crestwood Secondary School
The games will be broadcasted by YourTV Cogeco where spectators will be tightly limited to avoid large gatherings.
This year’s slogan is “What do you do for you?” to encourage mental health, especially among youth.
Last year’s message was, “Who would you talk to in your time of crisis?” Photo Courtesy of Team55.
Team55 was founded by Dave Pogue, Peterborough Petes president, after losing his son Mitchell to suicide. The number 55 was the latter’s jersey number when he played football for the Adam Scott Collegiate.
The game was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic however the fundraising efforts were still made.
“We’re thrilled to have the live football back, no questions,” said Pogue Mainly for the kids that missed out on participating in sports.”
A goal of $15,000 has been set for the event. Last year raised just under $25,000 with over $17,000 raised in the silent auction alone.
Fundraising efforts are through donations online, their Facebook page “Team55 Tackles Suicide Awareness” or sending a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices at 415 Water St.
An online silent auction will run until Saturday evening with over 110 donated products. Big-ticket items include Blue Jays tickets, a Carrie Underwood-autographed acoustic guitar, Petes Centre Ice Suite tickets and more.
“Local businesses and people who are interested have donated these items,” said Pogue. “They just keep coming back to help. There’s a real camaraderie behind this community to help in mental health.”
Proceeds go to the CMHA’s Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention (AOSP) program that seeks help and resources for attempted suicide victims.
Tara Slone, Juno nominee and Canadian Football League alumnus and Peterborough’s Brad Sinopoli will guest star in the games’ opening ceremonies.
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Electric City Football Club Opens Pop-Up Retail Merchandise Store
/Supporting the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) for their inaugural year has become more convenient with a retail store at their office space.
Co-Founder Keaton Robbins (pictured) serves as the club’s first Operations Manager of ECFC. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The idea for the pop-up store stemmed from the high demand of orders the club had received since its inception in August. It provides convenience for anyone who wants to buy ECFC apparel without the wait.
The amount of support the team has received so far has been overwhelming despite not having their inaugural season started.
“There are more physical manifestations of this brand of this team,” said Keaton Robbins, ECFC co-founder and operations manager. “We were expecting it to be a big deal but we did not think it would be what it has been for sure.”
@ptbo_canada Official ECFC merch is now available at the @electriccityfc office and retail space! ⚽️⚡️#fyp #PTBO #WEAreECFC ♬ Pumped Up Kicks（Bridge & Law Remix） - Foster The People
The store and office space is located at 1054 Monaghan Rd., Suite 202 with over 100 items for sale. They are open on Mon. to Fri. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Available merchandise includes t-shirts, scarves, ball caps, hoodies and more.
The club offers curbside delivery and nationwide shipping in addition to their in-store shopping. Online orders can be made at their official website.
Plans for bigger retail space are being considered in the future however a pop-up shop is sufficient during the team’s early stages.
The team was announced during the first week of August including a logo launch party. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The team will kick off their first game in May 2022.
“We're so thankful for the response that we saw just in the community when the brand was launched and we were just humbled by the amount of orders we received when we launched the team's online store,” said Robbins.
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Second Annual Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament Tees Off To Support Peterborough Lacrosse
/Over 90 golfers were hitting the green at the Keystone Links Golf & Country Club for the second annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament held on Friday.
In addition to promoting lacrosse within the Peterborough area community, Peterborough Lakers Alumni strengthens ties between past and present players. Photo By David Tuan Bui.
The tournament hosted professional lacrosse players, former Peterborough Lakers and avid golfers to play in the annual tournament. Past and present players such as John Grant Sr., Paul Evans and Shawn Evans were in attendance among several other alumni.
All proceeds go towards the Peterborough Lakers Alumni that support the sustainability and growth of lacrosse in the Peterborough area.
“This tournament is a fundraising and social event,” said Jamie Batley, Alumni president. “Not only is it fundraising but it’s an opportunity for the Lakers, ex-Lakers and all the lacrosse people in the Peterborough area to get together.
Former lacrosse players Howie Stevenson (top left), Art Batley (top right), Bill Ogilvie (bottom left) and Bobby Allen (bottom right) performing their ceremonial first drives at Keystone. Photo By David Tuan Bui.
Former lacrosse players Howie Stevenson, Art Batley, Bill Ogilvie and Bobby Allen kicked off the tournament with the ceremonial first drives at the course’s first hole.
The inaugural tournament in 2019 did not have any women participating. The second-year event had a welcome change with a small handful of female golfers. Batley says he hopes to see more women participating in future events.
The tournament had prizes for lowest score, closest-to-pin shots and longest drives for both the male and female categories.
Prizes such as Alumni golf shirts, gift certificates and gift baskets were given out to the golfers. Photo By David Tuan Bui.
The third annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament will be held on June 24 next year at Keystone.
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Petes Sign Stevie Leskovar to Standard Player Agreement
/The Peterborough Petes have signed defenceman Stevie Leskovar to a standard player agreement with the team on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
