U15AA Ice Kats Come Out on Top at Clarington Applefest Tournament

The Peterborough Cavanagh Disposal Ice Kats U15AA dominated the competition and won the Clarington Applefest tournament over the weekend.

Photo courtesy of Shelbi Kilcollins.

The team beat the Nepean Wildcats in the gold medal final 3-2 in overtime. Chey Degeer scored the first goal. Molly Farace scored the second goal third period and the overtime winner.

The Ice Kats beat Stratford 1-0 in the semifinals and went 4-0 in the the round robin with goalies Sadie Davidson and Lacey Clement combining for five shutouts.

“This group is an incredibly special team, 90 per cent of the team was together two seasons ago during second year Peewee - they were ranked number 1 in the country,” said assistant coach Shelbi Kilcollins. “That season got cut short due to COVID.”

Game winning overtime goal scored by Molly Farace. Video courtesy of Shelbi Kilcollins.

Now the team is back together with a few additions from out of town, Kilcolins says last weekend was their first opportunity in two years to vie for something tangible like a gold medal.

“What was really notable was the resilience the girls displayed the entire weekend,” said Kilcollins. “Every player played a significant role in the win.”

Kilcollins recalls a moment the team shared on the bench, and says it was like a movie.

“Coach Chris looked at the girls and said ‘someone gets to be a hero today’. It evoked some serious emotion on the bench,” she said. “Later in the dressing room someone yelled ‘Molly is a hero!’.”

Kilcollins says the team is aiming to be number one in the country this season.

“We’re not looking to be best in the area, or even the GTA, we’re going for it all.”

Team members include: head coach Chris Moher, assistant coach Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach Tim Degeer, Lacey Clement, Chloe Fife, Kate Bell, Rhaea Flint, Claire Baynham, Sadie Davidson, Chey Degeer, Syd Sawyer, Amy Clements, Soph Harold, Molly Farace, Kylee Strano, Claire Chambers, Ava Moher, Avery Johnston, Clara Williams and Brooke Cavanagh.

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League1 Ontario Welcomes Electric City Football Club to Men’s Premier Divisions for 2022

Peterborough officially has a professional soccer team as the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has been welcomed in the League1 Ontario Men's Premier Division for the 2022 season, the ninth campaign for the Provincial Division III league announced on Wednesday.

The team was announced on Aug. 9 at the Silver Bean Café. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

ECFC joins League1 Ontario by virtue of acquiring the license previously held by Toronto Skillz FC, who joined L1O in 2016.

“Welcoming an organization like Electric City FC, that is laser-focused on bringing both elite amateur and professional football to their community, is an exciting addition to our league,” said Dino Rossi, League1 Ontario executive chairman. “We are so pleased to see the support that the community of Peterborough has shown already for this club and we look forward to supporting ECFC's efforts to create a pathway to professional soccer for aspiring players in the Kawartha region.”

Driven by local passion and strong community support, this group has been focused on bringing a soccer team to Peterborough over the past number of years.

During this time, ECFC was able to build a strong foundation for the club and put together an amazing local ownership group and management team that is committed to working with the community to build a world-class professional soccer club that the people of Peterborough can be proud of. This hard work finally came to fruition on Aug. 9 when Electric City Football Club was formally announced.

Supported by the Club’s local ownership group, consisting of Neil Morton, Kyle McDonald, Burton Lee, Mo Von Roeder, Beth McClelland, Jon Gillan, Richard Wood, Alex Bridal, Siam Grobler, Alvaro de la Guardia, Paul Bennett, Keaton Robbins, Rob Jenkins and Gregory Couch,

ECFC President Rob Jenkins brings a wealth of experience to the organization, having played a critical role in the launching of two of the most successful soccer clubs in Canada, Cavalry FC (CPL) and Foothills FC (USL2).

“We are extremely excited to officially be part of League1 Ontario and to begin on-field preparations for the 2022 season,” said Jenkins. “This League has seen many players go on to professional careers at the next level and represent their country with the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National teams, and we hope to continue that tradition in Peterborough.”

The ECFC logo launch party was on Aug. 13 at the Spa Euphoria rooftop. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The name Electric City is a reference to the region’s beginnings dating back to the late 1800s when the rivers provided the electric energy, sparking an industrial revolution and attracted companies like General Electric and Quaker to the city, forming the foundation of what Peterborough is today. The team colours of yellow and black represent the hard-working people of the community while also inspiring growth and ambition for future generations.

“This city is primed for something like this and the support we have received from all corners of the community has been overwhelming,” Jenkins continued. “This region and its people deserve the opportunity to showcase itself to not only the rest of Ontario, but to the rest of Canada and the World, and what better way to do so than through the beautiful game.”

The club is working in partnership with Hybrid Sports on a 74 Acre Sports Complex on the edge of Peterborough where they are building a world-class multi-sport training facility including a full-size indoor pitch and an exclusive ECFC soccer stadium, with brand new grass pitch, that the Club will call home.

The full stadium is being built in stages over the next 3 years, with the grass pitch being ready for the team in the spring along with temporary seating and structures for 2022.

“We are building a professional club in Peterborough with the intention of competing at the highest level of the game in Canada in both the Men’s and Women’s game and everything we do is with that in mind,” said Jenkins. “We may be a small market but we have big ambitions.”

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Peterborough Petes Announce Their Leadership Group

The Peterborough Petes announced their leadership group for the 2021/22 season, on Tuesday.

Tucker Robertson, Shawn Spearing, Keegan McMullen and J.R Avon. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Defenseman Shawn Spearing (#7) has been chosen as captain.

Spearing was selected by the Petes in the 4th round, 75th overall in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

The 6’2”, 192 lbs defenceman has suited in 81 career OHL games, totalling two goals and eight assists for 10 points.

“It’s an honour, it’s such a storied franchise,” said Spearing. “We have a locker room full of great guys and a bunch of great leaders.”

Alternate captains are Tucker Robertson (#22), J.R. Avon (#10) and Keegan McMullen (#15)

Avon, a Peterborough native who signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as a Free Agent in September, was selected by the Petes in the 1st round, 11th overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Robertson, a Petes 4th round, 72nd selection in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, is tied for 4th in the OHL in points with seven (two goals, five assists).

Robertson was named to the NHL Central Scouting Service today ahead of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In his rookie season, the Toronto, Ontario native tallied eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points.

McMullen, who was selected 300th in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection by the Petes, has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 47 OHL career games. The Cambridge, Ontario native is currently tied for second in the OHL with one shorthanded goals.

“We have a great group of young men leading our players, who are all prepared to have a strong season. Shawn is our most experienced player, the players and coaches respect him. He competes and comes to play every night and that’s what a good leader does,” said Rob Wilson, Petes Head Coach.

The moment Head Coach Rob Wilson named @SpearingShawn, @McMulley17, @Avonjr_1010, and Tucker Roberston as this year's leadership group! pic.twitter.com/ACiy5D76Rd

— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) October 19, 2021

Fans can watch the new leadership group take on rival Oshawa Generals on Thursday, during First Responders Night.

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Three Petes Named to NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Players to Watch List

Peterborough Petes forwards Tucker Robertson, Sam Alfano and Justin DeZoete are the ones to watch for as they made the NHL Central Scouting Service preliminary Players to Watch list ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft announced Tuesday.

The Petes currently sit in 10th in the OHL Eastern Conference with a 1-4 record. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Robertson has registered two goals and five assists for seven points in four games so far in the 2021-22 season. The 5’10”, 190 lbs centre was selected in the fourth round, 72nd overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection and played in 55 games in his rookie year recording eight goals and 10 assists.

Alfano, a 6’3”, 205 lbs Cayuga, Ont. native, has one goal in his first five career OHL games, scoring his first OHL goal against the North Bay Battalion on Oct. 7, 2021. Alfano skated at Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence Summer Showcase in July 2021. The 2004-born right winger was selected in the second round, 23rd overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

DeZoete, a 6’0”, 180 lbs right winger, has two points in his first five career OHL games. The Hamilton, Ont. native scored his first OHL goal on Oct. 17 against the Oshawa Generals. DeZoete participated in Hockey Canada’s U17 virtual event in 2020 after being selected by the Petes in the second round, 35th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

Fans can watch Robertson, Alfano, and DeZoete take on rival Oshawa Generals this Thursday during First Responders Night.

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Peterborough Petes to Recognize First Responders at Thursday's Game

The Peterborough Petes will be honouring local first responders at their home game against their rival Oshawa Generals this Thursday.

The team will be raising their sticks to thank and honour all first responders. Representatives from OPP, Peterborough Police, Fire and Paramedics will be taking the ceremonial puck drop before the opening faceoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to come to the rink early to get an up-close look at two police cruisers in front of the Box Office.

In the East Lobby, members of the Fleming College Paramedic program will be present with a stretcher and will be providing information about their program.

First responders are eligible for a ticket discount as low as $15, contact Ian MacGregor at: imacgregor@gopetesgo.com.

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Peterborough Petes Trade Multiple Draft Picks For Joe Carroll

The Peterborough Petes have acquired Joe Carroll from the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds in exchange for multiple draft picks announced on Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes have given their Sarnia Sting’s third round pick in 2022, the Mississauga Steelheads’ conditional sixth round pick in 2023 and the Petes’ 12th round pick in 2023 for the forward.

Carroll, a 2001-born left winger, was selected in the fourth round, 78th overall by the Greyhounds in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. The 6’ 3”, 192 lbs Carp, ON., native registered 25 goals, 15 assists, 40 points and 33 penalty minutes in 52 games, all with the Greyhounds during the 2019-20 season.

The forward signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Belleville Senators on Mar. 31 and suited up in three games.

“We’re excited to welcome Joe to the organization on the Petes opening night,” said Michael Oke, Petes GM. “He is a proven goal scorer at the OHL level and will be adding some excellent leadership to our group.”

“I grew up playing in tournaments in Peterborough. My fifth year in the league, I’m expecting big things from myself and want to do whatever it takes to push the Petes to the next step, I’m really excited,” explained Carroll. 

Carroll is expected to be in the Petes lineup tonight and will be wearing number 14.

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Hometown PTBO: Peterborough Pickleball Association About Growing the Game of Pickleball and What the Town Needs For Expansion

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Robyn Percival and Bruce Bozec of the Peterborough Pickleball Association about what Peterborough can do to expand on the growing-popular sport.

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Peterborough Petes Mason McTavish Makes History In NHL Regular Season Debut

Mason McTavish did not waste any time making an impact in the NHL.

In the first shot of his NHL debut, the Peterborough Pete became the youngest player to score in Anaheim Ducks history on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

McTavish’s game-winning goal came at 13:20 of the first period off a backhand shot rebound from teammate Isac Lundeström that went past 2020 Vezina trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Lundeström and Jakob Silfverberg were credited with an assist on the milestone goal.

The goal was under review since it occurred prior to a referee whistle. The shot counted as the puck was moving forward when the whistle was blown.

“(I) couldn’t have dreamed any better, to be honest,” said McTavish in a post-game interview. “The big win, the goal, definitely one I’ll never forget.”

With that goal, McTavish becomes the franchise’s youngest goalscorer at 18 years and 256 days of age. He also became the sixth Duck to record a multi-point game in their Anaheim debut.

The Ducks went on to defeat the Jets 4-1 in the season-opening game for both teams.

McTavish was selected third overall by the Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft in July after defenseman Owen Power and Matty Berniers were taken first and second by the Buffalo Sabers and Seattle Kraken respectively.

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Ennismore Curling Club Hosts Try Curling Day

The Ennismore Curling Club is inviting anyone that wants to try their hand at the sport to join them at their Try Curling Event on Sunday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Ennismore Curling Club.

A group of volunteers from the curling club will be at Sunday’s event to help newcomers step onto the ice for the first time and to offer tours of the club.

“We’re hoping that people who might think it fun to try curling will perhaps step on the ice, hold a rock, slide down the ice,” said Peter Gardiner, vice-chair, Ennismore Curling Club. “This would be an opportunity for them to understand how it works.”

After the event, participants are able to sign up for the Learn to Curl Program, an eight-week program that will begin Oct. 24.

After the Learn to Curl Program participants are welcome to join a social league that will begin in January.

“We find that in the middle of a dark winter’s night, it’s fun to get out to a social event and a physical activity,” said Gardiner. “It’s mostly to come out and meet with good friends, meet new friends and also to stay active.”

Participants are asked to bring clean running shoes that have not been worn outside. Anyone under 19 is required to wear protective headgear, though it is suggested that anyone stepping onto the ice to wear a helmet.

Sunday’s event is free and open to all ages.

For more information on the Ennismore Curling Club and their Try Curling Day click here.

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Peterborough Minor Hockey Boston Pizza Icefest “AAA” Tournament is Back

The Peterborough Minor Hockey Council (PMHC) has announced the return of hockey tournaments to the City of Peterborough on Thursday, along with the 2021 Boston Pizza Icefest “AAA” Tournament from Oct. 14-17 at arenas in Peterborough and area.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Minor Hockey Council.

The Tournament will host 56 “AAA” hockey teams from U12 – U15, from all over Ontario showcasing some of the best talent minor hockey has to offer.

The tournament will see a total of 112 round-robin games plus playoff games over the four days and feature the following number of teams:

• U12 - 12

• U13 - 16

• U14 - 12

• U15 - 16

Competition starts Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. More details are available by clicking the website link below.

https://peterboroughminorpetes.ca/Tournaments/1522/2021-2022_Boston_Pizza_Icefest_Tournament/

A COVID-19 Safety Plan has been submitted and approved by Peterborough Public Health and the City of Peterborough. It can be found on the tournament website.

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