Peterborough Petes Player Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Peterborough Petes goaltender Tye Austin is the OHL Goaltender of the Week after winning a pair of games while posting a 2.50 goals-against average and .923 save percentage announced Monday.

Tye Austin suffered an injury in the Petes home opener against the Oshawa Generals on Oct. 14. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Austin recently returned from injury and turned aside 60 of the 65 shots that came his way last week. He made 19 saves in Thursday’s 5-3 win over the visiting North Bay Battalion, snapping the Troops’ four-game winning streak in Mason McTavish’s return to the Petes lineup.

Austin provided a season-high 41 saves in Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Ottawa 67’s, earning first-star recognition as the Petes were outshot 43-29, earning their third straight win.

"I was able to have a quick recovery time because of all the awesome doctors in Peterborough the Petes medical staff,” explained Austin. “Natasha Legacé and Chelsea McQuade provided me with great support and worked with me day to day doing different exercises so that I was able to focus on coming back strong. I'm excited to be back, this group has a special bond and has been playing really well together lately.”

A 19-year-old from Pembroke, Ont., Austin missed a month of action with a shoulder injury, returning to the Petes’ lineup on Nov. 18. The 6-foot-6, 200Ib. netminder is 3-2-0-0 with a 3.83 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in six games this season.

Selected by the Petes in the third round (43rd overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, Austin owns a career mark of 14-16-0-1 with a 4.16 goals-against average and .877 save percentage through 42 career regular-season games in maroon and white.

Also considered for this week’s award, last week’s recipient Ben Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting was strong once again, going 1-1-0-0 with a 2.03 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in two games. London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu was kept busy, making 113 saves over three outings. He posted a 2.95 goals-against average and .926 save percentage as the Knights went 2-1-0-0.

2021-22 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

• Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)

• Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)

• Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Joe Vrbetic (North Bay Battalion

• Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Roman Basran (Mississauga Steelheads)

• Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Patrick Leaver (Oshawa Generals)

• Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Jacob Oster (Guelph Storm)

• Oct. 11 – Oct. 17: Brett Brochu (London Knights)

• Oct. 4 – Oct. 10: Tucker Tynan (Niagara IceDogs)

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Local Boy Gives Rousing Pre-Game Speech For Peterborough Petes Next Gen Game

The hockey world has been put on notice as six-year-old Callan Perks coached the Peterborough Petes to a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa 67’s with a pre-game speech on Sunday.

Perks was part of 10 kids aged 5-12 selected by the Petes for their Next Gen game. The day allowed the children a chance to join the Petes hockey operations and entertainment staff and participate in their respective roles. Petes general manager Michael Oke had the kids sign one-day contracts in a press conference at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday.

The one-day coach was introduced by Petes assistant coach Andrew Verner as Perks motivated the team with a speech and announced the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.

"It was a dream come true going into the dressing room and give the speech,” said Perks.

Callan Perks (middle) signed a one-day contract as the Peterborough Petes Next Gen head coach on Sunday. Screenshot.

All applicants for a coaching position had to sent a video of a pre-game speech to the Petes before a game. Perks was in disbelief when we found out the Petes had selected him as the Next Gen head coach.

"I was so excited, it just felt awesome,” explained Perks. “I didn’t know I was going to get picked because there was a bunch of people. It was awesome to get the opportunity."

Perks wrote letters to several hockey players to send them well wishes and to stay strong during the season. He has sent them to teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montréal Canadiens.

The six-year-old wants to be an NHL player when he grows up. He plans to be a hockey coach or general manager following his hockey-playing career.

Perks is a grade 2 student at Lakefield District Public School. He has skated since he was two and started playing hockey as a centreman when he was three.

His favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid as his favourite player.

Ten children signed one-day contracts as Next Gen staff in a press conference held on Sunday. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The following is the list of children selected for the Next Gen game:

• Next Gen Head Coach - Callan Perks

• Next Gen General Manager - Wynn Jennings

• Next Gen Associate Coach - Jack Ingram

• Next Gen Assistant Coach - Bodie MacGregor

• Next Gen Assistant Coach - Londyn Panter

• Next Gen Scout - Emerson Birkhoff

• Next Gen Scout - Hadley Jennings

• Next Gen Scout - Silas Saldovski

• Next Gen PA Announcer - Oliver Ingram

• Next Gen In-Game Host - Pyper Lypsett

"I love skating and I love the game,” exclaimed Perks. “It's awesome just to be on a team.”

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Electric City Football Club Announces First Head Coach In Team History

Michael Marcoccia has become the Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) inaugural head coach for the men’s and women’s teams announced at a press conference at their headquarters on Thursday.

Rob Jenkins, ECFC President (left) with newly appointed head coach Michael Marcoccia (right). Marcoccia has been the head coach for FC London since 2018 leading the team to a regular-season title at 12-2-2 in his inaugural year with the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We have been searching for the right Head Coach for this project for over a year and conducted countless interviews with individuals from across North America,” explained Rob Jenkins, ECFC President. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have been able to land such a great coaching talent to lead our project. Michael brings with him a tradition of excellence in League1 Ontario on both the Men’s and Women’s side and has the ambition and ability to take this project to the next level.  We feel very fortunate to have him in Peterborough.”

The London, Ont. native was head coach and technical director at FC London for the past six years where he coached both the Women’s (since 2016) and Men’s (Since 2018) League1 Ontario Teams. 

During that time, he has amassed a record of 100 wins, 14 draws and 28 losses. He has also won more League1 titles than any other coach including three League1 Ontario Championships, five League1 Ontario Regular Season Titles and one League1 Ontario Cup.

Marcoccia was named the 2018 League 1 Men's & Women's Coach of the Year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Marcoccia has also earned numerous personal accolades including being named League1 Ontario Coach of the Year three times.

“The first thing that drew me to Peterborough and Electric City FC was the project itself,” Marcoccia shared, “The more I learned from talking to Rob, the more I realized that this project was much bigger than I originally thought and something that I wanted to be a part of at this stage in my career.”

While coaching at FC London, Marcoccia also captured three OCAA Provincial titles and one CCAA National Bronze with the Fanshawe College Falcons Women’s Team. In 2019, he took the side to become the number one ranked team in Canada, for the first time in program history. Marcoccia has also been selected to coach the League1 Ontario All-Stars on 3 separate occasions.

“All I’ve heard so far is how great the community support is here in Peterborough,” Marcoccia continued. “One of the things I’m most looking forward to is diving into the community, getting to know the people, and experiencing the passion.” 

Prior to coaching, the Italian-Canadian spent time with multiple clubs in Italy's Serie C2, Serie D, Eccellenza and in France's Championnat National. Marcoccia also played locally for London City Soccer Club and FC London where he would retire to begin his coaching career.

“With our ambitions set high, it is going to take the whole community getting behind us and in response to that support I think it’s important for this team to be a reflection of this community,” said Marcoccia after addressing his playstyle. “Fans can expect to see a team on the pitch that is hardworking, passionate and dedicated to working together.”

The Italian-Canadian is regarded by many as the next up-and-coming coach in Canada, being touted by the Canadian Premier League’s Marty Thompson as one to watch out for a Canadian Premier League coaching spot in the future. 

“The next steps are to build our team and we are looking for players who have the same ambition to go professional as we do,” Marcoccia concluded. “This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to start in League1 Ontario and work their way with the club to the next level.”

Open Tryouts for Electric City FC are being held on Dec. 1 for both the Men’s and Women’s teams indoors at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan, registration is limited and now open at electriccityfc.com/tryouts.

The team has said they want to focus on not only running an excellent soccer team but grow the game within the coty.

“There’s probably a lot of coaches out in the area doing great things,” said Marcoccia. “The starting point is not to come in and not to change things but Not just find out what they’re doing but offer education to those where needed.”

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Peterborough Petes Player Featured and Tested By TSN's BarDown Squad

Peterborough Petes goalie Michael Simpson was tested uniquely as TSN’s BarDown team tried to score on him in a featured video released last Wednesday.

Simpson recorded his first win of the OHL season against the Sudbury Wolves on the Petes home opener after teammate and goaltender Tye Austin was injured in the first period on Oct. 14. Photo Courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The video, “How Good is a 60 Overall Goalie in Real Life?” compared an OHL-level goalie to hockey players with beer/house league-level skills.

The “60 overall” rating is based on the popular NHL 22 video game by Electronic Arts (EA) Sports in the “Hockey Ultimate Team” mode. The rating is considered very low as most of the NHL’s top stars in the game are in the 90s. BarDown wanted to determine if Simpson’s rating should be raised after testing his goalie skills.

Michael Simpson’s "Hockey Ultimate Team” card from the NHL 22 video game. Screenshot.

Corwin McCallum and Jesse Pollock of BarDown competed against Simpson in three different competitions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. It consisted of both men each taking 10 slot shots and three breakaways. They teamed up in the final event with 10 two-on-nothing attempts.

“You see their videos on Youtube and on TSN watching Sportscentre. You see they're goofballs and see it's a pretty cool experience and definitely something I'll never forget,” said Simpson. "It was pretty funny to have a laugh and be able to compete against them.”

Several Peterborough Petes were on the bench during the filming cheering on both sides. Despite Simpson’s excellent performance in the video, his teammates were quick to remind the goalie of his few mistakes after filming and in the locker room.

"They were giving it to me pretty good for letting in the goals but it was all a good experience and it was all super fun,” said Simpson.

Friends, family and fans messaged the Petes goaltender and blew up his phone and social media after they saw the video.

"A good amount of people have reached out. My family said it was a super cool experience but a lot of people back home, in high school and even elementary school reached out and said it’s such a cool opportunity,” said Simpson. “It was pretty cool to have those people reaching out and letting me know how cool it is."

Simpson was selected 193rd overall in the 10th round in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection Photo Courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Both BarDown and Simpson agreed that his rating should increase after his performance against McCallum and Pollock.

“I don't think anyone likes being that low so hopefully it goes up and hopefully I did well enough to maybe catch their eye and see it a little bit,” chuckled Simpson.

Simpson occasionally plays the NHL 22 video game with teammates Shawn Spearing and Keegan McMullen.

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Peterborough Petes Seeking Kids For Next Generation Game

The Peterborough Petes are seeking eight kids to join their hockey operations and entertainment staff against the Ottawa 67’s announced on Monday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The team is looking for kids ages 5-12 to shadow the following roles for Sunday’s game.

The Petes are wanting the following positions to be filled:

• General manager

• Head coach

• Assistant coach

• Associate coach

• Public address announcer

• In-game host

• Two scouts

Kids can apply for the various positions by completing the Next Gen application online form.

For the position of head coach, assistant coach or associate coach, kids are asked to send in a video of a pre-game speech that they would deliver to the Petes ahead of a big game. The video must remain under two minutes and be filmed landscape (horizontal).

For public address or in-game host, children are asked to upload a video that includes them reading the following script: "Here is the starting line up for your Peterborough Petes presented by Chemong Home Building Centre! Starting in goal Tye Austin, on defence Donovan McCoy and Shawn Spearing. At forward: Joe Carroll and Tucker Robertson and J.R. Avon! And here are the remainder of your Peterborough Petes."

For the position of general manager or scout, applicants are asked to complete the Nex Gen scouting report for any current Peterborough Petes player.  

The application to become a member of the Next Gen squad is due on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. All parents of the Next Gen applicants will be contacted Friday.

Those selected to be a part of the Petes Next Gen squad will have the opportunity to receive a behind the scenes tour of the Memorial Centre ahead of puck drop on Sunday afternoon, catch on-ice warm up from the Petes bench, enjoy a meal in the media/scout room and meet members of the Petes hockey operations staff. 

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Mason McTavish Reassigned to Peterborough Petes from Anaheim Ducks

Centreman Mason McTavish has been reassigned to the Peterborough Petes from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft recorded three points (2 goals, 1 assist) and a +3 rating in nine games with the Ducks this season. In the Ducks' season opener and his NHL debut, he became the youngest goal scorer in Ducks history (18 years, 256 days).

“It’s exciting to have Mason rejoin the team,” said Michael Oke, Petes General Manager. “He’ll be a great addition to our roster and we are looking forward to working with him to continue his development.”

"After careful consideration and deliberation, we have decided to loan Mason McTavish to the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League," said Jeff Solomon, Ducks Interim GM "While we are happy with Mason's development to date, we believe it is in his best long-term interests to continue his development playing in the OHL for the remainder of this season and, hopefully for Team Canada in the upcoming World Junior Championships.”

In addition to suiting up for Anaheim, the Petes fifth overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection suited up for the Ducks’ AHL affiliate San Diego Gulls, recording two points (1G, 1A) in three games. 

“Among other things, this move should afford Mason the opportunity to gain additional experience playing his natural center position, which we believe will be beneficial to Mason and the Ducks in the long run,” said Solomon.

Serving as alternate captain, McTavish helped Team Canada win gold for the first time since 2013, at the 2021 U18 IIHF World Championship in Texas. The centreman finished the tournament with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in seven games, ranking fifth overall in the tournament and tied second on Team Canada.

In his rookie season with the Petes, the Carp, Ontario, who was born in Zurich, Switzerland recorded 29 goals and 13 assists for 42 points, finishing second in the OHL rookie scoring race. He was also named to the OHL 2nd All-Rookie team.

McTavish is expected to return to the Petes lineup on Thursday, Nov. 25 when the Petes take on the North Bay Battalion at 7:05 p.m.

Hometown PTBO: Brian Miller On His 20th Season With the Peterborough Petes

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Peterborough Petes head trainer Brian Miller on spending the last 20 years working with the club.

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Fleming College Alumnus Named Amongst Olympians as a Runner to Follow on TikTok

Fleming alumnus and current Fleming Knights Cross Country Coach Brendan Carpenter has been recognized by Canadian Running Magazine as a Canadian runner to follow on TikTok.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The list, published on Oct. 21, featured seven runners. Two of which were Canadian Olympians Andre De Grasse and Sage Watson.

Carpenter started running when he was a student at Fleming College and has since lost over 160 lbs.

He is now a marathon runner, a coach, a Saucony Athlete and has a following of over 138,000 on TikTok.

“It's an honor to be on a list with some of Canada's best athletes and something that I would have never expected,” Carpenter said to Fleming College. “I got my start running at the Wellness Centre when I went to Fleming as a student. The facilities that Fleming provided was the catalyst to changing my life and kick starting my weight loss journey to where I am today. I never knew that stepping on that treadmill would lead me to being featured on a list with Olympians. Life will take you some pretty amazing places if do the things that scare you most.”

To view the full list of runners click here.

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Peterborough & District Sports Hall Of Fame Display Their Tribute to the Troops for Remembrance Day

Several Peterborough athletes have served our country and the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame has continued their annual tradition of honouring their efforts in an exhibit.

Pete Dalliday speaks with Pat Bronson as she walks us through displays with veteran/athletes such as Dootch Vitarelli, Bill Crowley Sr., Walter Miler, Gunner Lynch and more.

The displays honour those who served in World War I, II, through Peace Keeping/Modern Conflict efforts and others.

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Electric City Football Club Announces League1 Ontario Women’s Team and Open Tryouts For the 2022 Season

Two weeks after declaring its participation in the League1 Ontario Men's Premier Division in 2022, the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has been approved to compete in the League1 Ontario Women’s Premier Division in 2022 announced Wednesday.

The ECFC was formally announced to Peterborough on Aug. 9, 2021. Photo Courtesy of ECFC.

“We are very pleased to be pushing ahead with our women’s program ahead of schedule alongside our men’s for the upcoming 2022 season.” ECFC President Rob Jenkins explained, “The response and support from the community has been amazing so far and we heard loud and clear that there was a desire for us to field a Women’s Team in Peterborough as soon as possible.” 

“We are excited to welcome an Electric City FC Women’s team to League1 Ontario for 2022,” Dino Rossi, League1 Ontario Executive Chairman. “Expanding and growing the women’s game in Ontario is a priority for us and developing women’s talent and opportunity with this ownership group in Peterborough and the Kawartha Region is an important addition.” 

The League1 Ontario Women’s Premier Division, along with Première Ligue de soccer du Québec (PLSQ) Womens, is currently the highest level of Women’s soccer being played in Canada. 

 “From our Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team winning the Olympic Gold Medal in Tokyo, to the record number of Canadian women playing at the highest level of the professional game in Europe and the US; the time is now for women’s soccer in Canada, Ontario and Peterborough,'“ said Jenkins. 

In addition to the Women’s Team announcement, the Club also confirmed that Open Tryouts for both the Men’s and Women’s team will take place on Dec. 1 at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan, registration is limited and now open. 

“Peterborough has produced some great Men’s and Women’s soccer players especially at the League1 Ontario level. As a community-based club one of our main objectives is ensuring that we are opening doors to local talent as much as possible,” Jenkins concluded, “We have received interest from players across the globe to play for Electric City FC and our open tryouts provide the opportunity for all aspiring players to be the spark that will electrify our community.”

The following are full details on the open tryouts:

Date: December 1, 2021 - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Indoors at the Ontario Soccer Centre, 7601 Martin Grove Rd, Woodbridge 

Registration: Limited to 75 Participants Per Team (Men’s & Women’s) 

Go to electriccityfc.com/tryouts to register and get further information.

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