Peterborough Selected to Host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

After facing two consecutive cancelled years due to COVID-19, Peterborough has kept its bid and will host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games that will run from Aug. 9 - 11 announced on Thursday.

Pickleball will be one of the events in the Summer Games. Pickleball enthusiasts have lobbied the Peterborough government to build more courts to meet the increasing popularity of the game in town. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 1,400 people are expected to compete in events such as bid euchre, contract bridge, cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, tennis and more. The venues for the events will be throughout the City and County.

Several Peterborough notables say the games will provide an economic boost to the travel and tourism industry as they went through several challenges due to the pandemic.

Several supporters and fans are expected to travel to the event with the competitors as the city has organized a committee to help accommodate the boosted tourism.

“We are excited to support the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough with a $235,000 investment. This event will bring people, their families, and fans from across Ontario to Peterborough; supporting local businesses and aiding in the economic recovery of our community,” said MPP Dave Smith.

“I am pleased that we can work with Games organizers to host this event in Peterborough in 2022,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games is an important contributor to the well-being of the Peterborough community and the province and as Ontario deals with the impacts of COVID-19, it’s important that we invest in and support our local communities in the short and long term.”

"Never before has social interaction and fun been more important for our citizens,” Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The Ontario 55+ Summer Games will not only be fun but are essential for our mental and emotional health following Covid."

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries is providing $235,000 in funding to support the event. The City has committed $175,000. Additional funding will be raised through fundraising, sponsorship and fees.

A website for the event will be launched to share information as more details are available.

There will be a call for volunteers to assist with the Games – and for the community to come out to enjoy the Games and cheer on the participants. This information is also on the City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.

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Electric City Football Club Signs Two Professional Footballers Marking The Clubs Inaugural Signings

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has confirmed the signing of professional footballers Sona Makulova and Zach Ellis-Hayden as the club’s inaugural signings.

Photo courtesy of Electric City Football Club.

Both players have had success in Canada and are both coming off successful professional international seasons in Italy and the United States respectively.

The first player officially joining the ECFC Men’s team, Zach Ellis-Hayden (29), is an experienced Kitchener-born defender who has spent the last 6 seasons playing professionally in the USL Championship. Ellis-Hayden is a very attacking-minded right back with great pace and can create opportunities for his team through his crossing ability.

For the past two seasons Ellis-Hayden has been a regular starter for OKC Energy and in 2021, no Canadian player in the USL Championship (one division below MLS) performed better analytically than Ellis-Hayden, according to FotMob data.

“Zach is a player we have been following closely over the past few years as we believe he is one of the most skilled and dynamic Canadian footballers playing in the USL and anticipate that he will be a fan favorite,” said ECFC President Rob Jenkins of the Club’s first signing, “We are excited to add a player of his experience, quality, and character to the team and will be looking for him to play a large role in what we are building in Peterborough both on and off the pitch for years to come.”

Ellis-Hayden got his professional start when he was signed by MLS side Orlando City SC in 2016 after a standout career at NCAA Division 1 school Cleveland State University where he played 58 games and in his final year was named to the All-Horizon League Second Team and NSCAA Division I Men's All-Great Lakes Region Third Team. He played for Orlando City B for two seasons where he had 45 appearances.

Ellis-Hayden then signed with ambitious USL Championship expansion side Fresno FC, who were also the reserve team for the Vancouver Whitecaps and made another 50 appearances over two seasons before signing with OKC.

“(Fans) can expect to see consistent performances which is important as a defender. For me, giving your most every day in training and games goes a long way, so for me effort is number one.”

On the Women’s side ECFC has added a player in Sona Makulova (25) who has excelled at every level she has competed in including Canada, Italy and the Czech Republic. Makulova was born in the Czech Republic and played competitively there while growing up. She moved to Canada at the age of 12 with her family and settled in Scarborough. She has continued to play the game in Canada and excelled during her time playing at Seneca College and in League1 Ontario before moving to the professional game in Italy with Ternana Calcio in 2021.

“I am thrilled to have Sona join our team here at Electric City FC. She is someone that I have had to coach against during her time in League1 Ontario and at the Collegiate level. She is a player that can take over a match and win a game for you,” ECFC Women’s First Team Coach Randy Ribeiro said. “Once I heard Sona was interested in returning to Canada after her playing stint overseas, I knew she was a player that I wanted to bring into our program. She will be a player the fans will enjoy watching every week and I am excited to have her join Electric City FC this summer.”

Makulova was a two-time Seneca Sting Athlete of the Year and helped the women’s varsity team capture the silver medal during the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association (OCAA) championship during the 2019-20 season. She was also named the 2018-19 OCAA Women’s Soccer Rookie of the Year and 2019-20 OCAA Women’s Soccer East Player of the Year, as well as a 2019-20 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian. Makulova also played three standout seasons in League1 Ontario, two with the Sanjaxx Lions out of Toronto and one with FC Oshawa where she won the 2019 League1 Ontario Goal of the Year.

“Once I spoke with the coaches and heard about their ambition and what they are trying to accomplish in League1 Ontario, I was excited because I know it is going to be beyond anyone's expectation,” Makulova said of her new team, “Electric City is going to bring professionalism and take the game to the next level. It's an honor to be part of Electric City FC and be part of something new with this much ambition, excitement, and passion.” When asked what fans can expect to see from her on the pitch she responded with, “I am going to bring leadership, experience, passion, and a strong desire to win.”

Player announcements are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the team builds it roster leading to training camp in early April and kickoff later that month. Season Ticket Vouchers and sponsorship packages are available now at electriccityfc.com.

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Electric City Football Club Launches Affiliations With FC Durham And Toronto Skillz As League1 Ontario Reserve Teams

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has announced it has signed two affiliation agreements with well-established and successful League1 Ontario clubs FC Durham and Toronto Skillz FC.

Jake Doodnath, Toronto Skillz FC. Ron Clarke, FC Durham. Photos courtesy of Electric City Football Club.

These affiliation agreements give the club three well-established ‘farm teams’ that will allow players in the ECFC system that are not ready for the first team yet a place to play, develop and work towards that final goal of wearing the Electric City FC jersey in Peterborough.

Toronto Skillz FC, located in Scarborough, will field ECFC’s League1 Ontario U21 Men’s Reserve side.

“We are excited to partner with Electric City FC and to be part of this ambitious project. We believe that Rob and his team are setting the standards and creating a template on how to build a club and a team.” Jake Doodnath, President and Technical Director of Toronto Skillz FC said. “We see our relationship with ECFC providing a direct pathway for talented players to showcase themselves.”

FC Durham, located in Oshawa, will field ECFC’s only Women’s League1 Ontario Reserve side and the ECFC League1 Ontario U19 Men’s Reserve team.

“FC Durham programs have a long-standing history of providing scholarship opportunities to players making the transition to post-secondary play,” Ron Clarke, Technical Director at FC Durham, said, “This affiliation ensures a deep, talented, homegrown player pool providing female and male players the ability to stay local and provide a pathway to a professional soccer career.”

These relationships complete a clear pathway for local players who are currently playing for their local youth club but have ambitions to one day play professionally for the Electric City FC first team.

“We are very excited to have been able to partner with two great organizations to run our reserve teams this season,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins explained. “It was important to us to ensure that we have a complete, clear and realistic reserve team setup to develop potential first team players from the region. FC Durham and Toronto Skillz have both demonstrated their ability to develop and prepare players for the next level having both regularly sent women and men to the collegiate and pro levels.”

The reserve teams will compete in the League1 Ontario Reserve Leagues kicking off in spring of 2022 and running until the fall. All three teams will wear their own club’s jerseys for competitions but will also wear the Electric City FC Patch on their shoulder to acknowledge the partnership.

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Petes Open Applications For Next Generation Game

The Peterborough Petes are providing ten young fans the opportunity to join the Petes hockey operations and entertainment staff at the Petes upcoming Family Day Game on Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks went viral in his pre-game speech during the Next Gen Game in late November last year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes are looking for a top-notch squad of kids between the ages of 5-12 years old to shadow the following roles on the Monday kid-centric matinee. The following positions are available to be filled:

• General Manager

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Associate Coach

• Public Address Announcer

• In-Game Host

• Two Scouts

• TV Broadcast

• Radio Broadcast

Kids can apply for the various positions by completing the Petes 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 the position of 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 Artem Guryev, 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, young Petes fans are asked to complete the Next Gen scouting report for any current Peterborough Petes player.

New to the Next Gen staff is the opportunity to call the game with Scott Arnold and Pete Dalliday of the YourTV broadcast booth or Stew Kernan and Katrina Squazzin of Freq 90.5. Those who wish to call the Next Gen game are asked to send in a video that includes what three questions they would ask a Peterborough Pete during a rink-side interview in the second intermission.

The application to become a member of the Next Gen squad is due Feb. 17 at 11:59 p.m. All parents or guardians of the Next Gen applicants will be contacted Feb. 18.

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.

Off the ice, families can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment throughout the lobbies including a meet and greet with mascots, a scavenger hunt around the PMC, and throwback videos and photos of their favourite Petes from their minor hockey years.

The Next Gen game will take place Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts, in the Petes first home game of the new year where 50 per cent capacity is permitted.

For information on season tickets, private suites, or groups contact Mike Kosciesza at mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com.

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Former St.FX USports Standout And All Canadian Randy Ribeiro Joins Electric City Football Club’s Coaching Staff For 2022

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has named Randy Ribeiro the club’s League1 Ontario Women’s first Team Coach and Men’s Assistant Coach.

Randy Ribeiro and Rob Jenkins. Photo courtesy of Electric City Football Club.

Ribeiro joins ECFC from FC London and Fanshaw College where he worked with ECFC Head Coach Michael Marcoccia as Assistant Coach of the League1 Ontario Women’s program for the past four years and Fanshaw College Women’s team for the past three. He has also been Head Coach of FC London’s League1 Ontario Women’s Reserve Team for the past four years and assistant on the League1 Ontario Men’s Reserve team for the past two.

“I am really excited to continue my coaching career with Electric City FC,” Ribeiro said, “I’m looking forward to being in Peterborough with the athletes and creating a brand of football that the community will enjoy watching and be proud of.”

As a player, Ribeiro was formerly the captain of FC London’s men’s side, where he played for 5 seasons. Ribeiro retired as the all-time leader in appearances for the London side with 72 from 2016 to 2021. Prior to FC London, Ribeiro played for St. Francis Xavier University for 5 years in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and during his time there was named Atlantic University Sport All-Star in 4 of his 5 years and U Sports All Canadian in 2013.

“We were very impressed with Randy’s coaching ability, relationship building, and record of success especially in the women’s game,” Club President Rob Jenkins said. “His drive, dedication, and ambition were evident from the first time we met. He has been a constant with Michael throughout the past five years in London and we are thrilled to have him join us in Peterborough to continue that tradition of success.”

Ribeiro is of Portuguese descent and holds a dual citizenship. In addition to his time at St.FX and FC London he spent three years with the Toronto Lynx in the USL Premier Development League and spent time training with the Professional Club CD Santa Clara in Portugal.

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Major Series Lacrosse League Expected To Make Appearance For Peterborough's 150th Professional Lacrosse Anniversary

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of Peterborough’s involvement in lacrosse. It is hoped that during the week long celebration in Peterborough all six of the Major Series Lacrosse teams will play part of the leagues regular season in the city.

Photo courtesy of Century 21 Lakers.

“I was pleasantly surprised and quite happy our governors unanimously supported the proposal to have all six MSL teams participate in the 150th anniversary celebration in Peterborough,” said Doug Luey, MSL Commissioner. “This will be the highlight of our regular season and we are looking forward to the event”.

Lacrosse began in Peterborough in 1872 with the first team being the Red Stockings. Peterborough won its first championship five years later and since that time has won 29 senior and junior national championships and more than 150 provincial titles.

Multi lacrosse Hall of Famer goaltender Tim Barrie heads a committee of workers currently organizing an array of events expected to take place during the beginning of the lacrosse season and culminating on the July 1 Canada Day weekend.

Barrie says the week of celebration will include representation from every lacrosse organization within Peterborough.

This includes field lacrosse (including both Trent University teams), minor field lacrosse (girls and boys), minor box lacrosse and box lacrosse from Junior up to the Senior (MSL) team and The Peterborough Lacrosse Alumni.

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Electric City Football Club Announces Partnerships With Five Local Soccer Clubs

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) have announced partnerships with five local youth soccer clubs, Maple Leaf Cavan FC, Peterborough City, Peterborough Youth Soccer Club, Northumberland United and Kawartha Lakes SC.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

“It was important for us to reach out to the local youth clubs in the region to ensure that we are all united working towards the same goals of bringing professional soccer to the community,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins said, “The clubs have been really supportive of what we are trying to do and it’s been amazing to see them all come together for the cause, despite being competitors on the pitch, which hasn’t always been the case in other markets I have been in.”

“The partnership between clubs is about the future and supporting the soccer dreams and aspirations of young players,” said Maple Leaf Cavan FC president Scott Poser. “Together our clubs are providing a pathway for players to develop and achieve their potential. For some, this will mean playing at the highest level of competition in Ontario.”

Peterborough City Soccer Club President Dan Moore says the partnership will be mutually beneficial.

“Long has this city thirsted for a destination for local soccer talent with a higher level of exposure. It is our hope that this becomes an avenue to even bigger stages for our players. The greater exposure will no doubt create greater interest and investment in our sport, as it brings entertainment and pride to the city.”

Northumberland Soccer Club President Ryan Goodall has spoken about the partnership and how both clubs will benefit.

“There is the opportunity for us to help promote and encourage our membership to go and watch these high-level soccer games close to home. The NSC can benefit from potential fundraising activities, player training camps and technical support. We are looking forward to a long-standing partnership with Electric City FC to help promote soccer in Central Ontario and help grow the love of this sport.”

Electric City FC Head Coach Michael Marcoccia indicated that this project is about much more than just bringing professional soccer to the community.

”Our hope as a professional club is to work with these youth clubs to help develop the talent in the region so that in the future we have a team full of local talent that came through our partner youth clubs,” said Marcoccia.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

“The KLSC is excited to partner with Electric City FC as they bring top level men's and women's soccer to the Kawarthas,” said Kawartha Lakes Soccer Club President Steve Hayman. “We look forward to cheering on the ECFC teams, as well as working with their players and staff to grow the game and develop local players in this region.”

Peterborough Youth Soccer Club President Shawn Harris says this partnership will bring many opportunities to Peterboroughs entire soccer community.

“PYSC is thrilled about partnering with ECFC. We are excited about the opportunities it brings to the whole soccer community in Peterborough. We look forward to working together for many years to come”.

Electric City Football Club are scheduled to kickoff their Men’s and Women’s League1 Ontario seasons in late April with a final Open Tryout scheduled for April 2 and training camp beginning in early April. Season Ticket deposits and registration for the open tryout are both available at electriccityfc.com.

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Hometown PTBO: Shawn Evans On Reaching His Career Milestone of 800 Assists In the NLL

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Shawn Evans of the NLL's Rochester Knights about reaching a milestone of 800 career assists in professional lacrosse.

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New Logo Unveiled To Commemorate 150th Anniversary of Peterborough Lacrosse

A commemorative logo has been designed to celebrate 150 years of lacrosse in Peterborough since it was established in 1872 released on Wednesday.

Eleven of Peterborough’s 17 Mann Cup championships were under the Peterborough Lakers. Photo courtesy of Ed Arnold.

The anniversary marks 150 years of lacrosse as the oldest and most successful sport in the city’s history.

The logo was designed by former lacrosse player Jamie Plunkett of apparel company UncommonFit.

The first game began 1872 with the Red Stockings as the first team. Peterborough won its first championship in 1879 and won 29 senior and junior national championships and more than 150 provincial titles. Peterborough also won the Mann Cup 17 times in franchise history.

Tim Barrie, Committee chair has been formed to celebrate the game’s anniversary with a big week of lacrosse being planned for the last week of June ending with the celebration of Canada’s birthday on July 1. No further details have been released.

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Organizations, Parents And Kids Celebrate As Youth Sports Resume In Peterborough

As of Monday youth sports may resume in Ontario, as part of the provinces slow ease in restrictions. Sports have been put on hold since Jan. 5.

Photo courtesy of Time 2 Hoop.

Leagues, studios, teams and coaches in Peterborough are ready to resume for in person play.

“We are thrilled to be able to open our doors to our students again,” said Robyn Carter, owner at Premiere Dance Peterborough. “Youth sports and extra curricular activities are so important to the mental and physical health of all children. At Premiere we go above and beyond the safety measures required, and know we can provide our dance lessons in a safe environment.”

Time 2 Hoop Basketball Academy is excited to be able to train athletes again and believes that their mental health will improve in doing so.

“We are getting back to an environment where children can be active while they are developing competence, confidence and having fun,” said Joshua Williams, founder of Time 2 Hoop. “Learning new skills, getting exercise, interacting with peers and learning to play with others in a team setting. Being involved with sports also helps develop life skills and deal with the challenges that life brings.”

Jef Dueck, president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, AAA Peterborough Petes, sayd that although the league has lost about a month of ice time, they are ready now more than ever to skate together.

“We are very happy to be back at the rink and playing the sport we love,” he said. “Physical activity and team play are very important to the physical and mental health of our youth. For kids involved in high-level competitive sports programs like AAA hockey, there’s really no substitute for the intensity that comes with their practices and games. We’ve lost a month, some games and a couple of tournaments. But now that we can skate together again, we won’t waste any time getting back to work and chasing after the Provincial Championships.”

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15AA Ice Kats, says the team is buzzing and ready to get back on the ice.

“Now that we know what a month without hockey looks like we’re ready to capitalize on our excitement,” she said. “The team is focused and ready for success.”

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