Peterborough Petes Introduce "100 Days of Giveaways" For Season Ticket Members

The Peterborough Petes have released a new promotion called “100 Days of Giveaways” for their season ticket members heading into the 2022-23 season announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Beginning Tuesday, one season ticket member who has renewed their tickets, submitted a deposit or purchased new seats, will be randomly drawn for a chance to win a prize valued up to $1,000 over 100 days.

“Our season ticket members have remained by our side throughout these two challenging seasons and we want to reward those who continue to be loyal to the maroon and white,” commented Mike Kosciesza, Sr. Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales and Service. “We’re grateful to our participating community partners for helping us give back to our loyal and supportive season ticket members.”

One ballot will be entered per seat under each account. Each entry is automatically entered from the date of purchase, renewal or deposit into the draw of remaining prizes. Anyone who has placed a deposit or paid in full by Tuesday will be entered into all 100 days of draws. 

Winners are within 48 hours of each successive draw with instructions on how to claim their prize by a Petes Sales Representative.

The Petes website has a list of available prizes and winners. Every Friday, the winners from 100 Days of Giveaways will be announced across the Petes social media channels. 

Prizes available include flatscreen televisions, gift cards, tickets to sports and entertainment events, experiences, hockey memorabilia, and more valued up to $1,000. 

To be eligible to win, fans must have paid their deposit or have fully renewed their season tickets for the 2022-23 season.

For more information about season tickets for the 2022-23 Petes season, call (705) 743-3681 x 6000 or e-mail mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com. 

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Peterborough Petes Make History With First Woman Zamboni Driver

Evelyn Johns becomes the first woman in history to drive a Zamboni during a Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) last Monday.

Evelyn Johns has driven Zambonis at several Peterborough ice rinks such as the Healthy Planet Arena, Kinsmen Arena and the now-demolished Northcrest Arena. Photo courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Johns drove the Zamboni during the Family Day game last Monday where the Petes defeated the visiting Barrie Colts 3-2.

“I was nervous, super nervous,” said Johns. “I’ve done lots of games at the Healthy Planet Arena but it’s a lot different at the Memorial Centre. My heart started pounding with all those people watching me.”

The Petes would like to welcome Evelyn Johns to the mighty maroon and white! Evelyn joins the @PtboMemCentre building operations crew, becoming the first woman to drive a zamboni for a Petes game!#GoPetesGo pic.twitter.com/z1L3HGpP3J

— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) February 21, 2022

Johns got the gig when there was an opening through Public Works. She had been working there for the past six years when a colleague recommended that she take the job.

She was familiar with being on the ice since she played ringette for many years and intermural hockey in college but being on the PMC’s Zamboni was a different feeling for her.

“It was cool. The lights were off and I could see all the cameras flashing,” said Johns. “I told my mom and dad and they were proud of me.”

She will continue to be part of a rotation of Zamboni drivers for the duration of the season.

Johns moved to Peterborough 11 years ago as a student in biotechnology and forensics at Fleming College.

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Hometown PTBO: Ian Armstrong On His Hockey Career and Battle With Cancer

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with former Peterborough Petes and Boston Bruins draft pick Ian Armstrong about his hockey and golf life and his battle with cancer.

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Electric City Football Club Welcomes Former Greek Super League Player and Former New Zealand Pro League Player

Electric City Football Club has announced that it has agreed to terms with former Greek Super League midfielder Angelika Mihalopulos and former New Zealand Pro League player Adrian Gallo.

ECFC's two newest players, Angelika Mihalopulos and Cobourg resident Adrian Gallo smile after signings contracts with the Peterborough-based pro soccer team. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Mihalopulos, 28, is a midfielder from London, Ontario, who recently played professionally in Greece in the Women’s Alpha division for AEL FC. She started 16 games and helped lead the team to a fourth place finish in the Greek First Division.

“Angelika has been a top player in League1 Ontario over the past few years. She brings a lot of experience into our team this season. Angelika is a very composed player capable of playing out of high pressure situations. She’s the type of player that fits into our playing philosophy perfectly,” said ECFC Women’s Coach Randy Ribeiro. “Her defensive work rate is outstanding and she breaks up a lot of passes coming into midfield. We are thrilled to add a player of Angelika's experience and quality into our team here at ECFC this summer.”

Prior to playing for AEL FC, Mihalopulos played for the Western Mustangs and Fanshawe College. During her time at Western University she was named a OUA First-Team All-Star and at Fanshawe College she was a CCAA National Championship Tournament All-Star in 2019.

In 2019, she joined FC London in League1 Ontario, where she played 9 regular season games and 5 playoff games en route to leading the club to a League1 Ontario Championship over Oakville Blue Devils. During last year’s shortened season, Mihalopulos started 10 games and scored 1 goal and was named a League1 Ontario Second Team All-Star leading the team to a Regular Season title.

“There are a number of things that attracted me to ECFC. The biggest thing was how passionate everyone was about this project. It wasn’t just about having a team in League1 Ontario or going to the CPL, but bringing something even bigger to Peterborough. Something the community would be proud to stand behind,” Mihalopulos said. “Another thing that attracted me to ECFC is the standard they are setting in the league. Not just in the men’s game but on the women’s side as well, it’s super exciting.”

On the men’s side ECFC has added Adrian Gallo, 28, who resides in Cobourg with his wife, after a great career abroad and at other successful L1O programs including in 2019 when Gallo represented the Oakville Blue Devils side that won the L1O Regular Season.

“Adrian is a player that we are excited to bring into our team here at ECFC. He has experience playing at the League1 level and is coming back from spending some time playing over in New Zealand,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins said. “Adrian is a technically sound midfielder that we believe fits into what we want to do here very well. His level of professionalism and experiences will really help with the development of the younger players we bring in here that aspire to make the jump to the next level.”

Abroad, Gallo played professionally for Bay Olympic AFC in Auckland, New Zealand in the county’s Lotto LRFL league. Gallo has had training stints with professional clubs in Spain, including Getafe B, CF Fuenlabrada and in Italy’s Serie D. As a youth player, Gallo had trials and trained in Argentina.

“When I got back from New Zealand, I moved to Cobourg and had hoped a club would form somewhere near the Kawartha Lakes. When I heard of Electric City FC, the people involved in the project, the ambitious plan, and the community support, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Gallo said of joining ECFC. “It’s an honour to be joining Electric City FC, a club that is making waves in Canadian football. It’s exciting to be a part of the historic first year.”

Player announcements are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the team builds its roster leading to training camp in early April. Roster spots are still available and interested players are encouraged to attend open try-outs on April 2. Open Try-Out Registration, Season Ticket Vouchers, and Sponsorship Packages are available now at electriccityfc.com

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Trent University Excalibur Hires New Rugby Head Coach For Varsity Women’s Team

Trent University Excalibur women’s rugby team has hired Doug Lang as the new head coach for the upcoming 2022/23 season announced on Wednesday.

Lang has been the assistant coach for Trent in the past five seasons. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Doug Lang as our new Excalibur women’s rugby head coach,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “His experience with our rugby program and technical knowledge of the game will support the development of our student-athletes and our rugby program.”

Lang joined the Excalibur in 2017 as the assistant coach of the Excalibur men’s rugby team. He moved to the women’s team in 2020 serving under former head coach Pete Hercus.

“The last five years have given me a great insight into rugby at Trent and the landscape in which the sport operates,” said Lang. “Working in a range of different experiences and environments has very much shaped my coach philosophy. I believe this will allow the student-athletes to play a game truly suited to their ability and encourage them to develop their skills to play a complete game.”

Prior to coaching with Trent, Lang gained experience in the United Kingdom. He has served as head coach in and near Peterborough with the Cobourg Saxons (2017-19) and the Peterborough Pagans (2020-21).

“I like to think a successful Trent Excalibur student-athlete will thrive in any academic environment, business setting, having empathy for other team members, and support their colleagues to better strive for excellence,” said Lang.

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Electric City Football Club Signs League1 Ontario All-Star and U Sports National Champion

Two more additions to building the Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) inaugural rosters continue by signing two-time League1 Ontario All-Star Ethan Gopaul and U Sports Women’s Soccer National Champion Hailey Walsh on Thursday.

Hailey Walsh (left) and Ethan Gopaul (right) are the fourth players for their respective teams signed to the the club. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Gopaul, 22, from London, Ont. has spent time at the prestigious Vancouver Whitecaps residency program from the age of 16-19, then made the jump to their USL Championship affiliate, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 in 2017.

“Ethan has been a standout in League1 Ontario over the last couple of years. His pace and 1v1 attacking ability are exceptional which makes him a handful for defenders to deal with. Ethan has proven he is capable of scoring goals at the League1 Ontario level year after year,” Rob Jenkins, ECFC President. “We truly believe he is a CPL-calibre player and that he will be one of the most entertaining players for our fans to watch this season.”

Gopaul (right) dribbling the ball around a defender during his tenure with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Gopaul with FC London in 2019 helped the club reach the League1 Ontario Finals by scoring two goals in their playoff run and was named to the League1 First Team All-Stars.  

In 2021, he helped FCL to third place in the league by scoring 11 goals in 12 matches (second in the league in scoring). Gopaul received a West-Division First Team All-Star nod.

“Electric City FC excited me because it was an opportunity for change, new challenges, and more exposure to that professional environment that’s being built here,” said Gopaul. “With the goal to be a CPL franchise and all the effort that’s been made to make me feel comfortable with this change, it has made me feel very honoured to be a part of the first group of players to wear this badge on my chest.”

Walsh dribbles the ball during a game for the Ottawa U Gee-Gees. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Hailey Walsh, 22, of Courtice, Ontario was recruited from a top-ranked University of Ottawa Women’s soccer program.

During her time as a Gee-Gee, Walsh was a 2018 OUA champion, a 2018 U Sports National Champion, a 2019 OUA Bronze Medalist and Champion of the inaugural 2019 FISU University World Cup in China.

“Hailey is a player we monitored closely this past season during her time with U of Ottawa. What really attracted us to recruit Hailey into our program was her capability to play short and long passes with both feet,” said Randy Ribeiro, ECFC women’s head coach. “Her technical ability to play out of tight spaces is exceptional and we truly believe she fits our player profile perfectly. We are really excited to have Hailey join us this summer at ECFC.”

Walsh has played a number of successful seasons in League1 Ontario for Durham United, FC Oshawa and Darby FC.

“It feels incredible to be a part of Electric City FC. I have seen how the city of Peterborough has bought into this club and their enthusiasm makes me so eager to get started,” said Walsh. “Being a part of Electric City FC’s inaugural season is a very surreal feeling, as we get to make our mark in League1 Ontario and that’s very exciting to me.”

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Next Gen Kids Sign One-Day Contract With Peterborough Petes

Kids of the Peterborough Petes Next Gen program have signed one-day contracts as staff members for various positions ahead of a matinee game against the Barrie Colts on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Callan “Coach Cal” Perks, Next Gen General Manager; Michael Oke, Petes General Manager; Chase Savage, Next Gen Head Coach; Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster; Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer and Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Next Gen game allows children to shadow staffing roles such as general manager, public address announcer, a new role as a radio broadcaster and many others.

“I think this is a type of event that gives everybody an opportunity to be involved,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Whether you are someone that is a strong player or somebody that doesn't play as all but wants to be a fan and enjoy the various aspects, it gives everybody a chance to be involved and participate.”

The Petes accepted applications and auditions from the public earlier this month for the Family Day game. Essays and/or videos were accepted as entries.

The following is a list of the Petes Next Gen staff:

• Callan Perks, General Manager

• Chase Savage, Head Coach

• Abby Docherty, Assistant Coach (not present)

• Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer

• Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host

• Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster

Coach Cal went viral in a pre-game speech that went viral in November. His twin sister Ella (far right) was the Next Gen In-Game Host for Feb. 21 game. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks became a viral sensation with a pre-game speech for the Petes in late November as part of the Next Gen game. Oke says this program is meant to help develop younger generations with several life skills on and off the ice.

“We may be developing future players for the National Hockey League but we're definitely developing future members of our community,” he said. “I think this is a perfect example of an event like this in a special game like this allows us to work with young people and help development for life but not only on the ice but off the ice as well.

@ptbo_canada @coachcalofficial telling the @petesohlhockey to get the W tonight! Be careful @Barrie Colts. #gopetesgo #ohl #petes #coachcal #familyday #gettheW ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Peterborough Petes defeated the Barrie Colts 4-3. Emmett Sproule, Jax Dubois, Chase Stillman and J. R. Avon were the Petes goal scorers.

Stillman and Spoule were the first and second stars respectively with Declan McDonnell of the Colts as the third.

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Electric City Football Club Announces Two More Statement Signings

Electric City Football Club has agreed to terms with a pair of strikers including former West Ham United and Canadian Premier League Striker Jordan Brown and U Sports All-Canadian and AUS Conference MVP Holly O’Neill.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

On the Women’s side ECFC has added more firepower to the squad with the addition of striker Holly O’Neill, a 23-year-old Attacker from St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In 2021, O’Neill led all scorers in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference with 12 goals— including six game-winners, the most in Canadian Universities — in 12 regular-season contests. Her performances led to O’Neill being named a AUS First Team All-Star and the Conference’s Most Valuable Player.

At the National U Sports level, O’Neill’s great 2021 season at Memorial University saw her finish 3rd in the country in scoring, was selected as a First Team All Canadian, and was nominated for U Sports Female Soccer Player of the Year.

“Holly is a player that really caught our attention when we were recruiting across Atlantic Canada as a player who has the ability to play at the next level. She has an eye for scoring goals and proved that this past season with the Memorial Sea Hawks scoring 12 goals in 12 matches,” Ribeiro said. “Outside of her ability to score goals, Holly disrupts the opposition's build-up, closing down space and forcing defenders into making decisions under pressure. We are very excited to have a quality player like Holly join our program this season and we are confident that she will be a player the fans will really enjoy watching.”

O’Neill played her youth soccer for the St. John’s Soccer Club from 2006-2016 and also represented the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial team from 2012-2016. She also played on Team Atlantic in 2013 and 2014.

Atlantic University Sport standout Holly O'Neill dribbles the ball for Memorial University. Courtesy of ECFC.

On the Men’s side ECFC has made yet another statement signing with the addition of English striker Jordan Brown. Brown, 25, is a native of London, England and joins ECFC from Icelandic club Fylkir after a spell at German side VfR Aalen. Canadian soccer fans will know Brown from his two successful seasons in the Canadian Premier League, where Brown made 42 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions for Cavalry FC.

Brown is fondly remembered by CPL fans as the first goal scorer in Cavalry FC’s history in the club’s inaugural match, a 2-1 victory over York9 in Calgary, Alberta in 2019.

“I wanted to be a part of ECFC because of my relationship and trust in President Rob Jenkins. Rob was the main reason for coming here to Peterborough.” Brown said. “Then when I heard about the community support, the city and the people living here, that was the second piece I was looking for. Thirdly, it was very interesting to me to be able to build something brand new with young and hungry players and staff. Being one of the first players in a club’s history is something special I can tell my grandkids; which not many players get to say in their careers playing in Europe.”

In the 2019 Canadian Championship quarterfinals, Brown scored the opening goal as Cavalry FC upset Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps FC, knocking them out of the tournament.

“During my time with Cavalry I had the opportunity to watch Jordan Brown day in and day out and see the type of professional and person that he is so I am confident he will be a great fit for us,” said Jenkins, President of ECFC, “Jordan played a key role in the success of Cavalry FC over those first two years through his work ethic, relentless pressing of opponents, and scoring some very memorable and historic goals.”

Brown began his footballing career at the esteemed Arsenal FC academy in North London before switching to the equally revered West Ham United academy in East London. Brown would go on to sign his first professional contract with West Ham United.

In 2016, Brown signed with the widely followed German side Hannover 96’s reserve team, where he had 40 appearances and 9 goals. Brown has also suited up for Chelmsford City FC.

Player announcements are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the team builds its roster leading to training camp in early April. Roster spots are still available and interested players are encouraged to attend open try-outs on April 2. Open Try-Out Registration, Season Ticket Vouchers, and Sponsorship Packages are available now at electriccityfc.com.

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Electric City Football Club Signs League1 Ontario All Star and OCAA Leading Scorer

Electric City Football Club has signed highly touted Canadian Premier League prospect and 2021 League1 Ontario All-Star Bradley Heath and OCAA-leading scorer and CCAA All-Canadian Kayla McQueen.

ECFC's two newest signings Kayla McQueen and Bradley Heath pose in ECFC gear after inking deals with the new League1 Ontario side. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

McQueen, a 23-year-old Striker from London, Ontario, led OCAA Women’s Soccer last season with 17 goals in 5 games for Fanshawe College. The Fanshawe College standout and team captain was also named OCAA Women’s soccer West Division Player of the Year and received CCAA All-Canadian honours for the 2021-22 season.

“Kayla is a very dynamic player that I’ve worked with in League 1 Ontario and at the Collegiate level for the past few years.” ECFC Women’s First Team coach Randy Ribeiro said. “Kayla brings a strong desire to win and has been a constant at the League1 Ontario and Collegiate level in helping the team win multiple championships over the past four years.”

McQueen helped lead Fanshawe to the gold medal at the 2021 OCAA Championships where she scored the winning goal as her side won 2-1. McQueen was also a part of the Falcons side that won the OCAA Championships the previous two years; making it 3 OCAA Championships in 4 years. McQueen also played with FC London in League1 Ontario Women’s Premier in 2021 and helped FCL to a first-place finish in the regular season.

“The fans can expect to see someone who is passionate about the sport of football and community outreach,” said McQueen, “I am excited to show the city of Peterborough what I have to offer as a player and as a person.”

New ECFC Women's signing Kayla McQueen dribbles the ball in an OCAA match for Fanshawe College. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

On the men’s side, ECFC has added 23-year-old Defender Bradley Heath from Markham, Ontario. Heath played for FC London in League1 Ontario Men’s Premier last season, where he was named a Western Conference All-Star. Prior to his two seasons in London, Heath had a brief stint in Sweden at Bodens BK FF and played one season for League1 Ontario side Unionville Milliken S.C.

“The opportunity to be a part of a project like this was hard to turn down,” Heath said. “I feel like this is the right move for me at this moment in my playing career. The club’s plans and goals, along with the community engagement was what really drove me to come here.”

In his first season with FC London, the defender was a key part of an FCL defence that conceded 18 goals in 15 matches. In 2021, he was once again a key part of a defence that ranked 3rd in the league for goals against.

On the collegiate side, Heath spent four seasons with the Fanshawe Falcons scoring 7 goals and was named OCAA West Defender of the Year in 2018 and 2021.

“Bradley is a physical and dynamic centre back who will pair well with Ellis-Hayden to form a strong back line for the team,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins said. “He is great at defending in 1v1 situations and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is also a threat off corner kicks and we are excited to see him add some goals for Electric City FC this season.”

New ECFC Men's signing Bradley Heath dribbles the ball in a League1 Ontario match for FC London. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Player announcements are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the team builds its roster leading to training camp in early April. Roster spots are still available and interested players are encouraged to attend open try-outs on April 2. Open Try-Out Registration, Season Ticket Vouchers, and Sponsorship Packages are available now at electriccityfc.com.

Peterborough Local Earns Spot As Finalist In Outstanding Apprentice Jockey Category For 47th Annual Sovereign Awards

Michael Dobson David has earned a finalist spot in the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey category of the 47th annual Sovereign Awards, hosted by the Jockey Club of Canada.

Michael Dobson David after his first career win aboard Diamondsinhereyes. Photo by Michael Burns Photography.

David, a St Peter Secondary School graduate, lived in Peterborough until 2014 when he moved to Barrie to learn the ropes of being a jockey.

He had his first career win as an apprentice jockey in August, 2021 in Fort Eerie and has since had 12 wins.

David says he has always been around horses.

“I used to go for riding lessons in Ennismore at Kerry Line Stables,” he said. “My riding coach Jane Allan helped me out a lot.”

Photo courtesy of Michael Dobson David.

Now in the off season, David reflects on the history his family has with jockeying.

“It’s bred into me to be a jockey,” he said. “It’s all in the bloodline.”

David says his Dad and many of his Uncles and Great-Uncles rode horses. Most notable may be his Great-Uncle Ron Turcotte.

Turcotte was a Canadian jockey best known as the rider of Secretariat, winner of the U.S Triple Crown in 1973.

“Hopefully one day I’m able to follow the same path as many of my great uncles and move full-time to the states, and win.”

Each year The Jockey Club of Canada hosts the Sovereign Awards, which include 12 horse and five human categories.

The winners of each category will be announced during the 47th Annual Sovereign Awards Ceremony on April 14, at Universal Eventspace in Vaughan, Ontario.

“It feels really good, I had a good season winning 12 races at Fort Eerie it takes a lot of work,” he said. “It’s always hard keeping the weight down and training hard but I’m so excited to be nominated.”

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