Peterborough Blogs
Local Hockey Player Signs Three-Year Entry Level NHL Contract With St. Louis Blues
/Peterborough’s Will Cranley and his dream of being in the NHL has come true as he signed a three-year entry contract with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.
WIll Cranley had a .872 save percentage with a 3.84 goals against average in 34 games with the Ottawa 67’s in the 2021-22 season so far. Photo courtesy of Chad Cranley.
The local goaltender’s contract will start for the 2022-23 season. He will continue playing with Ontario Hockey League's Ottawa 67's this year.
He was drafted by the Blues in the sixth round, 163rd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
”We are very proud of Will and the young man that he has become both as a person and an athlete,” said Chad Cranley, Will’s father. “Hearing his name called on draft day was extremely special and words can hardly describe the excitement we feel for him with his recent signing with the St. Louis Blues.”
We've signed goalie Will Cranley, our sixth-round pick in 2020, to a three-year entry-level contract. https://t.co/nXlNK5xlUQ #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 2, 2022
Will played for the Peterborough Petes U15 and U16 AAA teams as a goalie for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons respectively.
The 67’s drafted him 35th overall in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection Draft as he spent his entire OHL career there.
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Electric Ale Beer Brewed From Partnership With Electric City Football Club and Bobcaygeon Brewery
/Beer and sports have gone hand in hand and the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) and Bobcaygeon Brewing Company (BBC) have teamed to create “Electric Ale” announced on Wednesday.
Bobcaygeon Brewing Company has partnered with other local sports teams such as the Peterborough Petes and their lager, released on March 11 last year. Photo courtesy of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company.
“Community is incredibly important to us at the brewery and the support from the community for ECFC before they’ve played their first game made us even more excited to partner with the team,” said Richard Wood, BBC president. “We’re looking forward to cracking a cold Electric Ale while cheering on the team this summer.”
Electric Ale is a Belgian-style blonde ale with a 4.2 percent alcohol content. It is available at the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company store at 649 The Parkway and on their website beginning Friday with pre-orders available Wednesday.
“Electric Ale is locally brewed Belgian Style Blonde Ale that will quench your thirst while you’re cheering the team on,” explained Wood. “A touch of lemon and coriander on your first sip slowly fades away as into a clean, refreshing finish.”
There will be a joint launch event at Bobcaygeon Brewery to promote and sell the ale on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ECFC staff will be on hand with merchandise and season ticket vouchers. ECFC players Zach Ellis-Hayden and Angelika Mihalopulous will be present from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a meet-and-greet with fans.
“We are excited to continue with our commitment to involving the local community in every way possible,” said Rob Jenkins, ECFC president, “Bobcaygeon was a natural fit for our ECFC beer with its local ties to the community and the fact that Richard and his team have been involved in the project from day one.”
The beer will also be available at the Y-Drive Beer Gardens and VIP tents at all ECFC home games.
“Beer gardens are an important part of the gameday experience that we are trying to create here in Peterborough,” said Jenkins, “Having our own ECFC locally brewed beer available at our matches just adds to the experience.”
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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.
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.
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
