Photos: Ontario 55+ Summer Games Kicks Off With Opening Processions

The Ontario 55+ Summer Games held an opening ceremony to honour all competitors around the province the night before the two-day games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

The ceremony opened with a cauldron lighting, an Indigenous blessing, speeches from Summer Games staff and musical performances.

Several local dignitaries were in attendance including MP Michelle Ferreri, Coun. Stephen Wright, Coun. Leslie Parnell, Coun. Gary Baldwin, Warden J. Murray Jones, MPP Dave Smith and Mayor Diane Therrien. The last three spoke at the podium.

Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lt.-Gov. of Ont. was also in attendance and spoke out on the stage.

The games run from Aug. 10-11.

There are 17 different events for the games including bid euchre, contract bridge and cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch and tennis.

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Challenger Baseball Continues In Full Swing After Modified Seasons In Years Prior

After going through the past few years on cancelled or modified seasons, Peterborough Challenger Baseball is operating in full swing this year.

Social worker Craig Meredith (left) gets to first base as Peterborough Challenger Makaya Dafoe fields the throw. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Last year, the league operated on a modified schedule from mid-June through September. This year, they resume their regular season beginning after the May 24 weekend with the final game on Aug. 29.

The organization supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges or chronic health issues that prevents them from playing an organized sport.

“A lot of this activity is the social hub of their week and it's great that they're able to play a full season,” said Bev Quinlan, director of baseball.

The non-profit organization allows anyone with cognitive and/or physical disabilities to be involved in baseball. They are divided into junior, intermediate and senior groups depending on their cognitive and skill level. Those benefitting from the program learn skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence-building while getting exercise and having fun.

The Challengers were made up of members who benefit from the program, playing other teams within the group and baseball organizations in the Peterborough area in friendly games.

“The players for the most part are willing to listen and be coached and that's significant,” explained Quinlan. “If you want to get better, you have to be able to be coached and you have to be willing to listen and we were able to put those two things together so the players have improved.”

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Peterborough Welcomes Participants In Ontario 55+ Games; Ready For Some Tough Competition

The Peterborough area is set to host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games from Tuesday to Thursday and the community is encouraged to come out to the venues to cheer on the participants as they compete.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The Games include 17 diverse events ranging from bid euchre, contract bridge and cribbage, to cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, and tennis.

“Visitors from across the province are coming to Peterborough to compete in the Games. For the residents of our region, it’s an opportunity to showcase our recreation and sport venues and to warmly welcome the participants to our community,” said Ellen Stewart, Games General Manager.

She noted that more than 75 volunteers came together to make this event happen.

“The Peterborough region is an ideal host for sporting events, which provide a significant economic impact for communities,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), who is a member of the Games Organizing Committee.

“We are very excited to welcome visitors from across the province to Peterborough and the Kawarthas to participate in the Ontario 55+ Summer Games. We would encourage our local citizens to get out to the venues to cheer them on and give them a warm welcome to the region,” he said. “PKED works to promote and attract sporting events to the area to support our local businesses, encourage tourism, and maximize our investment in infrastructure.”

The Games begin on Tuesday with registration and the Opening Ceremony.

The competitions take place throughout the City and County on Wednesday and Thursday.

The full Games schedule and venue location information can be viewed online at www.peterborough2022.ca.

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Peterborough Lakers Headed to Fourth Straight Major Series Lacrosse Final

Updated: 12:15 p.m. Aug. 9, 2022.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have advanced to the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) finals after defeating the Brooklin Lacrosse Club 11-8 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday night.

Referees breaking up a scuffle between Lakers’ Paul Dawson (left) and Brooklin’s Connor Kearnan (right). Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.

Prior to the game, MSL upheld its decision of Brooklin’s game two forfeit. Their assistant coach Gavin Prout was on the bench while serving an ‘Abuse of Officials’ game misconduct.

“The OLA (Ontario Lacrossse Association) made the only decision they could,” said BIll Joiner, Lakers’ board member. “At the latest AGM the OLA said they were cracking down on the abuse that referees face.”

This result awarded the Lakers a 3-1 series lead into Monday night, needing one win to clinch a Mann Cap final spot.

The Lakers built up a 5-1 first period lead and prevented Brooklin being close to catching up. Shawn Evans and Joe Resetarits each netted a hat trick with three goals for the Lakers.

Lakers’ Matt Vinc made 43 saves in his season debut while Brooklin’s Riley Hutchcraft allowed seven goals before being relieved by Nick Damude.

The Lakers face the winner of the Six Nations Chiefs and Cobourg Kodiaks for the Mann Cup. Six Nations leads the series 3-0 with Game 4 on Wednesday night at the Baltimore Rec Centre.

Lakers game leaders:

• Shawn Evans (3-1)

• Joe Resetarits (3-0

• Cory Vitarelli (2-2)

• Thomas Hoggarth (2-1)

• Kiel Matisz (1-1)

• Taite Cattoni (0-3)

• Matt Gilray (0-3)

• Holden Cattoni (0-3)

• Mark Matthews (0-2)

• Robert Hope (0-1)

• Chad Tutton (0-1)

• Mitch Ogilvie (0-1)

• Matt Vinc (0-1)

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Peterborough Petes Trade Sam Alfano For Vancouver Canucks Prospect Connor Lockhart

The Peterborough Petes have acquired Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart from the Erie Otters in exchange for Sam Alfano and two draft picks announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough sends a third-round pick (from Hamilton Bulldogs) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and Peterborough’s second-round pick in 2026.

The 19-year-old Kanata, Ont. native was drafted by the Canucks in the sixth round, 178th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons with the Erie Otters, scoring 32 goals and 43 assists in 121 games. He scored 48 points in 64 games last season.

Lockhart was Erie’s first round, third overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. The 5’6’ 160 lbs centreman served as Alternate Captain for Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games in 2018-19, and also represented Canada in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge (Team Red, 2019-20).

“Connor was a player we were very high on during his OHL draft year, and we have been following his progress closely since then,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “We look forward to the opportunity to have Connor contribute on the ice, in the locker room, and in the community here in Peterborough, as he brings a strong veteran presence to the Petes.”

Alfano was selected in the second round, 23rd overall by the Petes in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

The 6’3”, 205 lbs Cayuga-born winger recorded 13 goals, 12 assists and 25 points in 65 games with the Petes in the last season. Alfano was an Ambassador for the Hockey Gives Blood program during his time with the Petes.

“In order to get a good player you need to give up a good player, and although losing someone like Sam is never ideal, we think this move benefits everyone involved,” explained Oke. “We thank Sam for his work in all areas of our community and our organization; from his on-ice contributions to his work with organizations like Hockey Gives Blood, Sam is both a strong athlete and a strong human being.”

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Lakers Extend Playoff Series Lead With 12-8 Road Win

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers took a 3-1 series lead, beating the Brooklin Lacrosse Club 12-8 at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre on Sunday.

Lakers defenceman Bryce Sweeting directing traffic as Brooklin goes on the offense. Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

Peterborough gained an early lead in the first period thanks to a pair of Thomas Hoggarth goals to make it 2-1. Brooklin rung off three straight goals but the Lakers kept it close as Taite Cattoni with just over eight minutes left in the period to make it 4-3 into the second.

The three-time defending Mann Cup champions put their foot on the gas, ringing off seven goals in the second period while containing Brooklin offense to two. Hoggarth had scored four goals for Peterborough as they had a 10-6 lead into the third.

Both teams kept tight defensively, allowing only two goals apiece in the third but it allowed the Lakers to earn a 12-8 win and a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5 is at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 8:00 p.m. on Monday. Peterborough can advance to the Mann Cup final with a win.

Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) is hearing an appeal from Brooklin regarding overturning game two’s result on Monday. The incident concerns a Brooklin coach on the team’s bench during a suspension period that the league ruled a forfeit despite beating the Lakers 12-10 last Tuesday.

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Peterborough Lakers Lose 11-10 In Double Overtime to Brooklin Lacrosse Club in Evenly Matched Game

UPDATE: 4:06 p.m. at Aug. 5, 2022.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers were narrowly defeated by the Brooklin Lacrosse Club 11-10 in double overtime at the Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Brooklin’s Ryan Barnable (left) attempting to defend Lakers’ Austin Hasen’s superman dive shot at goaltender Nick Damude. Hasen scored two goals for the Lakers in a losing effort. Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.

Brooklin’s Connor Kearnan scored the game-winning goal just 16 seconds into sudden death overtime.

The game was evenly matched as each period prior to double overtime ended in a tie with the lead changing hands seven times throughout the game.

Lakers Thomas Hoggarth sent the game to the extra frame with 1:23 left in the game for an 8-8 tie into overtime. Both teams scored two goals apiece to make it 10-10 into sudden death.

Hoggarth led the Lakers with four goals and two assists. 

Lakers goalie Doug Buchan stopped 58 saves while Brooklin netminder Nick Damude made 46 saves.

Peterborough went 2/2 on the power play while Brooklin failed to capitalize on their lone chance.

Game four is on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby. Game five is Monday at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Centre. 

Lakers game leaders: 

• Thomas Hoggarth (4-2) 

• Austin Hasen (2-0) 

• Holden Cattoni (1-4) 

• Taite Cattoni (1-2) 

• Joe Resetarits (1-1) 

• Tyler Hendrycks (1-1) 

• Cory Vitarelli (0-5) 

• Matt Gilray (0-1) 

• Mitch Ogilvie (0-1) 

This gives Brooklin the first victory of the playoffs despite their 12-10 game two Tuesday win. Major Series Lacrosse award the game to Peterborough after a suspended Brooklin coach was active on the bench during that time.

Brooklin has 24 hours to appeal the decision. The Lakers have a 2-1 series lead in the meantime.

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Hometown PTBO: Lakers Holden and Taite Cattoni on Growing Up Playing Lacrosse Together and Their Favourite Italian Eats in Town

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Peterborough Century 21 Lakers brothers Holden and Taite Cattoni about growing up playing lacrosse together, their brotherly rivalry and their favourite PTBO Italian eats.

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Peterborough Century 21 Lakers Hosting Fan Appreciation Day Ahead Of Game 3 On Thursday

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers will host Fan Appreciation Day before Game 3 at The Memorial Centre on Thursday.

BROOKLIN’S MIKE BYRNE (LEFT) SHOVING OFF LAKERS’ CORY VITARELLI (RIGHT) AS PETERBOROUGH GETS IN THE OFFENSIVE ZONE. VITERELLI SCORED THREE GOALS AND TWO ASSISTS, LEADING THE LAKERS IN POINTS IN THEIR FIRST PLAYOFF GAME. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA TAYLOR AND PETERBOROUGH LAKERS.

Thursday at 8 p.m. the Lakers will host Brooklin Lacrosse Club for game three of the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) Semi-final series.

The Lakers and Brooklin are currently tied at one game apiece in their best-of-seven series.

Before the game begins, fans are invited to the Memorial Centre for a variety of activities.

All merchandise is $5 off courtesy of Imprinted Apparel. There will be multiple draws for game worn jerseys and gift certificates.

Ed Arnold’s lacrosse book Peterborough’s Perfect Season with Benny and his Jets will be on sale for $20.

Player will be available after the game for photos and autographs. There will also be opportunities for fans to catch a warmup shirt or game shorts and many other giveaways throughout the night.

Tickets for game three can be purchased at the Memorial Centre box office.

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Electric City Football Club Allow Extra Time Comeback for 2-2 Draw

It was rough times for Electric City Football Club (ECFC) as they coughed up a third consecutive home lead in extra time, tying Alliance United FC to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday evening.

An Alliance United Player with ECFC Zak Drake (right) moments after full time. Electric City has allowed a goal in extra time in three consecutive home games. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Electric City’s prior two home matches with conceded extra-time goals started with a 3-3 draw against Burlington SC, allowing three unanswered goals in the second half including two penalty kicks (with the second in extra time) on July 13.

They lost in extra time to the Simcoe County Rovers FC allowing two goals in the 86th minute and extra time for a 2-1 loss on July 23rd.

“It's frustrating conceding goals late over the past few matches,” said Randy Riberio, ECFC head coach. We can't afford to do it, we have to be locked in, switched on for everything that gets thrown at us. We know their team is down and they need to score a goal so they're going to throw whatever they have and we need to be better at dealing with it.

Both teams exchanged scoring chances early in the first half. ECFC goalkeeper Quillan Roberts intercepted multiple balls launched high in the air from free and corner kicks to keep the game scoreless.

ECFC struck first as midfielder Mohammad Reza-Nafar scored his fourth of the season. He shot from outside the box, beating Alliance keeper Praveen Ahilan in the lower left corner for the 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

Tomas Alverez tapped in a one-timed pass from Ethan Gopaul to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute to extend ECFC’s lead into the half. That was Alverez’s second goal of the season, scoring last against the ProStars FC on May 21.

Alliance got on the board in the 73rd minute as Atchu Sivananthan knocked in a header off a sideline pass, beating a diving Roberts making it 2-1.

ECFC’s Adrian Gallo turned over the ball and Alliance’s Kingsley Belele almost capitalized on the mistake with a high-quality scoring chance. Roberts was able to make a diving save on the low corner to maintain the 2-1 lead.

Alliance’s Samuel Gardner earned a red card in the 84th minute making the team’s comeback bid more difficult.

Gopaul almost clinched the game for ECFC going for the top corner but just went outside the post.

Roberts mishandled the ball off an errant play from Alliance and fielded out of bounds for a corner kick. He chose to play the ball instead of allowing it to roll out of bounds for a corner kick. Riberio was unsure if Roberts had the option allow the ball to roll out or not.

Alliance capitalized on their final opportunity as Nirun Sivananthan was able to kick it past Roberts from a contested header to tie the game moments before extra time expired.

“I thought we were the better team, we never looked like we were conceding a goal until the final 10 minutes of the match which was unfortunate,” explained Riberio. “We need to create opportunities to put the game away and if we would have had the next goal to make it 3-0, I think that game's out of reach.”

Playoff clinching scenario for ECFC (to earn the sixth seed):

• ECFC must win all three remaining games and;

• Alliance United FC and Guelph United lose all their remaining games and;

• Hamilton United cannot win all their remaining games

This was Riberio’s first game back off a two-game suspension for multiple yellow cards. ECFC striker Jordan Brown is eligible for the team’s next game finishing a three-game suspension from an off-field incident. The team sits in ninth place with an 8-6-4 record with 28 points.

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