Peterborough Petes Primed For Championship Run After Trade Deadline

The Peterborough Petes are all in for an OHL Championship after making several moves prior to the trade deadline obtaining two current champions and two World Junior gold medalists.

(From left to right) Gavin White, Avery Hayes, Owen Beck and BRennan Othmann at a Petes press conference and will be in the team’s luneup simultaneously for the first time this Thursday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Brennan Othmann, Gavin White, Avery Hayes and Owen Beck are four new faces to the Peterborough Petes that were traded to the team and started the season on different clubs.

Othmann was obtained from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, several months prior to the deadline. The Petes dealt Artem Guryev, two second-round and one third-round pick for Othmann. He has scored two goals and nine assists in 10 games with the Petes. He is fresh off a Team Canada World Junior goal medal won last Thursday. Othmann was drafted 16th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

“What I'm focused on this year and what I was focused on out there is showing my details, that I've built good details and good habits over the last few months and that's the biggest thing the Rangers are looking at,” he explained.

Othmann had two assists in the gold medal game against Czechia at the World Juniors. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hayes and White were pickups from the defending OHL-Champion Hamilton Bulldogs where Peterborough sent Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar, a 2023 third-round pick and a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick on Saturday.

Both players made an immediate impact in their Petes debut in a 3-2 win over the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday, the same day their trade was announced.

Hayes scored the first two goals for Peterborough including a powerplay goal, all in the second period. He was awarded the first star of the game for his efforts in his first game as a Pete. He had 27 goals and 14 assists in 33 games with Hamilton prior to the trade.

“The coaching staff just said 'go out there and play and don't worry about the system too much,’” explained Hayes. “The two goals were big but getting the win was most important. That's what we were brought here to do, to help the team win.”

White had two powerplay assists including Hayes’s second goal and Tucker Robertson’s late third-period game-winning goal. The defenseman had seven goals and 15 assists in 22 games with Hamilton.

“Me and (Shawn) Spearing, only had one game under our belt but I thought we worked really well together,” said White. “He's pretty shutdown and he lets me kind of do whatever I want ahead of that which is fantastic and we developed that chemistry a little more and keep it going here.”

White (left) and Hayes (right) won the OHL Championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs last season and defeated the Peterborough Petes in a 4-0 sweep in the first round of the playoffs. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Beck was also a part of Saturday’s trade frenzy, obtained from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

“I knew they (Petes) had done a good job up to that point, loading up for a big playoff push and possibly a championship,” said Beck. “To be a part of that and try and help out the team is going to be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to it.”

Beck had one assist in three games in the World Juniors after being called up to the team on New Year’s Day. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Port Hope forward also won a gold medal with Othmann at the World Juniors. He was a late call-up to the team on New Year’s Day after an injury to Colton Dach. He had 17 goals and 23 assists in 30 games with the Steelheads this season.

Beck has yet to play a game with the Petes and is making his team debut this Thursday against the Sarnia Sting at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. All four players will be in Thursday’s lineup together for the first time this season.

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The 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament Returns After Two-Year Hiatus; Volunteers Honoured Ahead of Event

After a two-year hiatus, one of Peterborough’s biggest hockey traditions makes its return as the 63rd Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament returns to the ice from Thursday to Sunday.

(form left to right) Bill Auckland, Teena & Jack Flood and Mike Dennis were recipients of Frank Lustic, Steve Casey and Don McCrory’s Referee’s Award respectively at the 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament. The tournament was formerly called the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Opening ceremonies of the house league begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Healthy Planet Arena while Rep Division opening ceremonies are at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 9 a.m. Callum Perks better known as ‘Coach Cal’ is doing the ceremonial puck drop before the game.

This year features 87 teams in 11 divisions playing throughout 10 arenas in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. It is also the return of AAA divisions. While the number of teams dropped from 114 in 2019, chairman Dan McNamee is just happy to have the tournament back for the children.

“The kids are happy to be back, the parents are excited to see the tradition back,” he said. “If it weren’t for the volunteers and directors who were working behind the scenes for this tournament, they’re the ones who get all the accolades for putting on this tournament.”

This year is without the skills competition due to lower numbers but it is not being shelved permanently for future tournaments according to McNamee.

“We’ll give it a little bit of a break and we’ll look at bringing it back in the future,” he explained. “It’s not like it’s gone forever, it’s a great show and those kids are the all-stars for the night and I hope we’ll get it back soon.”

Several awards were distributed ahead of the opening ceremonies recognizing some volunteers for their contributions to the tournament over the years:

• Don McCrory Referee’s Award for exemplifying McCrory’s dedication to officiating - Mike Dennis

• Steve Casey Award for a volunteer going the extra mile to contributing to the tournament’s success – Teena and Jack Flood

• Frank Lustic Award for exemplifying all Lustic’s qualities who volunteered for over 25 years in minor sports – Bill Auckland

A cheque presentation of $2,500 was also donated to Autism Central East Ontario as the chosen beneficiary as the tournament supports a local charity annually.

The eagerness of all the volunteers and committee members showed as they were happy to see the event return after a two-year hiatus, according to McNamee.

“Let’s just get on the ice,” he exclaimed. “I just want to see the kids get skating and see the smiles on their face and hear the parents cheering them on. It feels like two decades and not two years, it’s been a long time coming so let’s play hockey.”

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Defenseman Cam Gauvreau and Draft Picks At OHL Trade Deadline

As the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline finished on noon Tuesday, the Peterborough Petes made two trades, getting defenceman Cam Gauvreau and four draft picks total announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the peterborough Petes.

The Petes got Saginaw Spirit’s fourth-round pick and Windsor’s 2025 third-round pick in 2025 while trading defenceman James Guo and their sixth-round pick in 2023.

Gauvreau, a 2003-born defenceman from Hamilton, was originally drafted by the North Bay Battalion in the 10th round, 191st overall, in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. A 6’2”, 190lbs, shutdown defenceman, Gauvreau has played 72 games in his OHL career with one goal and eight assists, along with 113 penalty minutes. Gauvreau was traded to Saginaw from the North Bay Battalion in a four-player deal.

“We’re excited to welcome a player of Cam’s character and ability to Peterborough,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a hard-working defenceman who will add a competitive edge to our blueline, while also providing leadership support on and off the ice.”

Peterborough also traded Stevie Leaskovar for the Mississauga Steelheads’s fifth-round pick and a 10th-round pick in 2025.

The Petes next game is against the Sarnia Sting on Thursday. Newly acquired Owen Beck and Cam Gauvreau will make their Petes debut while Brennan Othmann returns from the World Juniors.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Port Hope's Owen Beck From Mississauga Steelheads For Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete and Four Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes make their second trade of the day ahead of Tuesday’s OHL deadline by acquiring Port Hope’s Owen Beck from the Mississauga Steelheads announced on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes and Natalie Shaver.

Beck was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

Beck is fresh off a gold medal win at the 2023 World Junior Championship in Halifax after being called up on New Year’s Day due to an injury to Colton Dach.

The 2004-born centre from Port Hope was selected in the second round, 33rd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

“We’re pleased to welcome a player of Owen’s calibre to Peterborough,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a highly skilled forward with experience in big-game situations, who can contribute in the faceoff circle, and in all three zones, with skating ability that will complement the skill-set of our current lineup.”

Beck has played 30 OHL games played this season with 17 goals and 33 assists. Last season, he had 51 points in all 68 games with six playoff points (one goal and and five assists) in 10 games. 

The Port Hope native signed an entry-level contract with the Montréal Canadiens on Oct. 4. The 6’0”, 190 lbs. forward was originally selected by Mississauga in the second round, 29th overall, in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Quinte Red Devils; the same team as current Petes defenceman Donovan McCoy.

Both Beck and Brennan Othmann are not in Saturday’s linup against the Kingston Frontenacs as will be celebrated as World Junior gold medalists at the Toronto Maple Leafs game.

Newly acquired Avery Hayes and Gavin White are in Saturday’s lineup in a trade made earlier on the same day.

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Peterborough's Jared Wayne Declares Eligibility For 2023 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver and Peterborough’s Jared Wayne has declared himself eligible for the 2023 NFL entry draft on an Instagram post made on Friday.

Jared Wayne is the son of former CFL linebacker Patrick Wayne. The latter spent nine years in the league mostly with the Ottawa Roughriders but also had stints with the B.C. Lions and Toronto Argonauts. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Wayne played four seasons of his collegiate football career all with Pittsburgh totalling 13 touchdowns during that span.

He had another year of eligibility with Pittsburgh but opted to go to the NFL as the best option for his future according to his father and former CFL linebacker, Patrick Wayne.

“We weighed the pros and cons and it’s better for him to go onto the next phase of his career,” he explained. “I’m very proud, the whole family is proud of how he’s grown on the field and as a person.”

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He helped the Panthers win the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Dec. 30 with five receptions for 50 yards for a 37-35 win over the UCLA Bruins.

He finished with career-highs of 60 receptions for 1,062 yards — his first 1,000-yard season — and five touchdowns; one short of last year’s total.

The 2023 NFL Draft runs from April 27 - 29 and is held outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The first day covers first-round picks only with second-to-seventh round picks on the following days.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Two Hamilton Bulldogs In Exchange For Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar and Two Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes have acquired OHL champion Avery Hayes and Dallas Stars prospect Gavin White from the Hamilton Bulldogs in exchange for Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar, a 2023 third-round pick (obtained from the Flint Firebirds) and a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick announced on Saturday.

Gavin White (left) and Avery Hayes (right) both won the OHL Championship last year with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Peterborough lost four straight games to Hamilton in the first round of the playoffs last postseason. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes, Brendon Taylor and Terry Wilson.

Hayes is currently second in the OHL in goals with 27 in 33 games played. I his championship season with Hamilton last year, he scored 41 goals with 38 assists in 66 games played. The 5’10”, 175 lbs Hayes was a sixth-round pick by Hamilton, 118th overall, in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

“Avery is a highly effective goal scorer who will bring additional skill to our offensive group,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a creative playmaker with experience in all game situations, adding a strong level of versatility and leadership to our team.”

White was drafted in the fourth round, 115th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In 66 games last season, White had 10 goals and 46 assists and nine points in 19 postseason games. At 6’1”, 193 lbs., White was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the third round of the 2018 OHL U18 Priority Selection.

“Gavin is a right-shot defenseman who is effective in every zone,” said Oke. “His speed and playmaking ability will make him a good fit with our group’s style of play down the stretch.”

Both Hayes and White are in the Petes lineup for Saturday’s game against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Team Canada Wins Back-To-Back Gold Medals; Peterborough Petes' Brennan Othmann Gets Two Assists In 3-2 Win

Back-to-back gold medals for Team Canada as they beat Czechia at the 2023 World Junior Championships in a 3-2 overtime win with Peterborough Petes’ Brennan Othmann and Port Hope’s Owen Beck a part of the winning team on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada.

Othmann assisted on the games first two goals for Team Canada. He was the secondary assist for Canada’s first powerplay goal with a diving stick check to send it back to Dylan Guenther. He and Brandt Clarke exchanged the puck once before a one-time goal from the former for a 1-0 Canada lead.

Othmann’s second assist for Shane Wrights's goal, came after he helped clear the defensive zone to Guenther where he kicked the puck to Wright after being pinned on the boards. Wright cut into the offensive zone against four defenders and backhanded his shot in for a 2-0 Canada lead.

Czechia had a late push with two third-period goals to send the game to overtime.= by Jiri Kulich and Jakub Kos respectively.

After 6:22 into the overtime frame, Canada turned the puck over in their offensive zone in 3-on-3 play. Joshua Roy and Guenther had an odd-man rush at the net, passed the puck between them and the latter scored for a walk-off goal for a 3-2 Canada win.

The win was Canada’s first back-to-back gold medals since 2008-09. Connor Bedard of Canada was named tournament MVP with nine goals and fourteen assists.

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Peterborough Petes Extend Winning Streak to Seven In 5-3 Win Over Owen Sound Attack

The good times keep rolling for the Peterborough Petes, extending their winning streak continues to seven games as they took down the Owen Sound Attack in a 5-3 win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of hte Peterborough Petes.

Scoring started in the final minute of the first period as J.R. Avon forced a turnover and dished a pass to Connor Lockhart for a Petes 1-0 lead heading into the second.

Owen Sound struck hard and fast, scoring two goals in the first 82 seconds as Colby Barlow and James Petrovski gave Owen Sound and 2-1 lead. Konnor Smith responded for Peterborough 35 seconds later and one-timed a Jax Dubois pass for a 2-2 tie. Lockhart continued his hot streak and buried a rebound to make it 3-2 Peterborough into the third.

Tucker Robertson scored late in the third period seemingly securing a Petes win with 4-2 lead with less than five minutes in the game. Owen Sound kept themselves in the game as Bryant scored 2:24 later for a 4-3 game. Chase Stillman put the game away with an empty netter and Peterborough walked away with a 5-3 win.

The line of Connor Lockhart (2G), J.R. Avon (2A), and Tucker Robertson (1G, 1A) led the way for the Petes. Konnor Smith scored his first of the season and Chase Stillman added an empty netter. Sam Mayer, Jax Dubois, James Guo, and Jonathan Melee each had an assist in the win. Liam Sztuska was fantastic again for the Petes, collecting his fifth win of the season in his first home start.

Liam Sztuska stood tall for Peterborough, stopping 27/40 shots on net for the win.

The Petes remain at home for their next game against the Kingston Frontenacs this Saturday for Harry Potter Night at the PMC.

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Hometown PTBO: Brent Tully Playing For the Peterborough Petes and His World Hockey Juniors Experience

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with two-time World Junior Hockey gold medalist Brent Tully about his Peterborough Petes tenure, being drafted to the NHL and the World Juniors both past and present.

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Port Hope's Owen Beck Lends a Hand In Canada's 6-2 Win Over USA; Advance to Gold Medal Game

Port Hope’s Owen Beck and Team Canada are headed to the gold medal game at the 2023 World Junior Championship after a 6-2 win over the United States at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on Wednesday.

Canada scored six unanswered goals after letting in thei first two to the United States. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OHL.

The Montréal Canadiens’ prospect recorded an assist — his first point of the tournament — on Brandt Clarke’s goal roughly halfway through the third period.

Beck made a cross-crease pass to Adam Fantilli after scooping up a loose puck on a defensive zone turnover from the USA. Fantilli’s shot was blocked but ended up in the hands of Clarke and Los Angeles Kings prospect to snipe it top shelf for the 5-2 lead.

Beck was a late call-up to the team on New Year’s Day after Colton Dach was out of the tournament due to an injury.

Beck was invited to the World Junior Selection Camp for Team Canada but did not make the final roster at the time.

The Peterborough-born forward did not register a point in Canada’s win over Slovakia in their 4-3 overtime thrilling win.

Canada faces Czechia on Thursday night for the gold medal. Czechia dealt Canada’s only tournament loss 5-2 on opening day (Boxing Day).

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