Douro Boxer Cody Crowley Fundraising $55K For Suicide Prevention To Honour Father's Memory

Boxer Cody Crowley is pledging to raise $55,000 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness in honour of his late father ahead of his 22nd professional fight on March 25 in Las Vegas.

Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

The 21-0-0 Crowley is scheduled to box Abel Ramos in a 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) title elimination fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The Douro boxer has dedicated the fight to honour his late father Jim Crowley who passed away last year.

The ‘55 for 55’ fundraising raffle features prizes such as dinner for Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, WBC-signed gloves from boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, Gerry Cooney, a One With Life tequila package and a grand prize for a round-trip flight, accommodations and ringside seats to see Cody’s fight.

Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

Raffle tickets are available at Dr. J’s with a limited amount left with the deadline at 6 p.m. Wednesday and the draw at 7 p.m. Cody will make a virtual appearance at the drawing to talk about his upcoming fight and the fundraiser according to Dr. J’s owner Addison Brown.

The two have been friends for roughly eight years and have supported each other through similar times.

“When he was looking for sponsorships throughout Peterborough, I reached out to him saying ‘I’ve been following you and growing up as an athlete, I’ve had a lot of support with the community and I wanted to sponsor you for the next fight,’” explained Brown. “We grew and developed a relationship. He helped me when I was going through some things about my brother and I did with his father.”

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Fleming College Student Recognized As OCAA Volleyball All-Star

Fleming College student Dion Pearson-Laviolette has been named by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) as a men's volleyball Second Team All-Star.  

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Pearson-Laviolette was recognized at the 2022-2023 year-end awards prior to last week’s OCAA Men's Volleyball Championship at Fanshawe College in London, Ont.

The Fleming all-star is from Paisley, Ont. studying raphic design. The fifth-year OCAA athlete and outside hitter leading the Fleming Knights in several statistical categories.

Pearson-Laviolette played three years for the Knights before this season and had previously won Most Improved and Most Dedicated player.

He was ninth in the league in points with 230.5 and eighth in points per set for the Knights. The majority of his points came from kills where he had 178 on the year.

Pearson-Laviolette also had 36 total blocks (10th in the league) and 109 digs (21st in the league) leading the team to the playoffs with a 9-9 record.

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Peterborough Lakers Hire Jordan Winch as Team's Full-Time Coordinator

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have added Jordan Winch as the team’s new full-time coordinator for marketing, sales and community events announced on Sunday.

Winch was present during the Lakers jersey presentation at The Pizza Factory on Jan 27 and the championship ring unveiling on Feb. 26. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Winch started his tenure with the team in December. His responsibilities are to assist the Board of Directors with sales, sponsorships, marketing initiatives and community events. 

“As a volunteer group, we thought it would be best to have someone doing this full time in order to better serve our fans, sponsors and community partners,” said Len Powers, board chair. “We are excited about the new ideas, strategies and tactics Jordan has already brought to the table.” 

Born in Peterborough, Winch is a Brock University Sports Management program graduate in 2018. He completed an internship with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Community Relations department. He worked in service and sales in the sporting goods industry for the past four years prior to joining the Lakers.

“Growing up in Peterborough, I know how special the Lakers are to this city and how hard the board of directors, players, staff, volunteers and sponsors work to create such a successful product both on the floor and in the community,” said Winch. “I want to assist these individuals, while also implementing new strategies, ideas and initiatives that will further enhance the strong impact the Lakers already have in this community.” 

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Peterborough's Harrison O'Connor Named to Great Britain U16 Team For Riga Hockey Cup in Latvia

Peterborough’s Harrison O’Connor is representing Great Britain and their U16 team for the Riga Hockey Cup in Latvia that is running from April 21 to 23.

Seven other Canadians were selected with O’Connor to be part of the U16 Great Britain team. Photo courtesy of Patrick O’Connor.

The tournament features 16 European junior teams in a three-day event scattered throughout nine different arenas. It is known as one of the largest junior hockey tournaments in Europe. Each team is guaranteed seven games with three 15-minute periods.

Harrison is the son of Peterborough Petes assistant coach Patrick O’Connor. The family moved from England to Peterborough four years ago.

“We are incredibly proud of Harrison on his selection to the National Team, it’s the greatest honour to pull on that jersey,” said Patrick. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put in on and off the ice. He continues to develop and grow and the last four years in Peterborough have played a major part in this and he will proudly represent his new hometown.”

“It’s such an honour to play for my country and can’t thank the people who have helped me along the way including my coaches here in Peterborough,” said Harrison. “I would like to say a big thank you to the people who have helped me along the way: Scott Wasson, Jody Albert, Brodie Birkhof, Josh Gilliam, Rob Wilson and a big thank you to my dad Paddy O’Connor for making this possible.”

Harrison is a member of the U16 AA Petes. His family was immersed in the sport back in County Durham, England where Patrick notes it as a ‘big hockey town.’

“The city where I lived in Durham had an ice rink and it was built from coffin wood in the second World War and they used an ice-making plant because there was no refrigeration back then,” explained Patrick in a prior interview. “The Canadian Air Forcemen flew over and they had a base in Country Durham and a lot of really talented players came over.”

The 16-year-old forward was also a member of the Bradford Bulldogs U15 for the 2018-19 season with a goal in ten games played in England.

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Peterborough Petes Cannot Solve Saginaw Spirit Goaltending On 59 Shots; Shut Out 2-0

The Peterborough Petes snap a four-game win streak as they were shut out 2-0 to the Saginaw Spirit despite firing 59 shots on net at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Peterborough Petes remain in second place with a game in hand and one point ahead of the third-place Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

It was the Tristan Lennox show who showed up for Saginaw on a record-setting performance with 59 saves. Peterborough peppered the New York Islanders prospect with their fewest shot period total of 16. Lennox denied Brennan Othmann a breakaway chance under five minutes into the period. Roberto Mancini capitalized on a Petes’ turnover in the dying two minutes of the period and quickly wristed it past Petes’ goaltender Michael Simpson for a 1-0 lead.

Peterborouhg continued their offensive flurry with 21 shots on goal but still could not ring one by Lennox including a one-timed shot from Brian Zanetti who seemingly had a goal. Saginaw added to their lead in the final minute of the period on the powerplay by Mitchell Smith from a cross-ice pass.

Peterborough again dominated in shots on net, this time getting 22 shots on goal but Lennox stood tall and held the Petes to a shutout for a 2-0 road win.

The Petes hit the road to Niagara to take on the IceDogs on Friday.

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Peterborough Petes' Gavin White Signs Three-Year Deal With Dallas Stars

Peterborough Petes defenceman Gavin White is one step closer to the NHL as he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on Thursday.

White won an OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs prior to joining the Petes. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s all pretty surreal,” said White. “I am super excited to sign. I’ve come a long way in three years and to be here right now is a dream come true.”

White, a 2002-born defenceman from Brockville, ON, was a fourth round selection, 115th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In 66 games last season, White recorded 10 goals and 46 assists for 56 points, and another nine points in 19 postseason games leading to a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to congratulate Gavin on reaching this career milestone,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Since joining the Petes earlier this season, Gavin has shown continued progress toward his goal of playing in the National Hockey League, and this accomplishment is one step closer to that goal.”

White was acquired by the Petes on January 7 from the Hamilton Bulldogs. He has recorded 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points in 42 games so far this season.

“This signing not only recognizes Gavin’s dedication but also the work of the Petes coaches and development staff, as well as Steve Staios, Matt Turek, Jay McKee and the entire Hamilton Bulldogs Organization, where Gavin began his career,” said Oke.

The Petes host the Saginaw Spirit this Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Electric City Football Club Re-Sign Angelika Mihalopulos and Daniel Oshana For the 2023 Rosters

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) have brought back midfielders Angelika Mihalopulos and Daniel Oshana to their 2023 roster announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Mihalopulos played in 18 matches, playing 1,400 minutes during her first season with ECFC. Prior to Electric City, Mihalopulos 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.

“I’m excited to be back for my second season with the club,” said Mihalopulos. “The passion and backing from the community last year was unbelievable and I’m proud to be back representing all of you. I look forward to meeting all the new staff and players and reuniting with some familiar faces.”

“Having Angelika return to ECFC was a no-brainer,” said Randy Ribiero, ECFC men’s and women’s head coach. “We are delighted to have her sign for the 2023 season, and she will again be an important piece in midfield for us.”

Oshana joined ECFC last year playing for FC London in 2021. Oshana's big moment came after scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes to Scrosoppi FC to help his side overturn a 3-1 deficit. Oshana represented Team Ontario in the 2017 Canada Games, winning a gold medal.

“It’s a pleasure being able to return to Electric City FC this season,” said Oshana. “I’m looking forward to meeting and working with my teammates, staff, and the community. It’s a big year and I’m going to give it my all for the club and the greatest fans in the league.”

Oshana played in 20 matches and logged the most minutes of any ECFC player with 1,727 minutes.

“Daniel was a standout player for ECFC last season and we are thrilled to have him re-sign for 2023,” said Ribiero. “Daniel is one of the best central midfielders in League 1 and I think it is a matter of time before we see him make the move to a higher level.”

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Electric City Football Club Re-Sign Kayla McQueen and Bradley Heath For the 2023 Season

After Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) inaugural year, the team has re-signed striker Kayla McQueen and defender Bradley Heath for their 2023 women’s and men’s 2023 rosters respectively announced on Monday night.

Kayla McQueen (left) scored 13 goals during the regular season ranking fourth best in the league while Bradley Heath (right) played 20 games for ECFC. File Photo.

“Bradley was a constant in our backline last season and is part of a core group of players returning for 2023,” said Randy Ribiero, ECFC men’s and women’s head coach. “His desire to win, willingness to compete and the character he has, exemplifies what it means to play for this organization and represent the City of Peterborough.” 

Heath played over 1700 minutes and helped the team earn eight shutouts in his 20 games started. He was named a Western Conference All-Star while playing with FC London during the prior two seasons and named OCAA West Defender of the Year in 2018 and 2021 during his four years with the Fanshawe Falcons. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Peterborough this summer with Electric City,“ he said. “We’ve got a young and talented group coming in, along with great coaches to work with.”

McQueen led OCAA Women’s Soccer prior to joining ECFC last year with 17 goals in five games for Fanshawe College. She was named team captain and OCAA Women’s soccer West Division Player of the Year. McQueen also received CCAA All-Canadian honours for the 2021-22 season.

“Returning to ECFC means being surrounded by the best community and fans the league has seen,” said McQueen. “I am looking forward to working with familiar faces and meeting new players and staff.”

McQueen played in all 19 women’s matches last season, scoring 13 goals and finishing fourth in League 1 Ontario for scoring.

“I am thrilled to have Kayla returning for 2023,” said Ribeiro, “Kayla proved last season that she is one of the top strikers in this league. She is a player that the fans and community really got behind and is a joy to watch play. Kayla led our team in scoring last season, and we will look for her to continue that form this year.”

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Peterborough Petes' Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week; 3-0 Record Including a Shutout

Peterborough Petes’ Goaltender Michael Simpson has been named the Ontario Hockey League Goaltender of the Week after posting a 3-0 record last week with a shutout announced on Monday.

Simpson has been named Goaltender of the Month on back-to-back occasions on April and October last year. File Photo.

Winning the award for the third time this season, Simpson went 3-0 with a shutout, a 1.33 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage.

His week began with a 4-0 Family Day win over the Sudbury Wolves stopping all 45 shots he faced on his second of back-to-back shutouts and earning first-star recognition for his fifth scoreless effort of the season.

Last Thursday saw Simpson stop 41 of 43 shots for a 6-2 win over the West Division-leading Windsor Spitfires.

He helped earn Peterborough a 5-2 road win over the rival Oshawa Generals with 19 saves. Simpson closed out the weekend with a total of 105 saves on 109 shots over three games played.

Simpson holds a 23-16-1-2 record, leads the OHL in saves (1,211), save percentage (.917) and shutouts (5) along with a 2.62 goals-against average through 43 games.

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City of Peterborough To Host the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo March 4

The City of Peterborough will be hosting the second Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo in partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) on March 4 at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

file photo.

From noon to 3 p.m., the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo will bring together community sport and recreation organizations to highlight and promote inclusiveness and encourage participation for people of all abilities. Local groups will showcase their inclusive programs to potential participants.

This free event is set to provide children and families an opportunity to learn more about the resources available and inclusivity in sport and recreation through demonstrations, peer engagement and information sessions.

The Council for Persons with Disabilities works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting equality, opportunity and inclusion in the Peterborough area. CPD strives to increase community capacity and create positive change while advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities for improved services that will allow persons with disabilities to live a full, productive life. 

Those with any questions about attending the Inclusive Sport & Recreation as an attendee or as a vendor can email rec@peterborough.ca. 

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