London Knights Pull Away In Second Period to Defeat Peterborough 4-1, Petes Lead Series 3-2 With Game Six On Sunday At Home

The Peterborough Petes will have to wait another day for the OHL Championship as they fell to the London Knights 4-1 at the Budweiser Gardens on Friday night.

The Petes were one for six on the Power Play in Game Five. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes almost let up a goal early in the period as Easton Cowan had a breakaway but Petes goaltender flashed the leather and kept London off the board. The Petes struck first on the powerplay as J.R. Avon had a shot blocked but ricocheted to Connor Lockhart who scored on the wide-open net, 1-0. With under two minutes left in the period, Cowan got redemption as he and the Knights entered the attacking zone with an outnumbered attack and beat Simpson glove-side for a 1-1 tie after the first period.

London applied heavy pressure on the forecheck less than five into the period that rewarded them with possession in the offensive zone. London’s Ryan Humphrey turned around and fried a seemingly harmless shot but a screened Simpson was too late to find the puck and it went in for a 2-1 Knights lead. London kept their foot on the gas as they cycled the puck through the zone as Logan Mailloux took a point shot. It was blocked but Denver Barkey corralled it and backhanded the puck over a sprawling Simpson for a 3-1 lead into the final frame.

The Petes tried to push hard in the third period, registering 13 shots but London’s defence and goaltender was able to keep Peterborough at bay. The visiting team had three third-period power plays but could not find the back of the net even while pulling their goalie. London found the back of the empty net with 2:13 left in the game to ice it. Owen Beck was penalized for slew-footing with 39.9 seconds left in the game, incurred a five-minute major and a match penalty. London survives and pushes the series for Game Six at 3-2 for Peterborough.

The Petes return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) to try and capture the OHL Championship at home this Sunday against the London Knights with puck drop at 7 p.m.

Tickets for Game Six go on sale at 1 p.m. on Sunday through the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person, over the phone and online.

Season Ticket Members who already have pre-authorized their playoff tickets or purchased a playoff round bundle have been sent their tickets as part of a bundle.

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U16 AAA Peterborough Petes Wil McFadden Signs With Guelph Storm

Former Peterborough Elite Court Sports U16 AAA Petes Wil McFadden has committed to Standard Player Agreement with the Guelph Storm.

Photo courtesy of the Guelph Storm.

McFadden was taken 31st overall in the U16 Priority Selection and was the first Pete to be drafted among 13.

He led the team with 41 goals and 41 assists for 82 points in 36 games. McFadden added 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in eight playoff games for the U16 Peterborough Petes. He won the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship with the Petes. He also netted four goals and five assists at the OHL Cup.

“I would also like to thank all the people who have helped me get to this point,” said McFadden. “I have a lot of hard work and training ahead of me as I look to fulfill my dream of playing in the OHL with the Guelph Storm. I look forward to contributing to my team and community.”

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Peterborough Petes Have a 3-1 Series Stranglehold With 5-3 Win Over the London Knights In Game Four

Another record-setting 4,046 fans went home happy as the Peterborough Petes have a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 5-3 win over the London Knights at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Wednesday night.

The Petes are 9-1 at home this this postseason. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes ran into early troubles as 1:19 into the game, Gavin White turned over the puck from behind his net that resulted in an unassisted goal from London’s Easton Cowan for a Knights 1-0 lead. The Petes failed to score in the first period however settled things down by evening the shot count, a stat that went against Peterborough during this series. The shots were 16-14 in favour of London after the stanza.

The second period was all Peterborough Petes. They got on the board 1:19 into the middle frame, as Connor Lockhart fed J.R. Avon for a breakaway. The hometown forward went to the backhand to beat Zach Bowen for the 1-1 tie. Peterborough continued their assault as Brennan Othmann opted to instead of shooting from the slot, dished it to Owen Beck for a one-timer for a 2-1 lead. Two minutes later, J.R. Avon on a turnaround shot from inside the point, wired it through traffic and find the back of the net for his second of the game and a 3-1 Peterborough lead going into the third.

The Petes continued where they left off as Donovan McCoy got on the score sheet and went bar-down for his second of the playoffs. The Knights put their resilience on display in the final six minutes of the game. London got a powerplay and pulled their goalie for a six-on-four situation. Sam Dickenson blasted a one-timer shot that beat Petes goaltender Michael Simpson to cut the deficit to two. Just under three minutes later, London got another powerplay and created another six-on-four situation. Denver Barkey initially could not handle the one-timed pass but was able to chip in a floater that sailed over a split-legged Simpson to make it 4-3 with 3:09 remaining. Avery Hayes put a dagger in the Knights’ hopes as he won a puck battle against Dickenson who could not corral the pass. The former Hamilton Bulldog sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 5-3 Petes win and a 3-1 series lead and are one win away from the OHL Championship.

Wilson (left) and Avon (right) during the post-game press conference. Avon has registered nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 10 games this postseason. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

“One game away doesn’t mean anything,” said Avon. “They can come back and get to do something crazy so we haven’t won anything yet, we have to keep going.”

Avon, Simpson and Beck earned three stars of the game.

“You to be able to sacrifice and when you sacrifice, good things happen,” said Rob Wilson, Petes head coach. “You do the right things and then the next minute, the puck’s back on your stick.”

@ptbo_canada 🏒 After a 5-3 win, the @Peterborough Petes are one win away from an @Ontario Hockey League Championship! Let’s bring it home, boys! #GoPetesGo #ohlhockey #ohl #peterboroughontario #playoffhockey ♬ Let's Go - M.Hustler

The Petes look to capture the OHL Championship in London as they take the Knights on Friday for Game Five with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. An official watch party is being held at Quaker Foods City Square running from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., rain or shine.

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Quaker Foods City Square To Host Petes Community Watch Party For Game Five of OHL Championship

Peterborough Petes fans can cheer loud at a free outdoor Community Watch Party at the Quaker Foods City Square for Game Five of the OHL Championship on Friday.

The City of Peterborough is providing financial support to the DBIA to host the community watch party. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The event runs rain or shine from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support the Petes as they take on the London Knights on the road. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and is being nationally televised.

The Charlotte Street square will have a 16-foot mega screen that is live streaming the game. Face painting and a small vendors market with grab-and-go snacks such as popcorn, candy, mini pies and tacos) are amenities that are provided during the watch party.

“As the DBIA (Downtown Business Improvement Area) looks for fun and unique ways to animate the new Quaker Foods City Square in the downtown, we are excited to explore what public screening events can look like,” said Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "Thanks to our wonderful partnership with the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Petes, we are able to bring our community together as we collectively celebrate this special moment in Peterborough sports history.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs and dress for the weather. All attendees are encouraged to wear their Petes apparel while cheering for the team.

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas have been showing their maroon and white pride as the Petes make another historic playoff run and our organization is very excited that Quaker Foods City Square will be a home for the many passionate community members that want to gather to cheer on their Petes," said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations.

Quaker Foods City Square is planning to host another community watch party on Monday for Game Seven if necessary. It will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with puck drops at 7 p.m.

“Let’s cheer on our hometown Peterborough Petes in the OHL Championship series,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell “They’ve already given their fans and our community an incredible run in the playoffs and there’s more edge-of-your-seat excitement to come in these finals.”

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Peterborough Senior Ladies Slo Pitch Season In Full Swing

The 22nd season of the Peterborough Senior Ladies Slo Pitch League is underway as 104 women over the age of 50 were swinging for the fences at the George (Red) Sullivan East City Bowl.

Beth Zwir of Trentview (left) falls short of a step of beating out the throw as Trish Crossman of Crossman Excavating (right) is able to make the play for the out. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The women play every Wednesday and occasionally on Fridays if necessary on a 16-game schedule. The regular season runs from until Aug. 23 with a rainout date of Aug. 30. Playoffs run for three weeks starting on Sept. 6.

This is the second-straight year that the league has been able to operate with no COVID-19 restrictions. This led to not having temporary rules such as no tagging the runners and also saw more women sign up for the league due to the virus’s heightened impact on seniors.

“It's back to the way it was before Covid,” said Darlene Charlton, league president.“Covid affected everything so it's nice to see everything back to normal.”

The league also engages in several social events during and after the season. Events include a Euchre tournament, BBQ lunch, Toronto Blue Jays game, scramble golf tournament and a league banquet.

The following are the eight teams in this year’s league:

• Crossman Excavating

• The Wellness Chef

• Crook & Coffer

• Trentview

• Archies

• Southcrest Farms

• Sparkies Electric

• Kristine Laufer Century 21

“Everybody's just so happy to get out,” said Charlton. “Everybody just has so much fun. They're smiling, they're laughing so that's the kind of league it is.”

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Petes Come Out On Top In Overtime 6-5; Peterborough Leads Series Over London Knights, 2-1

The record-setting 4,000 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) were roaring after the Petes scored a walk-off overtime goal to win 6-5 and take a 2-1 series lead in the OHL Championship over the London Knights on Monday night.

The Petes have only lost one playoff home game this postseason. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

London got the start that they wanted with a goal 31 seconds into the game from captain Sean McGurn, tipping in an Isaiah George point shot to make it 1-0. The Knights quickly extended their lead in the final 20 seconds of their powerplay as Ryan Winterton capitalized on a rebound in the slot to make it 2-0. The Petes finally got on the scoreboard as Owen Beck scored on a sharp-angle shot, sneaking by Knights goaltender Zach Bowen with 1:14 left in the period to make it 2-1 into the second.

It was a fireworks show for both teams in the middle frame as shortly after a penalty kill, Peterborough immediately went on the attack. Owen Beck scooped up a loose puck and fed it to J.R. Avon for a breakaway. Avon made no mistake and made a beautiful deke to beat Bowen for the 2-2 tie early in the second. London quickly countered as Gavin White turned it over in his own zone and McGurn capitalized and restored London’s lead, 3-2. Five minutes later, Chase Stillman sniped the top corner from the point for a 3-3 tie. Brennan Othmann continued his playoff dominance with the eighth goal of the playoffs (and 23rd point) for Peterborough’s first lead of the night 4-3. It was short-lived as London’s Brody Crane cashed in a rebound for a 4-4 tie. Just 1:21 later, Jackson Edward scored his first of the season, beating Petes goalie Michael Simpson through the five-hole for a one-goal lead heading into the third.

The final frame saw Stillman rip home a goal from the high slot early in the period to tie things up at 5-5, his second of the game. It was the only goal in the period as the game went into overtime.

Tucker Robertson (left) with head coach Rob Wilson (right) during the post-game press conference. Robertson scored his second consecutive game-winning goal in the series in both of Peterborough’s wins. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The game was settled quickly as Avery Hayes threw a shot on net that hit Tucker Robertson and was able to slide it through for the game-winning walk-off goal.

“I’m playing with two really good players so they make it easy out there for me out there,” said Robertson. “I get a lot of chances and I’ve been able to bury them lately but I’d say nothing’s changed too much.”

“Big players in big moments always end up in coming up with big goals,” said Rob Wilson, Petes head coach.

@ptbo_canada @Peterborough Petes take home Game Three at the PMC! What a nail biter and we’re one win closer to that @Ontario Hockey League Championship! #GoPetesGo #peterboroughontario #ohl #ohlhockey #playoffhockey ♬ Get Ready - Steve Aoki Vocal Radio Edit - 2 Unlimited

Robertson, Stillman and Winterton earned three stars of the game.

The Petes return to the PMC for Game Four of the OHL Championship on Wednesday night as they look to take a stranglehold on the series.

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Peterborough Petes' Tucker Robertson and Michael Simpson Named OHL Top Performers of the Week

Peterborough Petes’ Michael Simpson and Tucker Robertson have been named the Top Performers of the Week, announced by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) on Monday afternoon.

Photos courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Robertson was named OHL Cogeco Player of the Week while Simpson earned OHL Goaltender of the Week honours.

Robertson had two goals and three assists for five points in three games as Simpson went 2-1 with a 2.35 GAA and .936 SV%.

Robertson had an assist in Peterborough's 3-2 win over the North Bay Battalion last Monday to help the Petes advance to the OHL Championship Series. He tallied a pair of goals and assists, including the game-winner as the Petes defeated the Knights 5-3 on Saturday night to tie the series at 1-1.

Simpson helped clinch an OHL Championship appearance with his Game Seven performance against the Battalion, stopping 22 of the 24 shots last Monday. He returned to his hometown of London on Thursday, making 29 saves in a 3-0 loss to the Knights. He rebounded with a 51-save performance on Saturday in Game Two, to help Peterborough nab a 5-3 victory to tie the OHL Championship Series at one win apiece.

The Peterborough Petes start their two-game playoff homestand against the Knights for Game Three of the OHL Championship at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday night. The Petes are looking to get a 2-1 series lead with a win.

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Free Fishing In Ontario During Mother's Day Weekend

To kick off the spring fishing season, anglers in Ontario can celebrate Mother’s Day with free fishing this weekend.

Additional annual free fishing events include Father’s Day weekend (June 17-18) and Family Fishing Week to celebrate Canada Day (July 1-9). Photo by David Tuan bui.

“Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler, it’s a great way to bond with family this Mother’s Day weekend,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This is a fantastic way for families to get out and enjoy one of Ontario’s greatest natural resources – our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams.”

To anyone fishing for free on Mother’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations and rules still apply according to the Ontario Government.

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Peterborough Petes Struggle To Find the Back of the Net, Shutout In Game One of OHL Championship 3-0

The 2006 OHL Championship rematch started on the wrong foot for the Peterborough Petes as they were shutout by the London Knights in Game One, 3-0 at the Budweiser Gardens in London on Thursday night.

Peterborough won the series 4-0 during the 2006 OHL Championship against the London Knights. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes found themselves in an unfamiliar position as they were trailing in shots on goal, a stat they typically lead in. They were up 3-1 in shots then let nine consecutive shots from London after that. Petes goalie Michael Simpson stood tall and stopped all 12 in the period to keep the Knights off the board. Peterborough only registered seven shots and Zach Bowen was able to shut them all down for London for a 0-0 tie into the second.

The shots were exactly the same with London restricting Peterborough’s chances once again. Gavin White had a close one, ringing it past Bowen from the point but off the post during a powerplay to keep the game scoreless. Owen Beck received a pass to the high slot but Bowen robbed him with an incredible glove save that kept the former in disbelief. London eventually broke the deadlock as Denver Barkey gained the zone and skated to the side of the net. He dished it to Easton Cowan who had a wide-open chance and sent it home for a 1-0 lead going into the third.

Peterborough was able to register more shots in this period than the Knights, 10-8 but struggled to get one past Bowen. Jacob Julien doubled the lead as he had shot sent wide however on a fortunate rebound, it got back to his stick and took advantage of an aggressive Simpson for a 2-0 lead with under 6:30 left in the game. London added an empty netter to seal it and took Game One.

Bowen, Easton Cohen and Isaiah George, all form London were awarded the three stars of the game.

The Petes seek a series split as Game Two is on Saturday in London.

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Peterborough Petes Game Three and Four OHL Championship Tickets On Sale

Tickets for Peterborough Petes’ Game Three and Game Four for the OHL Championship at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) have gone on sale to the public.

The Petes defeat3d the London Knights for the OHL Championship in 2006. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.

The tickets went on sale as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

An official watch party for Game One is being held at the PMC Pub and Grill at 6 p.m. Thursday. Food and drink are available with prizes to be won according to the Petes.

The full schedule for the OHL Final against the London Knights is as follows:

• Game One – Thursday, May 11 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Two – Saturday, May 13 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Three – Monday, May 15 at Peterborough, 7 p.m.

• Game Four – Wednesday, May 17 at Peterborough, 7:30 p.m.

• Game Five – Friday, May 19 at London, 7:30 p.m.

• Game Six – Sunday, May 21 at Peterborough, 7 p.m.

• Game Seven – Monday, May 22 at London, 7 p.m.

*If necessary

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