Peterborough Lakers Going Full Steam Ahead For 'Drive for Five'

As the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers prepare for an unprecedented fifth-consecutive Mann Cup title with the ‘Drive for Five,’ the team has made several announcements concerning coaching, roster, a new jersey, opening day and mascot affairs.

Paul Day, lakers General Manager (left) and Jake Withers, defenceman (right) with the new jersey designs for the team. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The announcement was made at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Saturday.

The coaching staff is being brought back with no changes as head coach Mike Hasen and assistant coaches Tracey Kelusky and Bobby Keast return to the bench.

The championship roster from last year is returning with the exception of goaltender and 2019 Mann Cup MVP Mike Poulin who has retired. Jake Withers and Josh Currier are welcomed back to the lineup as the former was playing in the Premier Lacrosse League and had a no-compete clause enforced on him, prohibiting him from playing in other leagues. The latter was injured.

“It starts with a core group of Peterborough guys and we're able to get Jake Withers back and Josh Currie that didn't play last year,” explained Paul Day, Lakers general manager. “These guys have been important for three of those Mann Cups.”

The Lakers’ home opener is scheduled for June 8 against the Brampton Excelsiors. This is the third game on their schedule as they have two road games prior to their home opener with their first game against the Excelsiors on June 1 and Brooklin L.C. on June 7.

A tailgate party is being scheduled in the PMC parking lot from 5:30 to 7:30. Food and drinks (alcoholic and soft) are available for purchase on-site while The Ilk will be performing live music at the event. All fans are asked to bring non-perishable goods as the Lakers are collecting in support of Kawartha Food Share.

Before faceoff, the Peterborough Pop Ensemble is performing the national anthem and the team will celebrate the banner-raising of Peterborough’s fourth-straight Mann Cup title.

“It's really hard to win one,” said Day. “When they go up there, it's pretty special. I was at home watching the Petes on TSN, you could see all our banners on there so it's pretty special for everybody in this city.”

A new jersey has been unveiled for this season. Most notably, the top right corner on the front will have the initials, ‘S.H.’ in memory of equipment manager Steve Hynes. He passed away peacefully at 72 at Hospice Peterborough last month and had served the team for over a decade.

The Lakers mascot Leo the Lion is being retired this year. The decision was to honour Riddick MacHart who wore the costume. He and his family passed away suddenly in a Hwy 7 car accident on Nov. 22. Leo’s last game is on June 22 against the Six Nations Chiefs and a new mascot will be unveiled for that night. Leo served as the face of the Lakers since 2000.

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U16 Peterborough Petes Andrew MacNiel Commits to Kitchener Rangers

Former Peterborough Elite Court Sports U16 AAA Petes defenceman Andrew MacNiel has committed to a standard player agreement and education package with the Kitchener Rangers announced on Monday afternoon.

MacNiel is the fourth captain that has committed to Kitchener this off-season alongside Cameron Reid, Luca Romano and Matheas Stark. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Hockey League.

“We are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to our organization,” said Mike McKenzie, Rangers general manager. “Andrew had a very strong development camp. His size, hockey sense, mobility and puck-moving ability will give him a chance to be a very good defenseman as he matures. We are excited to add him to our already strong group of 2007-born prospects that will be the building blocks of the hockey club’s future.”

The Cobourg product captained the Petes to an Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) playoff championship, the finals of the Steve Richey tournament and the OHL Cup semi-finals this year.

“It’s a dream come true,” said MacNiel. “I imagined playing in the OHL my whole life so to be able to get drafted and eventually sign with the Rangers means everything to me. I never would have believed this would happen so quickly but it’s an amazing feeling and I cannot wait to get started.”

MacNiel had six goals and four assists for 10 points in 24 regular season games with the Petes and had six points in eight playoff games.

The former U16 Petes captain will wear number 43 for the Rangers.

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Peterborough Petes Avoid Memorial Cup Elimination With 4-2 Win Over the Quebec Remparts

The Peterborough Petes keep their Memorial Cup hopes alive by defeating the undefeated Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Quebec Remparts, 4-2 at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, B.C. on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Van Staalduinen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Remparts had already punched their ticket into the finals prior to the game but were playing for pride. Peterborough was in a do-or-die situation. The Petes played patiently in the first period, limiting Quebec’s chances. The period was relatively quiet and defensive as no scoring occurred in the opening frame. The Petes outshot the Remparts 9-5, the first time they had more shots in a period than the opponent in the tournament.

The second period was a fireworks show as the game was broken wide open with scoring. The Petes kicked it off as a Remparts defender slipped in his own zone and coughed up the puck to Brennan Othmann. He fed Tucker Robertson out in front and scored on a one-timer for a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, The Petes caught the Remparts on an ill-timed line change that let Chase Stillman hit J.R. Avon on a 2-on-0 situation to extend the Petes’ lead to 2-0. Two minutes later, Quebec got on the board with some excellent passing in the offensive zone to allow James Malatesta to cash one home for a 2-1 lead. Avery Hayes responded 89 seconds later as he sniped one past William Rousseau to make it 3-1 Petes. The Remparts answered right back 27 seconds later as Nathan Gaucher tipped a point shot for a 3-2 game going into the third.

The Petes sustained pressure early in the period, firing shots from every direction/ Connor Lockhart got some puck luck as he fired it from the boards and ricocheted off a Remparts’ skate and into the net for a 4-2 lead. The Petes held on for a 4-2 lead and kept their Memorial Cup season alive with the win.

Tucker Robertson was named the Player of the Game with a goal and an assist.

The Petes force a tiebreaker game on Thursday with the win. They will face the loser of Wednesday’s game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Kamloops Blazers, the final round-robin matchup of the Memorial Cup.

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Leafs Alumni VS Canadiens Alumni to Face Off for Rivalry Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

On Monday, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, in partnership with Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), announced the Montreal Canadiens Alumni team and the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team are coming to Peterborough to participate in a charity hockey game November 17.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The game will take place at the PMC and tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 2. Tickets start at $25 each and children’s tickets are $20.

There are also a limited number of $75 VIP upgrade tickets, available which include a pre-game reception and meet and greet with either the Montreal Canadiens or Toronto Maple Leafs team.

“We are really excited to be hosting Rivalry Night with the Peterborough Memorial Centre” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF. “There is no greater rivalry in professional hockey and, arguably, all of professional sports, than the Habs versus Leafs. It’s going to be a lot of fun having these passionate fans in the Memorial Centre cheering on the alumni of their favourite teams. Proceeds from the event will support the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. Vital funding for initiatives that broaden equity and access to healthcare.”

The full roster for each team will be announced closer to the event and the Alumni say they are promising an exciting and competitive game.

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or in person at the PMC Box Office.

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Photos: Peterborough DBIA Petes Weekend Watch Party at Quaker Foods City Square

The Petes lost in their opening game against the Seattle Thunderbirds, 6-3. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area hosted the Petes Watch Party for two weekend Memorial Cup games at the Quaker Foods City Square.

A 16-foot mega screen live-streamed the game. The event includes had a interactive kids zone, small vendors market with food and snacks and a beer garden.

The Petes Memorial Cup schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, May 30 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Peterborough Petes @ Quebec Remparts (QMJHL Champion)

• Thursday, June 1 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Tie-breaker*

• Friday, June 2 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Semi-Final

• Sunday, June 4 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Final

*If necessary

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Peterborough Petes 50/50 Tickets On Sale During the Memorial Cup

The Peterborough Petes are hosting an online 50/50 raffle during the 2023 Memorial Cup with all proceeds supporting the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, announced on Saturday.

Through the regular season, the Petes 50/50 draws raised $121,000. A record-breaking prize jackpot of $31,605 in game six of the OHL Championship Series. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

A minimum jackpot of $5,000 is guaranteed for the draw. Tickets are now available exclusively online with the draw after the championship game on June 4.

All raffle results from the season can be found by clicking going online.

The Petes begin their Memorial Cup quest against the Western Hockey League Champion Seattle Thunderbirds with puck drop scheduled at 6:00 p.m.

A Watch Party is being hosted by Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area for both weekend games at the Quaker Foods City Square from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The game is being live-streamed on a 16-foot mega screen. The event includes an interactive kids zone, small vendors market with food and snacks and a beer garden.

The Petes Memorial Cup schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 27 @ 6 p.m. EDT - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL Champion) @ Peterborough Petes

• Sunday, May 28 @ 6 p.m. EDT - Kamloops Blazers (Host) @ Peterborough Petes

• Tuesday, May 30 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Peterborough Petes @ Quebec Remparts (QMJHL Champion)

• Thursday, June 1 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Tie-breaker*

• Friday, June 2 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Semi-Final

• Sunday, June 4 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Final

*If necessary

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Peterborough Rowing Club Prospering With PeterboroughROWS From Trillium Grant Of $341,800

After receiving an Ontario Trillium Grant of $341,800, the Peterborough Rowing Club has grown the activity with its PeterboroughROWS program announced on Thursday.

(left to right) Sam Wigg, Jacey Mabee, MPP David Smith, Maggie Walker and Brian Love enjoying rowing out on teh Otonabee River at Trent University. PeterboroughROWS has brought hands-on and virtual rowing training sessions to over 2,200 participants in the first two years.Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Rowing Club.

The grant was issued back in March 2020 spanning over three years. The Club was able to offer specialized training programs to schools, with local community groups and for rowers old and new with the money.

“I have always said sports of any kind brings communities together, fosters inclusivity, and is beneficial for both physical and mental health,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Rowing teaches the meaning of communication, leadership, teamwork, resilience and discipline, the Grow Grant has already seen over 2,000 individuals take the step into the world of rowing,”

PeterboroughROWS stemmed from the grant for City and County of Peterborough residents from ages 12 to 80+ years old.

PeterboroughROWS is meant as an outreach to new rowers and provides a recreational rowing program with training and on-the-water rowing experience according to a press release.

“Rowing is a terrific way to see a whole different side of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Brian Love, Rowing Club president. “Being out on the water, being part of a crew, and learning about the strength of pulling together – this is exactly what a safe return to sport looks like. It’s a sport of resilience and of togetherness.”

The Peterborough Rows initiative will run until February 2024.

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Hometown PTBO: Peterborough Petes Head Coach Rob Wilson About Their Historic OHL Championship Run

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Peterborough Petes head coach Rob Wilson about their OHL Championship Run and getting ready for the Memorial Cup.

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Peterborough DBIA Are Hosting Memorial Cup Petes Watch Parties At Quaker Food Park Square This Weekend

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) is hosting free outdoor Peterborough Petes Memorial Cup Watch Party events at Quaker Food Park Square for this weekend, announced on Thursday.

Both games are being streamed on a 16-foot mega screen from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with puck drop at 6 p.m. on their respective days.

The Peterborough Petes open their Memorial Cup against the Western Hockey League champion Seattle Thunderbirds this Saturday. They’ll continue their schedule with the Western Hockey League host team Kamloops Blazers.

The free Community Watch Party’s live-streaming event includes an interactive kids zone, small vendors market with food and snacks and a beer garden.

“Our team at the DBIA is so excited to be organizing Memorial Cup games this weekend,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA vibrancy manager. “Peterborough is brimming with hometown pride for our OHL Champions and we want to keep the momentum going.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs or can purchase from any of the vendors. Those attending are encouraged to wear to dress for the weather and proudly wear their Petes apparel.

“As the Petes go on to compete for the Memorial Cup, we are beyond excited to see the Quaker Foods City Square light up again this weekend as the crowd of hometown fans gather together to cheer on the Petes in Kamloops,” said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations. “Our organization is delighted to see the outpour of community support for the Petes this season, and can’t wait to see the continuation of that amazing energy at the downtown community watch parties.”

The Peterborough DBIA had previously hosted a watch party for Game Five of the OHL Championship that eh Quaker Square. It was also the site for the Petes Championship Celebration Event on Monday.

The City of Peterborough is providing financial support to the DBIA to host the community watch parties. 

"The Peterborough Petes’ magical run continues as they compete for the Memorial Cup,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I’m looking forward to seeing Quaker Foods City Square filled with fans, watching the games together, cheering on their Petes. The community spirit has been brilliant.”

“When we think about what makes a community vibrant it really boils down to people-power,” said Flood. “Vibrancy implies a place that is alive and active—a place where people naturally are drawn. Quaker Foods City Square has proven to be one of the most valuable spaces we have to gather as a community in times of celebration.”

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Peterborough Lakers Start "Drive For Five" With Home Opener Set For June 8

It will be their third game of the season but Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’s ‘Drive for Five’ has their home opener against the Brampton Excelsiors scheduled for June 8 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers will have played two road games prior to their home opener with their first game against the Excelsiors on June 1 and Brooklin L.C. on June 7.

The following is the Lakers’ regular season schedule:

• June 1 - @ Brampton 

• June 7 - @ Brooklin

• June 8 - vs. Brampton 

• June 11 - @ Cobourg

• June 13 - @ Six Nations

• June 15 - vs. Cobourg

• June 22 - vs. Six Nations 

• June 25 - @ Brampton

• June 29 - vs. Brampton

• July 6 - vs. Cobourg

• July 13 - vs. Brooklin

• July 11 - @ Six Nations

• July 20 - vs. Six Nations

• July 23 - @ Cobourg

• July 27 - vs. Brooklin

• July 26 - @ Brooklin

The Lakers plan to unveil a new jersey design, address player/staffing changes, mascot Leo the Lion’s retirement and home opener events at a press conference this Saturday at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Fans are invited to attend the event running from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday.

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