Peterborough Petes's Derrick Walser Hired As Red Deer Rebels Head Coach

Peterborough Petes assistant coach Derrick Walser is headed out west as he has been hired as the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Red Deer Rebels head coach, announced on Wednesday.

The Walser family has been active members of the Peterborough community since joining the Petes in 2017. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The New Glasgow, N.S.-born coach joined the Petes in August of 2017 as an assistant coach. He spent the last six years with the Petes and capped off his tenure with an OHL Championship and coached in this year’s Memorial Cup. Prior to joining the Petes, Walser served as a player/head coach of the UK’s Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) for two seasons.

“On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, we’d like to congratulate Derrick as he takes this exciting step in his coaching career,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Over the last six years, Derrick has been a staple on the Petes bench and has earned the opportunity to become a head coach at this level. We wish Derrick, his wife Sara and their sons Camden and Hudson nothing but the best in this transition.”

“I’m thankful to Mike Oke for bringing me into this organization six years ago,” said Walser. “Peterborough will always feel like home to me and my family. We’ve loved our time here with the Petes organization.”

Before his coaching career, Walser played nineteen seasons of professional hockey between the NHL (Columbus), AHL (Syracuse, Saint John, Albany, Toronto), ECHL (Johnstown), KHL (Chekhov), Swiss-A (Rapperswil-Jona), DEL (Berlin), and EIHL.

“I’ve learned a lot being here,” said Walser. “Working with this group, particularly with Rob Wilson, has helped shape me into the coach I am today. We had a great, close-knit crew and I will always have fond memories of my time with the Petes. Not just our OHL win and the support from our epic fans but the time behind the scenes working together towards a championship. The hardest part will be leaving the community we’ve created here.”

Walser was a defenseman for five seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Beauport Harfangs and Rimouski Oceanic. He tallied 82 goals, 173 assists, 255 points and 293 penalty minutes in 255 career games. He was named QMJHL and CHL Defenceman of the Year in 1997-98.

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Peterborough Lakers Snap Five-Game Winning Streak With Six Nations Chiefs Third Period Surge, 12-7

The Peterborough Lakers break their winning streak of five games after losing to the league-leading Six Nations Chiefs, 12-7, at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagarsville on Tuesday night.

The loss maintains the Lakers at second place in the league with a game in hand to the league-leading Chiefs but are behind by four points. Photo courtesy of Darryl Smart and the Peterborough Lakers.

Both teams were evenly matched throughout the first period. Josh Currier and Colton Armstrong opened the scoring for Peterborough in back-to-back goals. Kevin Hill and Larson Sundown countered with a pair of goals for Six Nations. Shayne Jackson scored a third for the Chiefs for their first lead of the game before Eli McLaughlin tied it at 3-3. Tim Edwards scored a late goal to give Six Nations a 4-3 lead after the first period.

The second period saw both teams go stride for stride with each other. Six Nations continued their run with Cody Jamieson and Dave Brock netting a pair for a 6-3 Chiefs lead. Holden Cattoni and Cam Milligan got Peterborough’s special teams working as they both tacked on powerplay goals to bring the Lakers within one. Six Nations also saw their man advantage pay dividends as Bell scored a powerplay goal of his own. Taite Cattoni took it upon himself to score unassisted for Peterborough to keep it a one-goal game going into the third with a score of 7-6.

The first-place Chiefs showed why they’re at the top of the rankings as they took over the game in the third. They went on a run of five goals and clamped down on Peterborough’s offense. The Lakers mustered only one goal late in the period with McLaughlin’s second but it was too little, too late for Peterborough as they fell to the Chiefs 12-7.

2019 President’s Cup MVP Warren Hill earned the win in net while Drew Hutchinson gets the loss. The Chiefs improve to 10-2-0 while the Lakers fall to 8-3-0.

The Lakers return home to the Peterborough Memorial Centre to take on the Brooklin L.C. in their second matchup of the season on Thursday night. The Lakers will be playing on a new turf that was installed earlier this week.

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Peterborough Laker Alumnus John Grant Jr. Selected As Assistant Coach For Team Canada In 2025 U20 World Championship

Five-time Mann Cup champion and Peterborough Lakers’ alumnus John Grant Jr. has been selected as an assistant coach for Team Canada in the 2025 U20 World Championship.

John Grant Jr. has been granted a key to the city back in 2016. File Photo.

Grant Jr. was hired as an assistant coach of the Redwoods Lacrosse Club of the Premiere Lacrosse League on Dec. 29.

A two-time MLL MVP, Grant Jr. tallied 393 goals and 232 assists during his playing career. He won the Mann Cup five times with the Lakers in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012. He was voted Mann Cup MVP for 2004 and 2007.

Grant Jr. won five MLL Championships during his career with the 2008 Rochester Rattlers, 2009 Toronto Nationals, 2012 and 2013 Chesapeake Bayhawks and the 2014 Denver Outlaws.

Grant Jr. joins Mark Miyashita, Shawn Wilkins and John Gallant as assistant coaches. Gary Gait is serving as the team’s head coach.

A date and location for the tournament has yet to be announced by World Lacrosse.

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Los Angeles Kings Re-Sign Peterborough Petes Alumnus Akil Thomas To One-Year Deal

Peterborough Petes Alumnus Akil Thomas is staying in California as the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings signed him to a one-year two-way contract worth $775,000 on Saturday.

Akil Thomas skating with a young fan prior to a game. Photo courtesy of the PEterborough Petes.

He was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022) and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans on May 15.

The Toronto native is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

Thomas was drafted by the Kings in 2018 in the second round, 51st overall. Following his OHL career, Thomas spent time with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign since the 2020-21 season. He has yet to play a regular-season game with the Kings since being drafted into the NHL.

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Peterborough Lakers Defeat Cobourg Kodiaks at Pride Night Game

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers improved their record to 8-2 on Thursday with a 12-9 win over the Cobourg Kodiaks on Pride Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. 

photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers.

The Lakers raised over $3,500 through a silent auction featuring specially-designed game-worn Pride jerseys, with proceeds being donated to Sport A Rainbow. 2,116 fans were in attendance at the Thursday night game.

The Sport A Rainbow pledge shows commitment to speaking up against hateful speech and actions in sports. 

“Anytime you can make people feel welcome and make sure everyone is comfortable in their own skin, that’s important,” said captain Robert Hope. “As an educator, it starts with being a good person. Show people respect.” 

Founder and operator of Sport A Rainbow Rose Powers says all the Lakers team members and staff proudly took the Sport A Rainbow Pledge.

“Working with kids for over 30 years, that’s all I want, for youth have a voice,” said Powers. “I know how important it is for kids in our community to see the top lacrosse organization in the City wanting everyone to know they’re welcome here. Representation matters.”

Rose Powers, Middle Back Row and Ella, front. photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers.

Powers says the goal through Sport A Rainbow is to promote inclusion for all– inside and outside of the game.

“A lot of fans have came up to me tonight to make sure that I know that they see me, they see what the pledge is, they see what I’m trying to do and they are in support of it,” continued Powers. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

8 year old Ella, Sport A Rainbow’s youth ambassador, says she took the pledge after Powers came to talk to her hockey team.

“When people take the pledge, you’re making the promise to include people and stand up for what is right to make the world a better place,” she said.

Photos courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

“Lakers lacrosse is for everyone. It’s all inclusive,” stated Cam Milligan, who played his first game back in a Lakers’ uniform after being re-acquired from the Kodiaks.  

The Lakers scored four-straight goals to open the game before Cobourg got on the board. Milligan pushed his way to the front of the net to put Peterborough up 5-1 after the first.  

Peterborough continued to dominate in the second period, outscoring Cobourg 5-2 to lead 10-3 after 40 minutes. Jr. A call-up Nick Roode scored his first MSL goal, and Holden Cattoni completed a hat trick. 

The Lakers looked to be in control of the game, leading 11-4 in the third after Cattoni’s fourth of the game, but Cobourg found a spark and scored five goals in the last six minutes of play, including a pair of shorthanded markers, to cut the deficit.  

“They finished hard. Fortunately, we had a lead because we worked hard early,” said Milligan. “We still got the W so I’ll take it.” 

Nick Roode scored on a last-second penalty shot to seal the deal for the Lakers, who remain in second place behind the Six Nations Chiefs. 

Scoring for the Lakers: 

Holden Cattoni (4-3) 

Nick Roode (2-0) 

Turner Evans (1-4) 

Cam Milligan (1-4) 

Taite Cattoni (1-4) 

Mike Robinson (1-2) 

Austin Hasen (1-1) 

Josh Currier (1-0) 

Jake Withers (0-1) 

Matt Gilray (0-1) 

The Lakers are on the road Tuesday to visit the Chiefs in a game that will have first-place ramifications, and then return home next Thursday, July 13 to host the Brooklin Lacrosse Club.

Tickets are available at the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. 

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Peterborough Petes Sign Fourth-Round Pick Joseph Cadorin to a Standard Player Agreement

2023 OHL Priority Selection fourth-round pick Joseph Cadorin has signed a standard player agreement with the Peterborough Petes announced on Thursday afternoon.

Michael Oke, Petes general manager (left) with Joseph Cadorin (left) was drafted 76th overall from the U16 AAA Ajax-Pickering Raiders. The team introduced Cadorian to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 22. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Kleinburg, Ont. forward was selected in the fourth round, 76th overall by the Petes in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection in April. He played in 34 games for the Toronto Marlboros U16 last season, scoring 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points. That put him third on the team and fourth in the Greater Toronto Hockey League in scoring. Cadorin helped lead the Marlboros to the 2023 OHL Cup, scoring a goal and two assists in five games.

“It’s an honour to sign with such a great organization like the Petes,” said Cadorin. “I can’t wait to hit the ice and get started.”  

“We’re excited to add Joseph to the team," said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a talented young forward who really left his mark in the GTHL last season. He’s got a bright future ahead of him and we’re looking forward to helping him get there.” 

Cadorin is the second player to sign with the Petes from the 2023 Priority Selection. The team signed first-round pick Carson Cameron back in May.

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Peterborough Pete Tucker Robertson Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract With Seattle Kraken

Peterborough Petes forward Tucker Robertson is staying in the Pacific Northwest as he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.

Robertson at the 2022 NHL Draft shortly after being drafted by the Seattle Kraken in Montréal, Que. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Toronto-born forward was a fourth-round selection, 123rd overall, by the Kraken in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Robertson was an assistant captain for the Petes this season, scoring 36 goals and 54 assists in 68 games. He became the first Pete since 2002-03 to record 90 points in a season. He added another 22 points in 23 postseason games to lead the Petes to their 2023 OHL Championship. Robertson scored a goal and two assists during the team’s 2023 Memorial Cup run.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to congratulate Tucker on signing his first NHL contract,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Over the past couple of years, Tucker has proven himself to be one of the top players in the Ontario Hockey League and we’re happy to see him be rewarded for his hard work.”

Robertson was awarded the Petes Executive Trophy as the team’s MVP for a second time on March 28. He won it in 2021-22, after a breakout season with 41 goals and 40 assists in 68 games.

TUCKER ROBERTSON, PETES FORWARD (LEFT) WITH THE PETES EXECUTIVE TROPHY, PRESENTED BY DAVE POGUE, PETES PRESIDENT (RIGHT). ROBERTSON WALKED AWAY WITH FOUR AWARDS DURING THE CEREMONY. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Robertson was selected by the Petes in the fourth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He sits 31st on the team’s all-time scoring list with 189 points in 191 games.

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Peterborough Petes Select Rio Kaiser 28th Overall In the 2023 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft

From Germany to Canada, defenceman Rio Kaiser has been selected by the Peterborough Petes, 28th overall in the 2023 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The 6’7” Berlin, Germany native spent most of the 2022-23 season with EC Red Bull Salzburg U20 in Austria. In 18 games this season with EC Red Bull Salzburg, the 16-year-old scored four goals and eight assists for 12 points. Kaiser has appeared on the German U16, U17 and U18 national teams, tacking on a goal in five appearances.

“We were very excited to be able to select Rio,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He’s a big, young defenceman who skates well and we believe the Peterborough Petes would be an excellent option for him to continue his development.”

Rio is the second player selected by the Petes out of Red Bull Hockey Academy in Austria. The 2022 first-round import pick Tommy Purdeller came from the same program.

Peterborough originally held the 31st pick however three teams ahead of the Petes passed. That bumped the Petes to the 28th selection. The defending OHL Champions elected to pass on their second-round pick in the draft as Tommy Purdeller will occupy the other import slot on the team.

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Peterborough Lakers to Host First-Ever Pride Night This Thursday

Rainbows will decorate the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the Lakers are hosting their first-ever Pride Night against the Cobourg Kodiaks for Thursday’s game, announced on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.

The team will wear specially designed jerseys for the game and will be auctioned off after. The proceeds support Sport A Rainbow, an organization with the mission of ‘inclusion for all in sport,’ and founded by Lakers’ volunteer Rose Powers.

Jerseys can be bid on until 10 minutes after the game. Bidding sheets are available in the main lobby, east lobby and upstairs. You must be present at the game in order to bid on them.

Sport A Rainbow is a pledge initiative that encourages everyone to stand up against hateful speech and actions in all sports, recognizing that sports are about more than just the game. The Lakers team has taken the pledge and players proudly wear Sport A Rainbow helmet stickers. Learn more at https://sportarainbow.ca. 

The Lakers encourage all fans to wear rainbow-coloured clothing to show their pride.

During the first intermission, over 40 Lakers’ Dance Team members will perform in tribute to Riddick MacHart. He suffered life-ending injuries with his parents (and sister Rowghan was airlifted to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto) in November last year and was often the now-retired team mascot Leo the Lion.

The second intermission features a lacrosse demonstration from the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association girls’ teams on the floor. Kids are allowed to participate and play following the demonstration. 

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66-Year-Old Peterborough Man Captures First Place In Powerlifting; Qualifies For Provincial Championship

Age is just a number for Peterborough’s Richard Gosselin as the 66-year-old took home first place in his division in the Ontario Powerlifting Association’s Classic AF 2023 at the Anytime Fitness in Woodbridge on Sunday.

Matt Goldsmith, Personal Trainer and Coach (left) with Richard Gosselin (right) shortly after winning his gold medal at Anytime Fitness. Photo courtesy of brianna Gosselin.

The win allowed Gosslein to qualify for the provincial championships in 2024.

Gosslein returned to the gym after retiring from his corporate job two years ago. He often worked out as a young teen and into his adult life. He works out every day since his retirement. He says he encourages people to pursue their passions, to follow their lifelong dreams and never let their age hold them back according to a press release.

He was coached by personal trainer Matt Goldsmith. Richard trains at both Goodlife Fitness locations in Peterborough, Ontario. Both at the Monaghan and Chemong locations.

During his journey, Gosselin says he has met a lovely group of supportive people and thanks them for all their encouragement and motivation.

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