Peterborough Petes Fall in Overtime 3-2 In Michael Simpson's Return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre

It was a triumphant return for former Pete Michael Simpson as he and the London Knights took down Peterborough in overtime, 3-2, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Jumping right to the second period, London drew first blood off an odd-man rush as Easton Cowan sniped a shot past Liam Stutzka for a 1-0 lead. Cowan had another chance to score off a penalty shot but Stutzka was able to track the puck and make the save. The Petes found themselves on the board as Meyer threw the puck at the net and created a mad scramble for the rebounded puck. It eventually got on Meyer’s stick again and he buried it past Simpson for a 1-1 tie going into the third period.

Peterborough was on the penalty kill but Jax Dubois forced a turnover in the Knights’ defensive zone and eat Simpson high for a 2-1 lead. Peterborough was trying to hang on to the lead but in the dying 17 seconds, Sam Dickenson slapped a one-timer and tied the game to go into overtime.

The extra frame saw London have the puck with 90 seconds left as Isaiah George received a pass out in the high slot and was able to snipe it home for a 3-2 London victory.

The Petes will get little rest for their next game as the travel to Brantford to take on the Bulldogs on Friday night.

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Nathan McFadden Named New Director of Trent University Athletics & Recreation

Trent University has appointed Nathan McFadden as the director of Athletics and Recreation.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McFadden has overr 25 years of experience in professional and high-performance sports operations, leadership and administration according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nathan to Trent University and the Excalibur family. His substantial background in the sports industry, paired with his innovative leadership style, aligns well with Trent's commitment to excellence in athletics and recreation,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, vice-president, finance and administration. “As we look to the future, we are confident that Nathan's leadership will elevate our programs, enhance student experiences, and continue to build upon our strong tradition of athletic achievement."

McFadden will lead Trent's Athletics & Recreation department, overseeing the Excalibur varsity program and a wide range of sports and recreational activities that enhance student experience and promote health and wellness on campus and in the community.

McFadden's career includes numerous achievements, such as 12 national championships. Prior to joining Trent, he was the director of athletics and recreation at Fanshawe College for a decade where he built the Falcons into a national brand, leading them to 11 national championships, 67 national appearances and over 90 per cent of the College’s teams ranking nationally. While president of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), he created and chaired the OCAA’s EDI Committee, commissioned the OCAA’s Racial Equity Project, implemented a mandatory sexual violence prevention course for all student-athletes, mandatory Safe Sport training for all coaches and administrators, and an OCAA parental leave policy.

McFadden has worked in professional hockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the American Hockey League (AHL) also spent time working with the University of New Brunswick (UNB).

“It is truly an honour to join Trent University as the director of athletics and recreation,” said McFadden. “I am deeply inspired by Trent's commitment to fostering both athletic excellence and a holistic student experience. I look forward to collaborating with our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches and the entire Trent community to elevate our athletics programs and offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Together, we will continue to build a culture of inclusivity, achievement, and pride in Trent's sports programs.”

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Peterborough Petes to Host Alumni Homecoming Weekend for Oct. 20 - 21

The Peterborough Petes are hosting an Alumni Homecoming Weekend that features a mixer at the Maple Moose Pub, a day of golf at Peterborough Golf & Country Club (PGCC) and a Petes game.

The itinerary is as follows:

• Friday, Oct.20

• 7-10 p.m. - Mixer at the Maple Moose Pub

• Saturday, Oct. 21

• 9:30 a.m. - Golf Registration at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 10:00 a.m. - Brunch at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 11:00 a.m. - Shotgun start at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 7:05 p.m. - Peterborough Petes vs Oshawa Generals at the PMC

Prior to the game, the 1973-74 Petes are being honoured with a pregame ceremony on the ice. This team was the first Canadian representative in the history of the IIHF World Junior Championships in 1974, taking home a bronze medal.

“We’re really excited to be able to welcome back so many great alumni with this event,” said Morgan Blaind, Petes coordinator of marketing and community engagement. “It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to put on an event like this. That being said, it’s so important for us to see our alumni interact and reconnect with each other. It’s also a great opportunity for us to recognize our amazing history through celebrating the 1973-74 team.”

All Petes alumni and their guests are invited to attend the weekend according to a press release. Golf slots will be allocated to alumni before opening to guests. Interested alumni can contact Blaind via e-mail or by calling 705-743-3681 ext. 221.

The Petes host the London Knights on Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This is the return of the 2023 Playoff MVP and former Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Week Four Roundup

Week Four of the Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) saw a return of Friday Night Lights at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School (TASSS).

Friday Night Lights action between the Sr RedBlacks and Sr Argos. Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The first game had the Junior Redblacks defeating the Argonauts 42-6.  The RedBlacks saw AJ Galloway, Harley Rock, Beau Janssen and Mateo Salgado-Scott rush for a touchdown each. Easton Schenk, Dillon King and Blake Blackborrow also added a receiving touchdown. Leo Kinapen scored the lone touchdown for the Argos.

The second Friday Night game saw the Sr. RedBlacks defeating the Argos 44-20.  Ashton McKinlay and Brock Hendren led the scoring for the RedBlacks with two touchdowns each. Brody Munnings, Isac Kennedy, Keaton Allen and Levi Paige each found the end zone.  Paige also ran in a two-point conversion. Landen Levesque, Ethan Bebbington scored touchdowns for the Argos. Theo Edwards also tacked on a touchdown and kicked for a convert.

Saturday morning opened up with the Jr. Tiger Cats defeating the Roughriders 34-20. Harrison Anchor scored all five touchdowns for the Ti-Cats while Connor Dodds kicked for two converts. Kaden Curtis scored two touchdowns and kicked for a convert while Jacob Cahorn also added a single score for the Roughriders.

Saturday's Senior action saw the Tiger Cats defeat the Roughriders 46-24. Gage Raby led the scoring for the Ti-Cats with three touchdowns and two converted kicks. Hunter Berardi and Liam McCartie each had a pair of touchdowns. Ian Watt led the scoring for the Roughriders with two touchdowns while Fox Theobold and Michael Maier each added a single touchdown.

After four weeks of play, the RedBlacks lead the Jr. Division and the Tiger Cats lead the Sr. Division.

The KMFL and Peterborough Wolverines will hold a bottle drive during the KMFL Game Day at Thomas A Stewart SS this Saturday from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.  Donations can be dropped off at the parking lot and will be received by KMFL and Wolverines families. Proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment and a portion will also be donated to the Peterborough Yes Shelter for Youth and Families.

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Peterborough Petes Drop First Game of the Season In 4-0 Loss to the Sudbury Wolves

The Peterborough Petes suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Sudbury Wolves in a 4-0 loss at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Owen Beck (left) returned to the Petes lineup after returning from the Montréal Canadiens camp. Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

It only took 2:51 for the Wolves to strike first as Owen Protz just crossed the blue line, wristed it past Liam Stutzka and made it 1-0. Roughly 7:30 later, Jakub Chromiak received a pass and took a shot from the point. It was tipped by Nick Yearwood and it got by Stutzka again for a 2-0 lead for Sudbury.

The second period saw Peterborough struggle to get shots on net as they only had eight to Sudbury’s 21. Tommy Purdeller had a chance on a tight angle but Jakub Vondras made the save, hanging close to the post. The Petes were trying to break out from their own zone but Kieron Walton pickpocketed Carson Cameron shortly after receiving a pass from Samuel Mayer and rifled it for a 3-0 Sudbury lead.

The Wolves struck quickly again to start the period as under three minutes in, Andre Anania took a point shot and was deflected to Sudbury players David Goyette and then Evan Konyan to slip it by Stutzka for the 4-0 lead. The Petes were unable to solve Vondras and the Petes took their first loss of the season 4-0.

The Petes are going to see a familiar face in their next game on Thursday as they host the London Knights. This marks the return of 2023 Playoff MVP and former Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1

The Fleming Phoenix struggled during their second week in rugby and soccer but the women’s soccer team were able to score their first victory of the season this past weekend.

The Fleming Phoenix logo was unveiled for the college on Sept. 8, replacing the Fleming Knight. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Fleming Phoenix soccer teams travelled to Northern Ontario this past weekend to face the Cambrian Golden Shield on Saturday and then the Sault College Cougars on Sunday.

The men’s team were routed by Cambrian 8-0 as Phoenix goalkeeper Gabriel Nadeau faced 20 shots in the game. The women’s team also had a rough outing, defeated 10-0 by Cambrian. Goalkeeper Eve Spinks faced 25 shots in that game.

On Sunday, the women got their first win of the season, defeating Sault College 4-1 with three goals from Emma Twohey and a tally from Gemini Prue. Spinks faced six shots on net, stopping five for the win.

The men’s team drew with the Sault College Cougars 2-2 in their match-up on Sunday. Fleming Phoenix goals were scored by Anthony Wonda and Nathaniel Reid-Coke. Goalkeeper Nadeau stopped nine of 11 shots faced.

The men’s and women’s teams play next Wednesday, against the Centennial Colts at the Colts Pitch at Progress Campus. The women take the field at 6 p.m. and the men play at 8:15 p.m.

The Fleming Phoenix Women’s Rugby Sevens were also on the road this past weekend, playing three matches on Saturday.

In their first match, the Phoenix lost 38-10 to the Loyalist Lancers. Theda Anthony and Sydney Hudson both scored tries for Fleming in their losing effort.

The Phoenix lost to the Algonquin Wolves 17-7 in their second match. Montana Rank was the lone Phoenix to score a try.

The Phoenix Women’s Rugby Sevens lost to the St. Lawrence Surge 29-5 in their third match. Hollie Phillips scored the team’s lone try.

The Fleming Phoenix Women’s Rugby Sevens play again during the Oct. 14 and 15 weekend, hosting Durham, Seneca, Conestoga and Humber colleges.

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Week Three Roundup

Week Three of the Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) has finished as the league played their games at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) on Saturday.

Sr Ticats vs Redblacks

KMFL recognized the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation prior to the first game’s kickoff. Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation opened the day and was joined by captains and coaches from the Senior RedBlacks and Roughriders teams. She addressed the fans —many of them were dressed in orange — about the history and importance of the day.

A ceremonial smudging and drumming song was then performed by members of Hiawatha First Nation before kickoff.

The first game saw the Senior RedBlacks defeat the Roughriders 31-12. Levi Paige had the quadfecta, scoring four touchdowns for the RedBlacks. Daniel Consiglio added a single touchdown and Brody Munnings ran in a two-point conversion. Ian Watt and Fox Theobold each scored a touchdown for the Roughriders in their losing effort.

The Tiger Cats won a tight contest, 51-49, over the Argonauts in the second game. Reid Nobes led the Tiger Cats with a whopping five touchdowns. Liam McCartie added two touchdowns and ran in three two-point conversions while Mike Bevan tacked on a single touchdown. Landon Levesque scored three touchdowns for the Argos, kicked three extra points and ran for a pair of two-point conversions. Kurtis Pawlowski found the end zone twice while Theo Edwards and Ethan Bebbington tacked on a single touchdown each.

The Junior RedBlacks defeated the Roughriders 22-0. Lucas Harrington, AJ Galloway and Beau Jannsen all scored single touchdowns. Harley Rock and Galloway each kicked for a convert.

The second Junior game had the Tiger Cats defeat the Argonauts 54-22. Harrison Anchor led the scoring for the TiCats with two touchdowns and five extra points. Benton Gallant, Jack Trull, Jacob Yarrow and Benjamin Carter each had a touchdown. Connor Dodds notched an extra point. Eli Black scored two touchdowns for the Argonauts and made converted two extra points. Sam Kelly found his way into the end zone for a score.

Halfway through the regular season, the RedBlacks are leading the Junior Division and the Tiger Cats are at the top of the the Senior Division.

KMFL is running their first Friday Night Lights games since 2019 this Friday. Guest host announcers Jordan Mercier and Gabe Robinson (Former Toronto Argonaut and Grey Cup Champion) are serving as the broadcast team for the play-by-play and colour commentating respectively. Junior action kicks off at 6 p.m. and the Seniors begins at 7:30 p.m. as the Argonauts and RedBlacks battle it out.

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Peterborough Paralympic Athlete Cody Caldwell Nominated to National Wheelchair Rugby Team For Santiago 2023 Parapan Am Games

Peterborough’s Cody Caldwell has been named as one of 12 wheelchair rugby athletes nominated to represent Canada at the Santiago 2023 Parapan Am Games announced by the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Wheelchair Rugby Canada announced on Monday.

Canada expects to send a team of approximately 140 athletes to the games. File Photo.

The following are the 12 representatives:

1. Cody Caldwell – Peterborough, Ont.

2. Patrice Dagenais – Embrun, Ont.

3. Matt Debly – Windsor, Ont.

4. Byron Green – Victoria, B.C.

5. Trevor Hirschfield – Parksville, B.C.

6. Rio Kanda Kovac – Toronto, Ont.

7. Anthony Létourneau – Boisbriand, Que.

8. Zak Madell – Okotoks, Ab.

9. Travis Murao – Toronto, Ont.

10. Eric Rodrigues – Mississauga, Ont.

11. Patrice Simard – Quebec City, Que

12. Mike Whitehead – Windsor, Ont.

The Santiago 2023 Parapan Am Games will occur on Nov. 17 to 26 in Santiago, Chile. The wheelchair rugby tournament in Santiago will take place from Nov. 18 to 23, with the winner earning a spot in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games next summer.

The current list of athletes nominated to the team can be found online. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the start of the Games according to a press release.

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Peterborough Petes Name General Manager Michael Oke to Vice President of Operations In Five-Year Deal

Peterborough Petes general manager Michael Oke had been granted extra responsibilities as he signed a five-year deal with the team to become their vice president of operations in addition to his current role announced by the team on Tuesday afternoon.

Oke has been the Petes’ full-time general manager since Feb. 14, 2013. He served as interim general manager for four months prior to being given the permenent position. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Coming off an OHL Championship, we needed to ensure that we had a plan in place to get back to the Memorial Cup and we believe Mike can help us to achieve that plan,” said Dave Lorentz, Petes president. “The General Manager’s duties are more than just drafts and trades; the administrative part of the job has increased year after year with new policies and issues that arise from the league. Mike has the experience to navigate through these issues as well as working with our coaching staff to draft and find the players needed to make us competitive.”

The contract will run until June 2028 as he takes over the vacant role formerly held by Burton Lee. The latter left the organization in early August to accept a position as director of game operations with the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

“Although our intent was to look for a replacement to fill the vacant business lead role, over the last four to five weeks we were very pleased to observe the growth in our staff and their initiative to take on a larger role in their departments,” said Lorentz. “Their talent and skill levels allowed the Board to reassess the business structure and reevaluate the posting. In the end, the Board felt that with Mike’s guidance, the Business staff will grow and prosper under this new reorganization.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Peterborough Petes executive board for the trust and commitment that they have shown me,” said Oke. “It’s exciting to formalize an extension with the Petes and I look forward to continuing the work we’ve been doing on the ice and in the community.”

He originally joined the Petes in 2010 as the manager of player personnel in April. Oke was promoted to director of player personnel in July of the same year.

“I would also like to thank (head coach) Rob Wilson, as well as members of our hockey operations staff for the strong relationships we’ve formed over the past number of years,” he said. “We’ve built a strong team in hockey operations with our coaching, medical, training and scouting staff. We've also built an equally strong staff with the business department and I’m looking forward to working closely with that group as well.”

The Petes have promoted Patrick O’Connor as director of player personnel/assistant Coach to assist with some of the general manager duties. Patrick has been with the teams since 2019 as an assistant coach. Along with his duties on the ice, he is now the key contact for players off the ice. Patrick will also assist with the CHL Import Draft, especially with establishing a stronger European scouting presence as a British native.

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Kawartha Lacrosse Hosting Exhibition Game With Team Kenya; Donations Sought For Visiting Team

Kawartha Lacrosse is hosting special visitors as their U19 team is playing an exhibition game against the Kenya Women’s U19 team at Fleming College on Wednesday night.

Team Kenya during the 2019 World Lacrosse Women's U19 World Championship at Justin Chiu Stadium at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Lacrosse.

The game is running from 8 - 9 p.m.

Kawartha Lacrosse is asking for the following items to be donated to Team Kenya:

• Sticks (new or used)

• Goggles (used)

• Sports Bras

• Any lacrosse apparel (shirts from tournaments, shorts, pennies, etc.)

• Personal care/feminine hygiene products

• Running shoes

• Any old lacrosse or hockey equipment bags to carry the donations

• Money

Those not attending but who want to donate can bring them to the Immaculate Conception School office on 76 Robinson St. between 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. daily until gameday.

Kenya competed in the 2019 World Lacrosse Women's U19 World Championship in Peterborough as the first African team to compete internationally. The team had received an education, health benefits and an opportunity that other females in their country would not experience according to Kawartha Lacrosse.

The Kenyan team arrived in Canada on Tuesday night.

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