Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers Add New Assistant Coach For 2024 Season

As the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League season approaches, the Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers have added Curtis Conley as the new defensive assistant coach announced on Tuesday.

pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers.

The Ottawa native played minor lacrosse with the Nepean Knights and his junior lacrosse with the Gloucester Griffins Jr. B and Toronto Beaches Jr. A teams.

He played with the Trent Excalibur as a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, and a Baggataway Cup champion, the only title in school history. Last week, Conley was named Trent’s first-ever Athlete of the Year. 

Conley’s has appeared in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the Albany FireWolves and the New York Riptide. He is currently playing for the Whitby Steelhawks in the Arena Lacrosse League.

“Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” said Robert Hope, Lakers head coach. “He has went through the many different levels of lacrosse from junior to pro and knows what it takes to make it to the next level. He has a passion for teaching and coaching. He understands the game and has a great energy that he will bring each day to the rink.” 

“When Coach Hope reached out to me to be a part of the Jr. A Lakers organization, I was extremely humbled and grateful,” said Conley “I am excited to pass on the knowledge that I have gained through my Junior and NLL experiences to provide our family with the best chance to succeed at the end of August. With some of the best lacrosse minds in the game on the bench, I am looking to bring whatever I can to this group to help make us successful.”

Hope agreed with Conley regarding the team’s challenges last season and shared his optimism for the future.

“Last year was a very frustrating year for our organization. Top to bottom we didn’t do enough to be successful. We learned a lot as coaches and players. We are looking to correct those mistakes that we made,” said Hope. “We have taken a lot of time to reflect on our mistakes and it is now time to change for the better.”

Conley joins assistants Turner Evans, Taylor Evans, and Jeff Ralph. The Lakers’ 2024 season will kick off on May 24 at home against the Six Nations Arrows.

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Peterborough Petes Split Weekend Games, 10 Points Out of Playoff Spot

The Peterborough Petes won and lost in back-to-back games over the weekend against the Niagara IceDogs and Brantford Bulldogs respectively and are now 10 points out of a playoff spot.

pHOTO Bcourtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes are 10 points behind the Barrie Colts who occupy the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 56 points but the latter has yet to clinch a postseason berth.

Peterborough has six games remaining while Barrie has eight in the regular season.

The Petes started their weekend with a 7-5 win over the last-place Niagara IceDogs in a high-scoring affair at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday night.

The home team was down 2-1 late in the first period. At the end of the second, they tied the game at three and then exploded with four goals. Braydon McCallum could have scored an empty-net goal for a hat trick but he selflessly gave Ryder McIntyre the honour for his own and first career OHL three-goal game.

The defending OHL champions travelled to Brantford to take on the Bulldogs but lost 7-2.

After the first period, the Petes found themselves in a 2-1 deficit again. They failed to score in the second while letting in a goal for a 3-1 score. Unlike against Niagara, the Petes allowed several goals in the third including a four-goal flurry from the Bulldogs to Peterborough’s one.

The Petes will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive when they host the Kingston Frontenacs on Wednesday at home. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Trent University Celebrates Its Student-Athletes In 55th Annual Athletics Awards

In celebration of Trent University student-athletes, the campus celebrated the 55th annual Athletics Awards to recognize Excalibur student-athletes for their hard work and sportsmanship throughout the year at the Trent Athletics Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The event held a special tribute to outgoing Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke.

“Throughout his tenure, President Groarke has been a champion for Excalibur student-athletes,” said Nathan Mcfadden, Trent director of athletics and recreation. “His vision and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusivity that defines our Trent Excalibur community.”

McFadden also mentioned Trent Board chair Debra Cooper Burger's donation to the Excalibur Fund to support varsity athletics. President Groarke and Dr. Cathy Bruce, president-designate and current vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent, matched the gift.

 “This collaborative effort between the university’s top leadership members exemplifies their dedication and commitment to enriching the student-athlete experience and fostering a culture of success and excellence,” said McFadden. “Excalibur student-athletes aren’t just competitors; they are ambassadors of our character and values here at Trent University and the embodiment of the Excalibur spirit. This funding will allow them to continue to foster the Excalibur culture of excellence and we are so appreciative of this significant donation and the support that we receive from these three exceptional leaders.”

Recipients of Trent’s 2023/24 Athletics Awards, including the inaugural Rookie of the Year and Athlete of the Year awards, are as follows:

Arthur Cup

Varsity student-athletes Jocelyn Whent (women’s lacrosse) and Grayson Tucker (men’s rugby) were honoured as the recipients of the Arthur Cup, the University’s most prestigious award for students in the final undergraduate year who have made significant contributions, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership in athletics programs.

Jocelyn Whent (Gzowski), a Kinesiology student with the women’s lacrosse team, has had an outstanding career as an Excalibur. During her four seasons with women’s lacrosse, Jocelyn earned two OUA gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal. As a key part of the team’s strong offence, she contributed significantly to their success in the OUA Championships. As a senior on the team, Jocelyn acts as a mentor for incoming members of the team, demonstrating leadership and grit on the field. Off the field, she has been a member of the 1EX Council for two years, helping organize varsity events for fellow athletes. Jocelyn has been a dedicated staff member with the Athletics Department during her time as an Excalibur. Holding positions like varsity event staff, game day lead, Excalibur Camp counsellor, and most recently varsity student administrator.

Grayson Tucker (Champlain), an Environmental & Resource Science Studies student on the men’s rugby team, has been an integral member of the Excalibur varsity program since his first season. Grayson was voted onto the team's leadership in his second season with a positive presence on the pitch that was made obvious early in his career as an Excalibur. In the following years, he was named the team’s most valuable forward for three consecutive years and received the coach’s and men’s rugby Garth Vader awards. Grayson was named team captain in his fourth and fifth seasons and OUA second-team all-star in 2022. As both a teammate and a captain, he demonstrated heart, commitment and passion on and off the pitch. Grayson also volunteers as a coach for the U18 Pagans boy’s rugby team and volunteers at Excalibur recruitment days and open houses for the men’s rugby team. A strong advocate for men’s health, Grayson has raised over $4,000 for the Movember Fund Charity over his five years at Trent. He is actively involved as a volunteer at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School with their suicide prevention awareness events.

Gary Wolff Leadership Award

The Gary Wolff Leadership Award was presented to Jacey Mabee (women’s rowing) and Daniel Austin (men’s volleyball), recognizing their courage, determination, and leadership in sport.

Jacey Mabee (Champlain), a biomedical sciences student, is a respected leader in the rowing program. Jacey’s teammates note that she can always be trusted to give her all during practice and race time. She carries her dedication and commitment off the water, acting as president of the Trent University Rowing Club and overseeing all the club's inner workings. Jacey was an integral part of organizing fundraisers for the team, like the Head of the Trent Regatta beer garden, as well as fundraisers for local charities, including a car wash for the Alzheimer Society, a Firetruck Pull for the Alzheimer Society, and a Movember fundraiser.

Daniel Austin (Gzowski) has been an active leader on and off the court during his five years as an Excalibur. As the men’s volleyball team captain for the past three seasons, Daniel helped introduce a new culture to the team, giving Trent a very positive reputation of respect and decorum in the league. He works in Admissions at Trent, providing tours and helping incoming students with inquiries about Trent. As a member of the 1EX Council, Daniel has taken the lead on outreach programs, engaging local schools often running elementary and high school tournaments. 

Community Betterment Award

Rianna Rogers (women’s rugby) and Holden Lowes (men’s lacrosse) are the 2023-24 Community Betterment Award recipients.

Rianna Rogers (Otonabee) has been deeply involved in multiple initiatives at Trent and in the Peterborough Community during her time as an Excalibur student-athlete. Rogers is passionate about rugby and has been serving as an assistant coach at Crestwood Secondary School and with the U18 Peterborough Pagans. She dedicates significant time to teaching youth through rugby, notably with the 'Play Like a Girl' program. Additionally, she actively engages in various community service projects, including volunteering at the YES Shelter and the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, organizing clothing drives, and contributing to the 1EX Council's efforts to organize events for varsity student-athletes.

Holden Lowes (Lady Eaton) is a fifth-year Master’s student who has impacted the men’s lacrosse program and the Peterborough community during his time at Trent. Holden is studying cardiopulmonary exercise testing in heart failure patients to determine its predictive value for patient prognosis and eligibility for advanced therapies such as heart transplants. In his spare time, Holden maximizes his community involvement by working for Community Care, volunteering at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and sitting on the board at the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. At Trent, Holden is a Trent Graduate Student Association member and sits on the Trent University Research Ethics Boards.

Rookie of the Year

The inaugural recipients of the Rookie of the Year award are Tyler McDonald (women’s lacrosse) and Leo Frans (men’s soccer).

Tyler McDonald (Gzowski) had an exceptional rookie season with the Women’s Lacrosse program. The midfielder lead the team with an astounding seven goals in the OUA bronze medal game. She was named an OUA All-Star and was the OUA Rookie of the Year.

Leo Frans (Champlain) was an instant offensive threat in his first season with the Excalibur. Frans was second in the OUA for rookie scoring with seven team-leading goals, earning him OUA Second Team All-Star in his first season with the Excalibur. Leo’s offensive mindset and ability to find the back of the net has been a massive asset to the Excalibur and their success this season.

Athlete of the Year

The inaugural Athlete of the Year recipients are Kieran Gerow (women’s lacrosse) and Curtis Conley (men’s lacrosse).

Kieran Gerow (Trail), women’s lacrosse goalie, is the last line of defence, and the team has complete confidence in her. She is a calming and confident presence in the net, making big saves in big moments. She is a strong leader on the field and helps elevate the players around here on the defensive end of the field. Kieran’s solid defensive efforts in the net helped lead her team to an OUA bronze medal this season. Kieran was also named OUA Defensive Player of the Year and an OUA All-Star.

Curtis Conley (Champlain) is a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defender of the Year, four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, four-year team captain, Baggataway Cup National Champion and All-Baggataway Cup team. He has a 40-6 record during his time at Trent.

This past season, Curtis played through a chronic injury but was the cornerstone of Trent’s defense earning them a tying spot on top of the East Division during regular season play. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury towards the end of the season and could not play at the Baggataway Cup. Throughout his time with the Excalibur, Curtis has solidified himself with one of the most successful athletic careers at Trent University.

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The Peterborough Petes Keep Pace Until the Third Period and Fall Short to the Ottawa 67's, 4-2

The Peterborough Petes were able to hold their own against the Ottawa 67’s until the third period as they took a 4-2 loss at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Ottawa drew first blood halfway through the first period as Kimi Körbler snapped a shot at the point and got by everyone including Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska for a 1-0 lead.

Peterborough matched it 72 seconds later on the power play as captain Jonathan Melee ripped a one-timer but got saved with the pad. Quinton Pagé pounced on the rebound and buried it to tie the game after the first.

Ottawa struck again to start the second as Brady Stonehouse got a juicy rebound of his own and got it by Sztuska to have the 67’s regain the lead, 2-1.

Peterborough answered the bell again 3:30 into the period as the Petes blocked a shot and got the puck int he neutral zone off the rush. Tommy Purdeller opted to pass instead of shoot and it was the right call as Ryder McIntyre got the one-timer goal to tie things up at two going into the third.

The 67’s again started the period’s scoring as Körbler wound up with the puck in the slot after a broken play. He spun and shot to score and make it 3-2.

Peterborough tried to battle back but could not get the equalizer and Ottawa added an empty-net goal to seal the deal and leave Peterborough with a 4-2 win.

The Petes continue their homestand this Saturday against the Niagara IceDogs for the final time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes's Comeback Bid Falls Shorts As They Fall 5-4 In Overtime to the Barrie Colts

The Peterborough Petes clawed their way back to force overtime but fell short in their comeback, losing 5-4 to the Barrie Colts at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough broke the ice with the only goal in the period late. Caden Taylor had the puck just outside the faceoff circle on the power play and took his time before rifling it through for a 1-0 lead.

Barrie woke up in the second period and took the game over. They rung off three straight goals from Kyle Morey, Michael Derbidge and Tai York to make it 3-1 while keeping Peterborough at bay going into the third.

It took only 3:39 for the Petes to finally get on the board again as the home team forced a turnover in the defensive zone. Braydon McCallum scooped it up and went coast-to-coast including a beautiful deke around Kashawn Aitcheson and scored on the backhand for a 3-2 score.

Just less than four minutes later, Peterborough forced a turnover in the offensive zone. Grayden Strohack stripped the puck off a Colt and Ryder McIntyre got the loose puck. He spun, fired at the goalie’s left pad. Tommy Purdeller pounced on the rebound and scored to erase a two-goal deficit to tie the game at three.

The Colts regained the lead with less than two minutes in the game as they slapped a one-timer that was stopped. However, there was a scramble for the puck and Zach Wigle chipped it in to take a late 4-3 lead.

Peterborough fought back as they won a faceoff in the Colts zone, Purdeller was able to make a pass out in front to captain Johnathan Melee who was alone in front and beat the goaltender for a 4-4 tie and into overtime.

In extra time, Barrie’s Beau Jelsma charged up the wing with the puck and looked to take a shot. Instead, he drop passed it to a trailing Wigle and scored for the overtime winner.

The Petes stay at home for Thursday to host the Ottawa 67’s with puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Goaltender Liam Sztuska Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Peterborough Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska has been named OHL Goaltender of the Week with a 1.00 goals-against average and .978 save percentage in a win last week.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Sztuska helped the Petes get back in the winning column, stopping 45 of the 46 shots in a 4-1 road win over the Owen Sound Attack.

The Petes goaltender often faces a lot of shots as he has taken at least 40 in 15 of his last 17 starts. Five of his 10 wins have at least 40 saves this season.

The 19-year-old Mississauga native has a season record of 10-22-4-1, posting a 3.86 goals-against average and .906 save percentage while facing the league’s third-highest total of 1,530 shots.

The Petes selected him in the fifth round, 94th overall, of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Titans U16 AAA program. The 6-foot, 181-lb. netminder has appeared in 63 games over three seasons, registering a 3.70 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. Sztuska won an OHL Championship with Peterborough last spring.

The Petes return home to take on the Barrie Colts on Tuesday, wearing their CHL Jersey Contest winning designs. The game jerseys will be auctioned after the game with proceeds going to the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Get Back in the Win Column With Four Unanswered Goals Against Owen Sound For 4-1 Victory

After getting one victory in their last 13 games, the Peterborough Petes return to the win column, scoring four unanswered goals for a 4-1 win over Owen Sound at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Sunday evening.

Photo courtesy of Allison Kennedy and the Peterborough Petes.

Only one goal was scored in the first period and it came late. Peterborough was shorthanded after a holding penalty and Owen Sound wasted no time. It took 14 seconds to score on the man advantage with a Colby Barlow one-timer to make it 1-0 for the home team.

It was all Peterborough from when the second period started. The Petes got a powerplay of their own early in the stanza and capitalized on their opportunity to tie the game. Tommy Purdeller set up Quinton Pagé for a one-timer in the high slot and scored for a 1-1 game.

The Petes forced a turnover in their defensive zone as Braydon McCallum knocked an Attack defenseman down and got the puck on a rush. He dropped a pass for Pagé who fanned his shot but Brennan Faulkner got a shot on net. It was parried to the side by Attack goaltender Carter George but Petes defenseman Martin Matejicek got the loose puck. He got a one-touch pass to Pagé who scored a wide-open one-timer for his second of the game and a 2-1 Peterborough lead.

The visitors kept their foot on the gas as Caden Taylor undressed an Owen Sound defender and snapped it past George for an impressive unassisted goal to put Peterborough up 3-1 after two.

Owen Sound had Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska under siege all night, already having 35 shots on net prior to the final period. They got another 11 in the third, outshooting Peterborough in shots with 46-26 but could not find the back of the net a second time. Purdeller got an empty-net goal finish off the Attack and leave Owen Sound with a 4-1 win.

Pagé, Purdeller, Matejicek had two points each while Sztuska saved 45 of 46 shots on net for the win.

The Petes return home to take on the Barrie Colts on Tuesday, wearing their CHL Jersey Contest winning designs. The game jerseys will be auctioned after the game with proceeds going to the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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YMCA of Central East Ontario Brings VOLT Hockey to Peterborough

To help promote inclusivity, especially for those with varied abilities, the YMCA of Central East Ontario is bringing VOLT Hockey to Peterborough with help from seed funding from Under the Lock Hockey Tournament.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The YMCA will host two drop-in sessions during the March break on the 14th at 10 a.m. and 15th at 5:15 p.m. for kids aged six to 14.

VOLT Hockey includes those with a mobility challenge in our national sport. It has specially motorized chairs to participate in a three-on-three format in a gymnasium.

The chairs have a joystick to navigate the floor with a built-in custom T-shaped stick in the front to pass and handle the ball.

Over the decade of its inception, the Under the Lock Hockey tournament has had over 10,000 kids from boys/girls minor hockey, sledge hockey and special hockey international teams compete. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Seed funding came from leftover money from the Under the Lock Hockey Tournament. Despite winding down operations in 2018, their board of directors donated the remaining $9,634 to the YMCA to bring VOLT Hockey to Peterborough.

“Our YMCA is excited to be introducing this program in Peterborough,” said Cindy Mytruk, YMCA manager of partnerships and inclusion. “There aren’t enough opportunities for children with disabilities to participate ins port and this is just one more step to a more accessible and inclusive community. We are thrilled to be involved.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Plans are underway to find players to play, regardless of their physical capabilities. YMCA is seeking public input for a team name.

All submissions can be sent to cindy.mytruk@ceo.ymca.ca. All ideas are reviewed by a YMCA and The Children’s Charity Ontario team. The selected name will be announced on the YMCA’s website, Facebook page and newsletter. The deadline for suggestions is 5 p.m. on March 25th.

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Peterborough Petes Cannot Hold Lead For Long, Lose 4-2 to the Erie Otters At Home

The Peterborough Petes struck first but failed to hold their lead as they lost 4-2 to the Erie Otters at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Pride Night on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes drew first blood owning a two-man advantage over the visiting Otters. Caden Taylor beat the goaltender short-side just outside the faceoff circle for a 1-0 lead just halfway through the opening period.

The lead was short-lived as less than two minutes later, Peterborough turned the puck over in their own zone from a bank pass and Erie capitalized with Martin Misiak scoring at point-blank range for a 1-1 tie.

Petes goaltender Zach Bowen was down on the ice whiel play was still going. He recovered somewhat but made a huge glove save, robbing Bruce McDonald. However, he did not get all of the puck and Wesley Royston buried the loose change for a 2-1 lead after one.

Only one goal was scored in the second and it belonged to former Pete, Sam Alfano. Brett Bressette fought through two Peterborough defenders but eventually got sandwiched on the rush. However, on a last-ditch effort, a one-handed pass was made for Alfano and he scored on the backhand while falling to make it 3-1 after two.

The Otters maintained pressure in the third. Carey Terrance sniped a one-timer from the faceoff circle for the insurance marker and a 4-1 lead just five minutes in. Ryder McIntyre scored with 5:46 left in the game off two fortunate bounces to make it 4-2 but that was all the Petes could muster and fell to the Otters.

The Petes travel to Owen Sound to face the Attack on Sunday to round out their season series. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre with the Official Road Game Watch Party at Shoeless Joe’s Peterborough.

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Second Minor Involved In Alleged Petes Billet Exploitative Relationship; Peterborough Police Release Statement

A Peterborough woman and former Petes billet who was facing sexual exploitation charges from Feb. 21 has been linked with a second minor according to the Peterborough Police.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Investigation Services began an investigation earlier in the month, leading to the woman's arrest.

She is being charged with:

• Sexual exploitation

• Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

• Accessing child pornography

With the ongoing investigation, Police arrested the woman on Thursday learning a second minor was involved. She was further charged with:

• Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday..

A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of any victims, witnesses and/or complainants. 

The Peterborough Police Service is not looking for any other suspects according to a police statement.

“We appreciate that there is public interest in this case.  The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring the privacy of the victims and asks for your ongoing patience as the investigation continues and the case moves through the judicial process. As this case is before the courts, there will not be any further comment.”

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