Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Petes Draft a Forward and Defenceman In the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection
/The Peterborough Petes have selected forward Dylan Turcotte and defenceman Cameron Martin in the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Wednesday night.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Turcotte was taken in the first round, third overall from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18s. The Orleans native was featured in 30 games for the Jr. 67’s this season, leading the HEO U18 league in scoring with 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points.
He added another 15 points in 10 playoff games, leading his team to an HEO Championship and a spot in the 2024 Ontario U18 AAA Championships. In the tournament, Dylan finished tied for third in scoring with 11 points in seven games.
The 6’ forward played in four games for the Ottawa Jr. Canadians (EOJHL) this year, picking up six points, while also appearing in two games with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL.
“Dylan is a power forward with good size who can score,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s a proven winner, leading his team to an HEO Championship this season. We’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at Development Camp in the coming weeks.”
Martin was taken in the second round, 23rd overall. The Minesing-born defenceman stands at 6’3 and played 32 games for the Barrie Colts U18s this season. He scored four goals and adding 13 assists for 17 points. He also played in 13 playoff games, picking up four assists.
“Cameron is a huge defenceman who moves the puck well,” said Oke. “We had an opportunity to watch him a lot this season as he played in Barrie alongside Petes prospect Francis Parish. We were very impressed with his game and are excited to see him on the ice at Development Camp.”
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Peterborough Petes Draft 15 Players From OHL Priority Selection; Take Hometown Prospect In First Round
/After a weekend in the war room, the Peterborough Petes have drafted 15 players in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection including hometown top prospect Colin Fitzgerald in the first round over the weekend.
Colin Fitzgerald (pictured) was selected third overall by the Peterborough Petes. Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling and the Peterborough Petes.
Fitzgerald was taken with the third overall pick.
“Colin is a big centreman who plays a great two-way game, knows how to score and is good on faceoffs,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We’ve been monitoring him all season and were really impressed with his play, especially in the OHL Cup. It’s very exciting to be able to add a local player with a skillset like Colin’s.”
Fitzgerald played 34 games last season with the Peterborough Petes U16s, scoring 39 goals and adding 25 assists for 64 points. In eight playoff games, he scored 13 times and added eight assists, helping the Petes to the OMHA Championships and the 2024 OHL Cup. In six OHL Cup games, the 6.01, 174 lbs centre finished tied for the tournament lead in scoring with eight goals and five assists for 13 points, leading the Petes to a semi-final finish and being named to the All-Star team.
In the second round, Peterborough selected defenceman Blake Gowan with the 32nd overall pick.
“Blake is a very big, solid defenceman who plays a hard-hitting game,” said Oke. “He was a big part of a very good Barrie Colts team and is somebody who will physically be able to step in to the OHL.”
Gowan, a defenceman from Kingston, played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and adding 25 assists for 27 points. In 10 playoff games this season, Gowan scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points, helping the Colts to an OMHA Championship and an OHL Cup berth.
The following is a list of the Petes draft picks:
1st round, 3rd overall: Colin Fitzgerald, F, Peterborough Petes U16
2nd round, 32nd overall: Blake Gowan, D, Barrie Colts U16
5th round, 85th overall: Adam Levac, F, Eastern Ontario Wild U16
5th round, 99th overall: Genc Ula, D, North Jersey Avalanche U15
6th round, 105th overall: Alexander Hage, F, Vaughan Kings U16
7th round, 125th overall: Raiden Doxtator, F, London Jr. Knights U16
8th round, 145th overall: Elijah Chavez, F, Vaughan Kings U16
9th round, 165th overall: Luka Gelinas, G, Eastern Ontario Wild U16
10th round, 185th overall: Marcus Sulug, D, Niagara North Stars U16
11th round, 205th overall: Luis Sturgeon, D, Lambton Jr. Sting U16
12th round, 225th overall: Jonny Brooks, F, Oakville Rangers U16
13th round, 245th overall: Alexander Smyth, F, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes U15
14th round, 265th overall: Kasra Fathi, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers U16
15th round, 283rd overall: Matthew McKenna, F, Central Ontario Wolves U16
15th round, 285th overall: Matthew Crawford, F, Sun County Panthers U16
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What You Need to Know About the Petes 2024 OHL Priority Selection
/With a third-overall pick in hand, the Peterborough Petes will begin their quest to draft future young stars in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection that kicks off Friday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The first three rounds will be drafted on Friday at 7 p.m. Rounds 4-15 will occur on Saturday at 9 a.m. The Petes have 15 selections in the draft, two on day one and 13 on day two.
With the Petes drafting third, it is the fifth time Peterborough has attained the spot in franchise history. They have drafted names like Jordan Staal and Matt Spencer at three.
A full list of Peterborough’s selections can be found below:
Round 1 (3)
Round 2 (32) - From Ottawa
Round 5 (85)
Round 5 (99) - From Oshawa
Round 6 (105)
Round 7 (125)
Round 8 (145)
Round 9 (165)
Round 10 (185)
Round 11 (205)
Round 12 (225)
Round 13 (245)
Round 14 (265)
Round 15 (283) - From Niagara
Round 15 (285)
In last year’s OHL Priority Selection, the Petes made 14 selections. They included Bobcaygeon native and 2024 Ushers Trophy winner Carson Cameron, forward Joseph Cadorin and defenceman Liam Ladds.
The following is a last from last year’s selection:
First round, 13th overall: Carson Cameron, D, Central Ontario Wolves
Fourth round, 76th overall: Joseph Cadorin, F, Toronto Marlboros
Fifth round, 88th overall: Liam Ladds, D, Elgin-Middlesex Canucks
Sixth round, 112th overall: Masen Johnston, G, Peterborough Petes
Seventh round, 133rd overall: Chase Del Colombo, F, Toronto Nationals
Eighth round, 153rd overall: Gavin Lock, F, Detroit Little Caesars
Ninth round, 173rd overall: Easton Lynds, F, Mississauga Senators
10th round, 193rd overall: Calum Hartnell, D, Ottawa Jr. Senators
10th round, 196th overall: Thanasi Marentette, D, Toronto Nationals
11th round, 213th overall: Francis Parish, F, Central Ontario Wolves
12th round, 234th overall: Aiden Lee, F, Markham Majors
13th round, 253rd overall: Brody Leet, F, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs
14th round, 273rd overall: Joshua Kaufman, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers
15th round, 293rd overall: Kaiden Thatcher, D, Ajax-Pickering Raiders
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Jack’s 37th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament to Tee Off On May 23
/There will be 240 linksmen participating in the Jack’s 37th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 23 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Thursday afternoon.
Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson (left) and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club general manager (right) holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The sold-out tournament fundraiser's proceeds will go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and to support its bursary for exemplary high school student-athletes.
“You can see by the support that we get that it was a matter of calling all of our groups that played last year and everyone re-upped,” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. They wanted to play a game and it just shows the support.”
The tournament is in honour of Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 — Doug’s father — and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.
He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship in 1969.
He also managed Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.
Doug agreed that, “without a doubt,” this tournament was a way to help continue his father's legacy alongside the Hall of Fame.
“He was extremely proud when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and he's been down here as one of the supporters before he passed away (in 2000),” explained Doug. “He really enjoyed his time here at the Hall of Fame and it has been good for the family.”
While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.
Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet
/Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.
More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.
In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.
The following awards were presented:
Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.
Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball
Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball
Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.
Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports
Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball
Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.
Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens
Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.
Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award
Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award
All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.
Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports
Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball
OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.
Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby
Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.
Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby
Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby
Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling
Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling
Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country
Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country
Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer
Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer
Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer
Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer
Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports
Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports
Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports
Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports
Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball
Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball
Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball
Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball
Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball
Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball
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Peterborough Swim Club to Host 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships
/Swim Ontario has chosen the Peterborough Swim Club to host the 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships.
The Peterborough Swim Club is the third oldest swim club in Ontario. starting in 1939, this year marks 85 consecutive years that the club has been providing competitive and recreational swimming opportunities in Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.
The provincial championships are four days long and they are held from June 13 to 16 at the Markham Pan Am Center in Markham, Ontario.
The Championships will host between 600 to 700+ qualified swimmers, representing 65 to 85+ clubs from across Ontario. This event showcases young swimmers aged 13 - 18 as they compete in various categories and events.
There is no 50-meter pool within the Peterborough area to host this provincial meet; the Peterborough Swim Club says they see this as a unique opportunity to showcase its spirit and promote the region of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The Peterborough Swim Club is actively seeking local sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor can contact David Jonkers at communications@ptboswimclub.com for more information.
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CMHA HKPR Launches Second-Annual 'Change the Cycle' to Raise $25,000 For Mental Health Initiatives
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the second-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 15.
Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right) after the latter kickstarted the fundraiser with a $7,000 donation. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.
This year's funds support Youth and Family Mental Health programming.
“By supporting Change the Cycle, you are supporting youth and family mental health services in our region and ensuring that the mental health needs of our youth and caregivers are met," said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Youth and caregiver supports are an important factor in fostering a healthier and more supportive community for all.”
Last year, the funds went to CMHA’s Garden Homes Project, an initiative of their Supportive Housing program. It aims to support vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.
“This year we changed our focus and we're focusing more on youth and family mental health care,” said Veitch. “Our goal being $25,000 to support the program, to support youth mental health and family caregiver mental health supports.”
While the event raised $40,000 last year, 2024’s goal is $25,000 which Veitch believes can easily be reached. To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $7,000.
“I've had a lot of friends that really seen the impacts mentally when our whole country went on lockdown,” said Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president. “Seeing that impact literally change them socially, I thought it was important to help out in some way, shape or form. I was presented with this as an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”
Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.
To become an event sponsor or volunteer, contact Veitch by emailing him at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.
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Former Peterborough Petes Konnor Smith Scores In His AHL Debut With the San Diego Gulls
/Former Peterborough Pete Konnor Smith will not forget his American Hockey League debut anytime soon as he scored his first professional goal with the San Diego Gulls against the Tucson Roadrunners at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego on Saturday night.
x Photo, San Diego Gulls.
The goal occurred with less than five minutes left in regulation. San Diego had yet to score in the contest and was facing a 3-0 deficit. The Gulls forced a turnover at the Roadrunners’s blue line, creating a three-on-one chance with Smith joining the rush.
The 6’6 defenseman tipped in a one-timer past the Tuscon goaltender for the team’s only goal.
“It was about 12 hours after my season ended in Owen Sound that I got the call up to San Diego,” explained Smith. “It was pretty crazy. I got the call, went home to my billets, packed everything up and drove home to Windsor.”
Check yes, Konnor, are you with me!?#LetsMosh | #TUCvsSD pic.twitter.com/BQ3UPx0d44
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) April 7, 2024
Smith had signed an amateur tryout on the same day with the club.
“I spent that night with my family and was on a flight out of Detroit at 8:30 a.m,” said Smith. “I landed in San Diego met the staff and team and checked into the hotel. The next day at morning skate was when I found out I was going to be in the lineup that night. It wasn’t expected to be in the lineup that early but I was stoked.”
He won an OHL Championship with the Petes last season and had two assists in 23 playoff games. He also had one more helper in five Memorial Cup games.
Smith was drafted 97th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round, at the 2023 NHL Entry Level Draft in Nashville, Tenn. on June 29.
The Petes originally selected the 209-pound defenseman in the ninth round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Windsor Jr. Spitfires program.
On Jan. 2, Smith and forward Sam McCue were traded to the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for forward Nico Addy, defenceman Martin Matejicek and a third-round pick in 2026.
“Suiting up for that game and eventually scoring my first AHL goal in the 3rd period was such an unreal feeling,” he explained. “Words can’t even describe my experience so far.”
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35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby a Go Starting April 27
/The 35th annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is ready for another big year as it returns from April 27 to May 5, announced on Friday.
BUMSTEAD (LEFT) CAUGHT WALTER AFTER HIS THIRD CAST NOT A HALF AN HOUR INTO THE DERBY last year. HIS STEPFATHER JUSTIN DESBARBIEUX (RIGHT) DID IT two years ago, FIVE DAYS INTO THE EVENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
