Petes AA Assistant Captain Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2024 Steve Montador Bursary

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Peterborough Petes AA assistant captain Jack Crawford has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2024 Steve Montador Bursary.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

Crawford has been suffering long-term ramifications of a concussion but he has remained a positive influence in his community according to his coach, Scott Hartwick.

“(Jack) was always willing to help when asked and who tried his best with everything he did. He is an extremely dependable and trustworthy individual and was made assistant captain of the team on numerous occasions.”

Crawford is graduating from St. Peters Catholic Secondary School this year and has been accepted to attend the University of Guelph in the fall.

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Joe Resetarits Lifts Peterborough Lakers Past Brampton Excelsiors With Four-Goal Performance

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The Peterborough Lakers get their first win of the season led by a four-goal performance from Joe Resetarits to defeat the Brampton Excelsior 12-6 at the Brampton Memorial Arena on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

It was an evenly matched first period as both teams racked up three goals apiece. Taite Cattoni, Dylan Hutchinson and Resetarits scored for the Lakers.

The second frame was all Peterborough. Resetarits scored as fast as the period started for his second goal of the game. Holden Cattoni tacked on another for the Lakers to give a 5-3 lead for Peterborough.

While the Excelsior had a chance to get back in theg ame with a power play, the Lakers flipped the momentum as Resetarits scoreed a hat trick shorthanded to continue Peterborough’s run.

Three more Lakers goals from Austin Hasen, Holden and Taylor Jensen got on the board while shutting out the Excelsiors in the second period and Peterborough had a 9-3 lead heading into the final frame.

Lakers goaltender Doug Buchan stood strong and kept Brampton scoreless for 30:42.

Brampton finally found some footing to open the third, getting two straight goals thanks to Pent Eistrat and Holden Patterson but the Lakers matched them goal-for-goal. Resetarits and Mitch Ogilvie scored back-to-back to negate Brampton’s goals. One more goal apiece on each side ended the game with newly-acquired Rob Hellyer getting the last goal for the Lakers and walk off with a 12-6 win.

“It’s fun being on the right side against those guys for once and being on that bench,” said Hellyer. “I’ve played against a lot of the Lakers for a long time so being on the same side is a lot of fun. There’s always some growing pains, the first period was a little bit like that, but at the end of the day it’s lacrosse, so it was fairly seamless.”

The Lakers come back to Peterborough for their home opener against the Brooklin Lacrosse Club on Thursday at 8 p.m.

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Lakers Add Two Defensemen In Free Agency; Team Set to Honour 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champions On June 25

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The Peterborough Lakers have signed defensemen Joey Cupido and Taylor Jensen to the team in free agency.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The team also honours the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champions on June 25 at home against the Owen Sound North Stars.

Cupido spent time with the Cobourg Kodiaks and Six Nations Chiefs. He spent last MSL season injured and as an assistant coach with the Chiefs during their Mann Cup run before being released.

“Being an older guy and a veteran will help,” said Cupido. “Every year I learn a little bit more of the game and having an opportunity to step behind the bench I got to see things from a different vantage point. That’s certainly going to help my game and hopefully I can pass on some of those things to the younger guys as well.”

This winter, Jensen made his professional debut for Lakers’s head coach Mike Hasen and his Rochester Knighthawks and is in his rookie MSL season.

The New Westminster, B.C. 25-year-old played junior A lacrosse for the Salmonbellies. He is the younger brother of NLL MVP Josh Byrne.

The Lakers are on the road this Thursday in Brampton. Cupido, Jensen and newly acquired Rob Hellyer are expected to be in the lineup.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 team’s national senior lacrosse championship win and the 40th anniversary of the 1984 team's Mann Cup victory.

The organization is commemorating the milestones and is teaming with the Lakers Alumni to host two special events.

The festivities start with the Alumni Golf Tournament on June 21 at Keystone Links. Each participant will receive a commemorative Peterborough Lakers Alumni hat featuring the 1984 and 2004 teams courtesy of Imprinted Apparel.

On June 25, the Lakers will host both teams for a special ceremony, during which they will be honoured for their achievements at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“We are thrilled to recognize the achievements of these two legendary teams,” said Dean Porter, Lakers Alumni president. “Their contributions to the sport of lacrosse and the Peterborough community are immeasurable, and we are honoured to celebrate their success.”.

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Former Peterborough Pete Akil Thomas Signs Two-Year Extension With the Los Angeles Kings

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Former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas is staying in the City of Angels as he signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings through the 2025-26 season, announced on Thursday.

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

The contract is worth an average annual value of $775,000. 

The Petes acquired him in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in January 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. On May 15 last year, 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.

Thomas 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.

The Toronto native 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.

On July 8, he signed a one-year deal with the Kings after his entry-level contract had expired.

He played 64 games with the Reign last season, scoring 22 goals and 24 assists.

Thomas debuted with the Kings on April 1 against the Winnipeg Jets after an upper-body injury to centreman Philip Danault.

In his seven games with Los Angeles, he scored three goals and an assist including a game-winner against the San Jose Sharks on April 4.

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Peterborough Petes Sign Second-Round Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

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The Peterborough Petes has signed 2024 second-round pick Blake Gowan to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s an honour to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Gowan. “I can’t wait to get to Peterborough and get started.”

The Petes selected the Kingston-born defenceman in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and 25 assists for 27 points.

In 10 playoff games, he scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points en route to an OMHA Championship and a spot in the OHL Cup.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to welcome Blake to the team,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Blake is a solid, hard-hitting defenceman who makes good decisions in his own end. We had the opportunity to watch Blake a lot this season with Barrie and were very impressed with his play, especially in the playoffs and the OMHA Championship.”

Gowan is the second Petes pick from the 2024 Priority Selection to commit to the team after the team signed third-overall pick Colin Fitzgerald to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on May 4.

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Two High School Student-Athletes Receive $500 Scholarship From Peterborough Petes Education Fund

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High school student-athletes Lilly Legault and Nikolas Pawlowski are named the recipients of the Peterborough Petes Education Fund, each receiving a $500 scholarship, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday morning.

Rod McGills, Peterborough Petes vice president (left); Nikolas Pawlowski, Petes U18 AAA captain and Laura Kennedy, Petes Fund board member (right) presenting the $500 cheque to Pawlowski for his efforts. Legault was absent during the press conference. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Legault and Pawlowski were selected by their coaches as outstanding players from the U18 AA Peterborough IceKats and U18 AAA Peterborough Petes respectively.

Legault is a left winger, graduating from St. Peter’s Secondary School this summer. The high school senior plans to continue her hockey career at the collegiate level in the United States.

“I feel so much gratitude for being chosen to receive this year’s Peterborough Petes Education Award,” explained Legault. “Thank you to my coaches and thank you to the Peterborough Petes for establishing these scholarships for students.”

“Our coaching staff unanimously chose Lilly for this generous award. She is committed to her studies just as much as her athletics and overall enjoys learning,” said Jay Legault, U18 AA IceKats head coach. “She worked at getting ahead all through high school by enrolling in summer courses. She never missed practices due to over-scheduling or upcoming tests. Lilly is committed and organized in balancing both hockey and her studies. That’s a trait a coach notices and wants in their players.”

Lilly is the daughter of NHL and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Jay Legault. The latter was drafted in the third round, 72nd overall by the Ducks in 1997. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Pawlowski was captain of the U18 AAA Petes as a defenseman. He moved from the Durham area to Peterborough when he was 16 and was with the team for two seasons. This year, he logged two goals and 16 assists in 33 games.

”I'm very grateful. It doesn't happen without a great team around me,” said Pawlowski. “Just to have this opportunity, I feel very thankful to my coaches and to everybody to the whole organization.”

“Nik was a dedicated leader all year,” said Colin Sharpe, U18 AAA Petes head coach. “His work ethic and commitment to improving was an example for everyone on the team. We know he will carry these qualities into his next steps for both hockey and education.”

Pawlowski was a member of the Ajax/Pickering Raiders prior to moving to Peterborough with the Petes Minor Hockey system. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Durham region native is graduating from Norwood District High School this summer, and like Legault, he wants to continue his hockey career in the collegiate ranks in the United States.

“I'm going to keep pursuing hockey and hopefully pursue a scholarship in the States.,” he explained. “I'm interested in science (kinesiology) and the human body so we'll see where that takes me.”

He won the ‘Most Dedicated’ award during the Minor AAA Petes Banquet held last month.

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Peterborough Lakers Drop Season Opener 13-10 On the Road to Oakville Rock's Third-Period Surge

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The Peterborough Lakers are not off to the start they wanted as they lost to Oakville 13-10 thanks to a nine-goal third period from the Rock at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The two teams were evenly matched in the opening frame, scoring four goals apiece. Thomas Hoggarth had Peterborough’s first two goals followed by Taite Cattoni and Jake Withers.

Peterborough took control of the game in the second period as the shut out Oakville and tacked on another four goals for an 8-4 lead. Koleton Marquis and Owen Hiltz had the first two goals for the Lakers. The returning Joe Resetaris, who played Jr. B Quebec lacrosse last season, returned to score his first of the season. Dylan Hutchinson capped off the perfect period for his first goal in the last second.

Oakville had rallied in the third and assumed control for the rest of the game. After they coughed up a Withers goal just five seconds into the final stanza, the Rock went on a five-goal run to tie the game up at nine apiece.

Hoggarth got the hat trick and let Peterborough regain a 10-9 lead. In the final two minutes of the game, Oakville rang off four unanswered goals to finish off the Lakers and hand them their first loss of the season.

The Lakers will try to redeem themselves on their continued road trip and face off against the Brampton Excelsiors at the Brampton Memorial Arena on Thursday night at 8 p.m.

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Swim, Bike and Run Hard at the Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon On Aug. 11

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The Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon will be held on Aug. 11 at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.

Photo courtesy of Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon.

The park is located at 1085 Ennis Rd., with the event in support of BEL Rotary.

The triathlon welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. It features a variety of race options such as the Try-a-Tri, Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and a Team Relay Sprint Triathlon.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for families, friends and individuals to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Chemong Lake,” said Ryan Driscoll, race director.

Race Day Schedule:

  • 8 a.m.: Race day check-in begins

  • 9 a.m.: Try-a-Tri start

  • 10:30 a.m.: Relay, Sprint Tri & Duathlon star

Race Categories and Fees (Prices increase July 1 for all events):

  • Try-a-Tri (ages 11 and older): 300 m swim, 10 km bike, 3 km run - $85

  • Sprint Triathlon (ages 12 and older): 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $90

  • Duathlon (ages 12 and older): 3 km run, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $90

  • Team Relay Sprint Triathlon (ages 12 and older) (two or three members): 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run - $100

“Participants and spectators alike will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day at Ennismore Waterfront Park,” said Driscoll. “The event not only promotes physical fitness but also supports a great cause. Funds raised from the triathlon will benefit the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield, helping to support their various community projects.”

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David Tuan Bui


Former Peterborough Petes Owen Beck and James Guo Win Memorial Cup, Beck Named Tournament MVP

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Former Peterborough Petes Owen Beck and James Guo can add a ‘Memorial Cup’ to their hockey resume as they won the tournament with the Saginaw Spirit in a 4-3 win over the London Knights on Sunday night.

Beck winning the OHL Championship with the Petes during the 2022/23 OHL season. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Beck was named tournament MVP and awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy with four goals and one assist in the tournament. He scored the game’s first two goals and helped Saginaw become the first American-based Ontario Hockey League team to win the Memorial Cup.

“It's something nobody's ever going to take away from us,” explained Beck.

Beck’s first goal came in the opening period just after nine minutes into the game. He took the faceoff in Knights zone and a battle ensued for the puck. Beck was able to corral it and with traffic in front, beat former teammate and Peterborough Pete goaltender Michael Simpson as he went top shelf, bar down with his shot to make it 1-0 for Saginaw.

His second goal came on the power play in the final minute of the frame. Saginaw had been given a five-minute man advantage after a Landon Sim check to the head major penalty.

The Spirit wasted little time scoring as Beck got a pass at the faceoff dot from teammate Josh Bloom and one-timed it past Simpson in the top corner for a 2-0 lead.

Beck was traded to the Spirit for three draft picks and forward Aiden Young on Jan. 8 as part of the Petes rebuild.

He was originally acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026 on Jan. 7 last year.

Guo logged one assist in the tournament en route to his Memorial Cup championship.

He was drafted 74th overall in the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

The Woodbridge native was traded to Saginaw and the Petes’s 2023 sixth-round pick for Cam Gauvreau, the Spirit’s fourth-round pick and Windsor’s 2025 third-round pick in 2025 in January of last year.

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Peterborough Lakers Acquire Oakville Rock Forward Rob Hellyer For Two Defensemen

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The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have acquired forward Rob Hellyer from the Oakville Rock in exchange for defensemen Thomas Whitty and Matt Wright in a trade made on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the NLL.

Hellyer was with the Toronto Rock since being drafted in 2010 of the NLL until being traded to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs last August. He scored 77 points in 18 games this season. 

“He’s going to compete at a very high level,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers’ head coach and general manager. “He’ll handle the ball for us a little more. He does a lot of great things with and without the ball but he’ll be a presence for us that will stabilize the ball on the right side. He’ll be in the right spots for our offense to flow and click together.”

Hellyer last played in the MSL in 2019, with the pandemic cancelling the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Rock sat out the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Between stints with the Rock, he also spent the 2018 season out west with the Victoria Shamrocks. 

Hasen was not necessarily looking to trade two young defenders, according to a press release. However, the team says the opportunity presented itself. The two defensemen were what Oakville’s general manager, Steve Dietrich, liked.

After playing Sr. B in Quebec last season, Joe Resetarits is returning to the Lakers.

“(Resetarits is) 100 per cent committed to being here and helping us to compete for a Mann Cup again,” said Hasen.

Season tickets for the six-game home schedule are available at the box office with single-game on sale this Thursday. The team’s home opener is on June 13 against Brooklin L.C.

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