Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Passes Away
/Peterborough Petes alumnus and longtime local resident Greg Millen has passed away at 67 years old, announced on Monday night.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Peterborough Blogs
Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health On June 26
/To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic, hosted by Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), will be held at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on June 26th.
Photo courtesy of GPHSF.
All proceeds of the event support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
The day includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, access to a private, in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities, and contests throughout the course. Lunch and supper, prizes and professional photos of your foursome will also be at the event.
New this year is a public donation campaign launch with a minimum goal of $40,000 to be split equally between YES Shelter for Youth and Families and Peterborough Youth Services.
Donations can be made online. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.
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Peterborough Petes Acquire Three Draft Picks From Sarnia Sting
/The Peterborough Petes have acquired three picks from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for two of their own, announced on Monday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
The Petes have acquired the following picks from the Sarnia Sting:
2027 3rd round pick
2026 8th round pick
2027 conditional 15th round pick
In exchange, the Sarnia Sting has received:
2025 3rd round pick (Erie)
2028 10th round rick
The OHL Priority Selection will be held over two days, with Rounds 1-3 beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11th. Rounds 4-15 start at 9 a.m. the next day.
The Petes currently have five picks in the first three rounds: one in the first round (number one overall pick), two in the second round and two more in the third round.
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Peterborough Lakers Acquire Payton Tasse From Brampton Excelsiors
/The Peterborough Lakers are loading up their back end as they acquired defenceman Payton Tasse from the Brampton Excelsiors and a 2026 second-round draft pick in exchange for goaltender Andrew Kidd, forward Ty Scott and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Nepean Knight is a left-handed shot and Ottawa native currently completing a graduate degree in Sports and Leadership at Newberry College. Tasse was Brampton’s fifth-round pick in the 2024 MSL Entry Draft.
His father, Jason, is a former member of the NLL’s Ottawa Rebel and recently coached with the Peterborough Timbermen of the Arena Lacrosse League.
The Lakers open their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 21 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22.
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Women’s Adventures in Golf Opens Registration For 2025 Season
/Women’s Adventures in Golf (WAG) has officially opened registration for its 2025 season with six events scheduled, announced Wednesday evening.
Photo courtesy of WAG.
The six-event series is designed for women of all skill levels. It also has a charitable aspect, as in 2024, WAG raised over $5,000 for five local charities and welcomed more than 200 women.
“WAG was created to open the doors of golf for women by creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere that is inviting, warm and accepting,” said Susan Williamson, WAG founder. “Supporting each other as we learn the nuances of the game is the goal of WAG. The themed focus allows women to laugh and recognize that we all start at the same place in the sport.”
Women can design their own experience by choosing their rounds, adding cart or lunch options and can select their playing format. Each 18-hole shotgun scramble event includes a light-hearted themed game with prizes and optional donations to a local charity to grant an advantage in the game.
2025 Event Lineup:
May 18 – Pre-Season Social @ Rolling Grape Vineyard
May 24 – Jailbreak Round @ Warkworth GC
June 22 – She CAN Round @ LiftLock GC
July 13 – Wheel of Life Round @ Katchiwano GC
August 24 – Jetsetter Round @ Heron Landing GC
September 14 – Mystery at the Club @ Katchiwano GC
Participants can register as individuals or in groups of up to four. Registration can be done online or by emailing info@golfwithwag.ca.
Photo courtesy of WAG.
Fleming College to Host Two Football Championships This Weekend
/The 2025 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship and Adult Flag Circuit Championship will take place at Fleming College this weekend and Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
The event is in partnership with Football Ontario, Fleming College, the City of Peterborough and the NFL’s Detroit Lions.
“Hosting the Intercollegiate Provincial 5v5 Non-Contact Flag Football Championship, and Adult Flag Football Circuit is an exciting opportunity for Peterborough to showcase our great sports facilities and reputation for postsecondary athletics,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We’re happy to work in collaboration with Fleming College, and look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans to our community for an unforgettable weekend.”
Despite previous weather conditions from the past weekend’s ice storm, the City has confirmed the event will run as planned on Wednesday morning.
The event brings top collegiate teams across Ontario to compete for the provincial championship. The top teams will earn a coveted spot at the Football Canada Collegiate Championship in May.
“The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to support the Intercollegiate Provincial Flag Football Championship, highlighting the growth of Women’s Flag Football as an emerging sport. The OCAA is committed to fostering opportunities for female student-athletes and recognizes the potential that Women’s Flag Football offers.” says Kyle Pelly, Executive Director of the OCAA.
As part of the event, Football Ontario and the Detroit Lions will host a Networking Breakfast with women leaders in football and sport on Sunday morning at Fleming College. This exclusive breakfast event will allow student leaders from attending schools to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of football.
Football Ontario will also host a Learn to Play Session on Saturday in partnership with Fleming College.
The Football Ontario ‘Learn to Play’ Session will be a free event put on by Football Ontario and Sir Sandford Fleming College to encourage high school and college students to get active and learn some of the fundamentals of flag football. The event will take place on Saturday, April 5th, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Fleming College Sports Complex.
Click here to register for free.
“Fleming College is honoured to host this prestigious event, bringing together top student-athletes from across Ontario,” said Kate McIntosh, Vice President, Student Experience. “We are especially proud to support the growth of flag football at the collegiate level, particularly in creating more opportunities for women in the sport. We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans to our campus for an exciting weekend of competition and community.”
The Adult Flag Circuit Championship, presented by the Detroit Lions, is scheduled for April 12. It will serve as the culmination of two months of competition. The top teams from the Milton Tournament and London Tournament will battle for the circuit championship in this highly anticipated event.
These events showcase top-tier flag football competitions and highlight the sport’s rapid growth, particularly in the women’s game. Football Ontario is excited to bring these championships to Peterborough and shine a spotlight on some of the province’s most talented athletes.
“Football Ontario is thrilled to bring the Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship and the Adult Flag Circuit Championship to Peterborough in partnership with Fleming College, the Detroit Lions, and the City of Peterborough,” said Tyler McNicholl, Director of Operations with Football Ontario. “These events highlight the incredible growth of flag football in Ontario, especially in the women’s game, and provide athletes with a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level. Working alongside the City of Peterborough, we are excited to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans while continuing to foster the development of the sport across the province.”
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Undefeated U11 AA Peterborough Petes Crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association Champions
/The U11 AA Peterborough Minor Petes are bringing home the hardware as they were crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) champions at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Chad Buchner.
The team opened the three-day tournament with two victories over the Glancaster Bombers and Barrie Colts, shutting them out 2-0 in both games.
The Petes only had one game on Saturday against the Upper York Admirals to a 4-4 tie. The draw clinched the top seed for Peterborough in Group A with five points and qualified for the playoffs.
In the semi-final matchup, they drew the second-seeded Centre Wellington Fusion from Group B. It was a close battle but the Petes broke the tie with 59 seconds left in regulation to win the game 3-2 and advance to the championship.
The team had their toughest matchup in the finals. They were pitted against the undefeated Clarington Toros, who won Group B with a perfect 3-0 record. Peterborough rung off two goals later in the first period to go up 2-0. With 8:34 left in the second, they added extra insurance with a power play goal for a 3-0 lead. The Petes coughed up an early goal in the third but hung on for the 3-1 win and OMHA championship.
“I’m still at a loss for words,” explained Chad Buchner, U11 AA Petes coach. “There’s nothing better than watching someone realize they can do something—that their goals aren’t just dreams, but something real, something achievable. And there’s nothing more powerful than watching a group of kids come together to shift their mindset, to turn belief into reality.”
The Petes ended with an overall record of 4-0-1 as the last remaining undefeated team in the tournament.
“It was about the culture we built—the countless hours given by coaches, team staff, grandparents, and families who poured their hearts into something bigger than hockey,” said Buchner. “It was about respect, kindness, philanthropy and a group of young athletes who didn’t just play for each other, but because of each other.”
Photos: Lacrosse Fans Treated To "Lunch With the Lakers" Meet & Greet Event at Smitty's Family Restaurant
/Lacrosse fans got to enjoy a meal at the “Lunch With the Lakers” meet-and-greet event held at Smitty’s Family Restaurant on Tuesday morning.
The public could eat with Lakers staff and players, get their pictures taken, and have autographs signed by Lakers Taite Cattoni, Colton Armstrong and Jake Withers.
The Lakers open their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 21 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22.
"Peterborough Has Become My Home" Peterborough Petes Captain Reflects On Four-Year Tenure With Team
/As Petes captain Jonathan Melee bids farewell to his team and the city after four years, he reflects on how Peterborough became his home and winning an OHL Championship.
Melee (left) has been named the 63rd captain in franchise history after the departure of former captain Donovan McCoy who was traded the the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Melee played his final game as a Pete against the Oshawa Generals on Sunday. He committed to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., to play for the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. Melee says he will bring the leadership and championship mentality he learned in Peterborough to Sacred Heart.
“(It’s) The way I’ll come to the rink every day ready to work, being a friendly guy in the locker room, (being) a leader and just bringing a championship mentality to the dressing room,” he explained.
The Hamilton Bulldogs (now Brantford Bulldogs) originally selected Melee in the second round, 21st overall, of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 26 games for the Bulldogs before being acquired by the Petes in January of 2022 in a trade involving Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.
Melee was part of the OHL Championship-winning Petes during the 2022-23 season, where he had nine goals and 18 assists in 58 games. He also tacked on five goals in 13 playoff games during that championship run.
“The guys welcomed me in right away,” said Melee. “That group was special. That championship team, I'll never forget every face in that dressing room, I'll always have that bond and memories to share and reconnect with.”
On Jan. 10 last year, Melee was named the team’s 63rd captain in franchise history. This came after the team had traded away former captain Donovan McCoy to the Sudbury Wolves prior to the trade deadline.
Along with the OHL Championship, Melee also left Peterborough with some extra hardware as the Petes held their annual year-end banquet and awards ceremony at the Venue on Tuesday.
Melee took home three awards, including the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals), the Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) and the coveted Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates).
Petes captain Johnathan melee (left) after being presented the Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) by George Gillespie, Petes Board of Directors Treasuer. melee was a recipient of the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) and Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer). pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.
Last season, he won the Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability). During the 2022-23 season, he won the Norm Bryan Award (most improved player).
Melee finishes his Ontario Hockey League tenure with the Petes, scoring 48 goals and 72 assists for 120 points in four seasons. The Rockland native says he will miss Peterborough which he considers his home away from home.
“Peterborough has become my home and I don't even have the words to say how much I love it in Peterborough and how thankful I am I ended up here,” he explained. “I have nothing but thanks for the city, thanks for everybody in the organizations, everyone that's been involved in the past four years. It's a place I call home, a place I'm comfortable (with) and I'm going to miss seeing all these faces every day.”
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Peterborough Petes Awarded First Overall Pick In 2025 OHL Priority Selection
/Fortune favoured the Peterborough Petes as they were granted the first overall pick in the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection during a livestream on Wednesday night.
Barclay Branch, OHL vice president of hockey operations, reveals the Petes winning the first-overall pick over three teams. Screenshot.
The Petes were granted the highest percentage of landing the number one overall pick at 40 per cent due to their record of 18-41-9, resulting in 20th and last place in the league.
The Guelph Storm (19th place), Sarnia Sting (18th place) and Ottawa 67’s (17th place) were in contention to get the first overall pick with 30, 20 and 10 per cent odds, respectively.
Despite being the longest continuously-running OHL franchise (since 1956), this is the first time that the Petes have owned the first overall pick. The Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2023 but have been rebuilding since the championship win. Peterborough has won 10 OHL Championships, the second-most in OHL history behind their rival Oshawa Generals with 13.
During the 2023-24 season, they finished 17th in the league with a 20-40-8 record for 48 points. They drafted third overall, taking standout forward Colin Fitzgerald, who was also given the Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) during the team’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday night.
The following is the first-round draft order for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection:
Peterborough Petes
Guelph Storm
Ottawa 67’s
Sarnia Sting
Owen Sound Attack
North Bay Battalion
Soo Greyhounds
Flint Firebirds
Kingston Frontenacs*
Niagara IceDogs
Sudbury Wolves
Erie Otters
Saginaw Spirit
Brampton Steelheads
Brampton Steelheads*
Oshawa Generals
Kingston Frontenacs
Barrie Colts
Soo Greyhounds*
Brantford Bulldogs
Windsor Spitfires
Kitchener Rangers
London Knights
