Peterborough Man Hits Jackpot Catching Top-Prize Fish "Walter" At 36th Annual Fishing Derby

Peterborough’s D.J. Rheams walking away with $1,000 after catching top-prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 36th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Tuesday afternoon.

D.J. Rheams with top-prize fish Walter. The catch is a four-pound rainbow trout. Walter had originally jumped over a netting barricade and was caught downriver by unregistered participants. They got to keep the fish but a '“New” Walter was thrown into the canal on Saturday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 34-year-old caught the four-pound rainbow trout just before 3 p.m. Rheams originally was not planning to attend the Derby until his sister convinced him to participate. The Lindsay-born angler had fished on Monday without catching anything. He almost gave up before he discovered that he hooked and eventually caught Walter.

“Honestly, when I finally stopped trying, I just was daydreaming,” explained Rheams. “Suddenly my line just starting running.”

A volunteer pointed out that Rheams had hooked the prized fish but he did not believe it at first. He sought out help in catching and reeling the fish in and it paid off.

“I was in disbelief and she helped me land it,” he said. I paid the admission for the extra help. It was unbelievable.”

Rheams had always participated in the Derby when he was young and had always dreamed about landing Walter.

“Just as a kid, you always think about catching Walter and how it's a big deal,” he explained. “One of first people I'd call were my cousins and I'd always do this Derby with them as a kid.”

Rheams already has plans to use the $1,000 he has won.

“We actually have a kid coming June 2nd so I definitely want to be buying baby stuff. That's quite exciting,” he said.

Last year, no one caught Walter and claimed the top prize.

The derby continues until Sunday, with $3,000 worth of prizes still available at the time of this article's publication. This includes “Rosie” worth $250 and a free OFAH Day Camp.

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Peterborough Selected to Host 2026 TELUS Cup National Club Championship

The Electric City has been selected to host the 2026 Telus Cup, Canada’s National Under-18 Men’s Club Championship, announced by Hockey Canada at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday.

Members of Peterborough Minor Petes team and staff, City Council and more with the official logo for the Telus Cup for 2026 in the middle of the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s rink. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Telus Cup runs from April 20 to 26 next year with all games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The event has six elite men’s U18 teams from across the nation battling for the title. The host Peterborough Minor Petes are making their national championship debut in the tournament.

“This is the most exciting hockey moment for our community since we hosted the Memorial Cup in 1996,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “In Peterborough, hockey is more than a game, it is part of our identity. The TELUS Cup is an incredible chance to cheer on the future stars of the sport, showcase our facilities and the home of the legendary Peterborough Petes, and celebrate everything that makes Peterborough an unforgettable destination not only for youth hockey, but also for active family fun.”

The successful bid was led by Peterborough Tourism, the City’s destination marketing program, with the support and partnership of the community including the Ontario Hockey Federation, Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, local tourism business operators and organizations and the Peterborough Petes. The City expects the event to generate more than 1,200 total room nights and over $1 million in economic impact, boosting hotels, restaurants, shops and local attractions during the tournament week.

“Hosting premier hockey events takes a tremendous effort from everyone in the chosen communities,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice president, revenue, fan experience and community impact. “From volunteers, sponsors and the fans, Canadians from coast to coast step up every year to help grow the game of hockey and provide lifelong memories for these athletes.”

(From Left to right) Lucy Christie, 10; Mason Scollard, 12; Cale Christie, 12; Emmett Scollard, 10 and Isaac Cavanagh, 11. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As the oldest continuously operating franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Peterborough Petes have produced over 175 NHL players, including Steve Yzerman, Chris Pronger, Larry Murphy and Bob Gainey. The city has also hosted high-profile events, including the 1996 Memorial Cup and six Mann Cup lacrosse championships between 2004 and 2022.

“Hosting the TELUS Cup is an amazing opportunity for the Peterborough Community and the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “The Men’s U18 National Club Championship has hosted a number of big names over the years, including Petes alumni like Steve Yzerman, Larry Murphy, Luke Richardson, and Slater Koekkoek to name a few. This is also a great opportunity for the Peterborough Petes and the U18 Petes to showcase our partnership on a national stage.”

The 2025 TELUS Cup is being held in Chilliwack, B.C. Dieppe, N.B. was also announced as the host location for the 2026 Esso Cup.

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Celebration of Life Being Held For Longtime Arena Worker Roy Bateman On Wednesday Night

Longtime arena worker and community member Roy Bateman is being honoured with a celebration of life at the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

He passed away on April 10, a few months shy of his 74th birthday.

During his youth, Bateman was a Special Olympics athlete and won several medals for swimming. He also had a passion for hockey, as he played it on Leighton Road as a goalie with neighbourhood kids. He was also a passionate fan of the Peterborough Petes and Peterborough Lakers.

Bateman worked as a recycler at the Evinrude Centre for several years before retiring in 2021. He was treated like family by arena staff and people he met through his work. Several Petes that went on to the NHL often sent him pictures or Christmas cards.

Roy is survived by his sister-in-law, Maureen Rea. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Allan and Alma Bateman and his big brother, Wayne.

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Peterborough Petes Hold Number One Pick In 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection; Team Takes Two Players

The Peterborough Petes selected two players in the 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection that included first-overall pick Sebastian Dzieciol on Wednesday.

Sebastian Dzieciol. Photo courtesy of Jordan MacDonald and the Peterborough Petes.

The 6’, 182 lbs centre from Ottawa, featured in 28 games for the Ottawa Myers Automotive U18’s this season, scoring 13 goals and adding 15 assists for 28 points. In the playoffs, he played in 13 games, scoring three goals and recording six assists for nine points, which helped Myers win the HEO U18 Championship. In the U18 AAA Ontario Championships, Dzieciol played in five games, picking up an assist. 

“Sebastian is a big, strong forward who isn’t afraid to play physical and battle for the puck,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He was a big part of Myers HEO Championship this season, leading the team in scoring during the season and in the playoffs.” 

“I am very honoured and excited to be selected by the Petes,” said Dzieciol. “I am looking forward to being a part of the team and learning and contributing as best I can.”

With the 21st overall pick in the second round, Peterborough selected forward Jayden Mercier from the Upper Canada Cyclones U18.

Jayden Mercier. Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling and the Peterborough Petes.

“Jayden is a strong forward who uses his size well,” said Oke. “He’s a good skater who plays hard and isn’t afraid to go into the corners.”

Mercier, a left winger from Rockland, played in 30 games for the Upper Canada Cyclones U18’s this season, scoring 15 goals and adding eight assists for 23 points. In 11 playoff games for the Cyclones, he scored four goals and added six assists for 10 points, helping his team to the HEO Championship Series.

“It’s literally a dream come true,” exclaimed Mercier. “I can’t believe it. I have been working hard my whole life for this and it hasn’t been easy. It’s a dream come true to be drafted by the Petes.”

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Registration Open Community Care Peterborough's For Fourth Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament

Registration for the fourth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial charity golf tournament is open with the event set for Aug. 18 at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club in support of Community Care Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation. Last year’s tournament raised $18,000.

The event is named after Gary 'The Diller’ Dalliday for his contributions to the Peterborough community. He was a CHEX-TV sportscaster, the radio voice of the Peterborough Petes and a longtime supporter of local sports. He was an avid volunteer with Community Care Peterborough and its Meals on Wheels program

Gary’s grandson, Nick Bozec, inspired the event to honour his grandfather’s legacy.

“Our family is proud and thankful for this opportunity,” said Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships and son of Gary. “My dad would be very pleased with the proceeds of this event helping Community Care.”

The day begins with a BBQ lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, two meals, prizes, and more—capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony. Registration is available online.

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"The All-Time Goal is to Win An OHL Championship" Peterborough Petes Number Overall Pick Kaden McGregor Brings Championship Aspirations to the Team

Less than 24 hours after being selected first overall by the Peterborough Petes, forward Kaden McGregor wants to ultimately bring an OHL Championship back to the Electric City as he was introduced to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

This is the first time the Petes have been able to introduce McGregor to Peterborough as a member of the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Petes introduced McGregor to the media and public at a press conference a day after he was in Burlington for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA to a league title this past season and says he will work diligently to give Peterborough a similar result.

“I want to work as hard this summer and earn the right to play, earn my ice time,” explained McGregor. “I want to play whatever role this team needs me to play and the all-time goal is to win an OHL Championship.”

The right-handed shot is the franchise’s first-ever number one overall pick in its 69-year tenure, an honour McGregor plans to hold with pride.

“I'm humbled and honoured to be that first overall selection for the Peterborough Petes,” he said. “I think it shows a lot about how great this organization is and how well the coaching staff and Board of Directors is. I just want to thank them again for putting their faith in me and I won't let them down.”

(From left to right) Easton Rye, Petes goaltender; Carson Cameron, Petes defenceman; Kaden McGregor and Colin Fitzgerald; Petes forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the press conference, McGregor showed his gratitude for not only the Petes staff but the rest of his family, claiming he would not be where he was without their love, help and support.

“My parents… Every practice, every game, they're there for me. After the games, when they don't go to well, they're always there for me,” he said. “My siblings, I come home, they're always so friendly, they have just pushed me to become the player that I am and I'm so thankful for all of these people.”

father Stacey McGregor (left), Kaden (middle) and mother Lisa McGegor (right) all pose for a family photo for the first time with the son as a Pete in Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a newcomer to town, McGregor has already embraced and appreciated the inclusive atmosphere Peterborough has shown to him and his family.

“I've heard about the sellouts that this crowd had and how great this atmosphere and fans are and I'm so thankful to be a part of Peterborough and I'm just thankful for the fans for welcoming me,” concluded McGregor.

The following is a list of this year’s draft picks for the Peterborough Petes:

• First round (1) - Kaden McGregor - Forward - Ottawa Valley Titans U16

• Second round (27) - Kieran Raynor - Forward - Niagara North Stars U16

• Second round (31) - Matthew Perreault - Defence - Toronto Titans U16

• Third round (61) - Gerry DiCunzolo - Forward - Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15s

• Sixth round (104) - Daniel Tout - Defence - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• Seventh round (124) - Brody Robertson - Forward - Toronto Titans U16

• Eighth round (144) - Luke Schairer - Defence - USA U17

• Ninth round (164) - Eric Wood - Defence - Sun County Panthers U16

• 10th round (184) - Pacey Adduono - Forward - Oakmoor Academy 16U

• 11th round (204) - Ty Gendron - Forward - Barrie Jr. Colts U16

• 12th round (224) - Joseph Szarka - Defence - Brantford 99ers U16

• 13th round (244) - Brandt Rooyakkers - Forward - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• 14th round (264) - Chase MacKay - Forward - North Central Predators U16

• 15th round (284) - Tyson Cartier - Defence - Waterloo Wolves U16

• 15th round (301) - Joshua Goodwin - Defence - North Shore Whitecaps

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Peterborough Petes Select Kaden McGregor As Franchise's First Number One Overall Pick

It is official for the Peterborough Petes as Kaden McGregor becomes the club’s first number one overall pick in franchise history at the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, announced on Friday night.

Screenshot.

“I’m speechless,” said McGregor. “This has been a dream of mine, ever since I was a little kid. To hear it finally get called, it’s a surreal moment for me and my family.”

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA club this past season with a 29-2-1 record. McGregor led his team to a league title with 38 goals and 44 assists for 82 points in 29 regular-season games. He also tacked on 24 points in nine playoff contests en route to a championship.

He was named the Hockey Eastern Ontario AAA League U16 Player of the Year, joining former Petes first-round pick and Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, who won the award in 2019.

“We’re very excited to select Kaden with the first overall pick in the 2025 Priority Selection,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Kaden is a right-handed centre who plays a solid two-way game. He had an excellent season with the Ottawa Valley Titans, captaining them to an HEO Championship and being named HEO player of the year. He followed that up with a solid showing in the OHL Cup, finishing third in points and being named to the tournament all-star team.”

The right-handed shot says Petes fans can expect a lot out of him as a number one priority selection.

“They can expect a tenacious forward, someone who can play both ends of the game,” explained McGregor. I prioritize compete level. Every shift, I go out there, I compete as hard as I can. I have high IQ and I like to use my size and speed to set up plays in the offensive zone and make my teammates around me better.”

With McGregor as the first overall pick, he is named the recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award. The award is named after Jack Ferguson, a long-time OHL’s central scouting director. McGregor joins NHL stars such as Eric Lindros, John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid and Quinton Byfield to receive the honour.

In the OHL Cup, McGregor was the third-highest scorer with three goals and eight assists for 11 points in five games. His performance led the Titans to a quarter-final finish, losing in overtime to the eventual champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He was named to the tournament All-Star team, becoming the only player on this year’s All-Star team to not make the finals. This year, McGregor also played in OFSAA for St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew. McGregor dominated the tournament, scoring 21 goals in six games.

The Petes will introduce McGregor in a press conference on Saturday at 8:45 a.m., which will be live-streamed on their Facebook Page.

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Kawartha Dows Releases 2025 Event Schedule; Harness Racing Moved to Back to Saturday Nights

It's close to post time for Kawartha Downs (KD) as they released their lineup of events for 2025, including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Richard Waldon, Kawartha president; Alpacas Charm, Bijoux, Deidra and Frances Stewart Alpaca Ontario President. One event is the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Harness racing has 18 dates, with the opening day on May 14. The grand opening will feature Ontario Sires Stakes Racing to kick off the racing season. A significant change this year is that harness racing nights are reverted to Saturdays with an earlier post time of 6 p.m. The move was to accommodate cottage-goers, account for highway traffic and be more accessible to everyone.

The track's major change is broadcasting KD races outside of in-house for the first time according to Lindsay Bax, Kawartha Downs harness racing manager.

“We will have our live racing signal on the live Simulcast that will be featured both in Canada and in the United States,” she explained.

The second floor and lounge have received upgrades, which include renovated spaces and increased television sets for viewing other racetracks for betting or entertainment. Bax says more upgrades will follow but they have been delayed due to several factors.

“We will be adding several more things as we come along,” she explained. “With the ice storm in the local area and obviously with all the political climate, a few things were delayed but I think you're going to see two or three more things roll out that will help.”

This year's new events include the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show, the Kawartha Hobby Toy and Collectible Show, and more.

KD wanted to make a concerted effort to ensure that harness racing is for all ages rather than the perceived notion of it just being an adult affair due to its gambling nature.

“100 per cent it is a stigma but harness racing specifically is one of the most approachable sports that you can go to as a family,” explained Bax. “There is no cost to come to the racetrack. If you don't want to wager, you don't have to wager. You can get food and beverage and watch the horses. Everybody's looking to save pennies when you do this as a family and this provides and checks all those boxes.”

A full event list can be found online.

The following are all harness racing dates on Saturdays with post time scheduled for 6 p.m.:

• May 17 (Grand Opening with Ontario Sires Stakes Racing)

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 28

• July 5 (Weiner Dog Racing)

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9 (Kids Night, Powerwheel Racing)

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

• Sept. 20 (Customer and Caretaker Appreciation Night)

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Celebration of Life For Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Held Next Week Thursday

A celebration of life for Peterborough Petes alumnus, sports broadcaster and longtime local resident Gregory (Greg) Hearst Millen will be held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre next Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. for family, friends and colleagues.

Photo courtesy of Reynolds Funeral Home.

Millen passed away at 67 unexpectedly from a cardiovascular event on Monday.

He played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

Millen married his high school sweetheart, Ann. This summer would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, the couple had four children: Allie (Mike Mason), Emily (Garrett Kean), Caroline (Mike Tobin), and Charlie (Marissa DiNardo). He and Ann also had eight grandchildren (Beau, Pippa, Beatrice, Oscar, Louie, June, Wallace, and Penelope).

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ALS Canada or the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice.

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Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Tees Off On May 22

There will be 240 linksmen teeing off at the Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 22 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson, holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. There are signed jerseys to be auctioned off at the event with athletes such as Colin Fitzgerald, Peterborough Petes forward (pictured); Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads forward and Barrett Hayton, Utah Hockey Club Forward. 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.

“Years ago, Steve Doyle, Bob McGillian and my dad came up with this idea for a bursary program for local high-school athletes as they were embarking on post-secondary academic and athletic careers.” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. “We're pleased that over the years, we've been able to go from initially two $500 bursaries, now we're up to four $2,000 bursaries. We're thankful that Steve, Bob and Jack had the foresight to start that program and now we're able to keep it going.

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.

As the tournament enters its 38th year, Doug continues the tradition of continuing his father's legacy through the golf event.

“Dad was one of the original founders to try to get things going when we first had the Hall of Fame,” he explained. “He and Bob McGillian decided to have a golf tournament and we're just continuing on hopefully the way they would have continued on had they still been with us but it's really nice for me personally to be able to do something which remembers my dad.

While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.

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