Peterborough Lakers Extend Deadline For Season Ticket Renewals
/The Peterborough Lakers have extended the season ticket renewal deadline to Wednesday at 5 p.m., announced on Friday.
Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.
Peterborough Blogs
Two Champions Gymnastics Athletes Leave Provincial Champions; One Other Claims Bronze
/Two local gymnasts have been crowned gold medalists and one other is taking home bronze at the WAG Level 3-5 Ontario Championships at the Angus Recreation Centre in Angus, Ont. on Sunday.
Lenny and Jorja with their respective gold mealds from the Provincial Championships. Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics.
Lenny and Jorja of Champions Gymnastics have won gold medals in their respective events during the four-day event that began on Thursday.
Lenny is the Level 4, 14+ A All Around Champion, floor silver medalist, beam bronze medalist and vault champion. Jorja is the Level 4, 14+ B All Around Champion, as well as the vault and floor champion.
Mikayla is a Level 3, age 10, C All Around bronze medalist, vault silver medalist, and floor champion.
“Congratulations to all our Level 3 and 4 competitive athletes who competed at the Provincial Championships this past weekend. You all showcased beautiful routines full of personal bests,” said Ashley Metcalf of Champions Gymnastics. “We are so proud of all of our competitive athletes. What a way to end a fantastic season.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Petes Release 2025 Development Camp Schedule
/The Peterborough Petes have officially announced the details regarding their annual Development Camp in a three-day event from Friday to Sunday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Roughly 60 players are expected to attend camp. They will be split into three teams for the on-ice scrimmage portion of the weekend.
On Friday, the camp will begin with off-ice fitness testing at Hybrid FHP (not open to the public) before transitioning to on-ice scrimmages on Saturday and Sunday morning.
All scrimmages will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) and are open to the public. Scrimmages will also be streamed on the Petes Facebook page with commentary.
Full scrimmage Schedule:
Saturday
9:00 a.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)
9:50 a.m. - Team Sign-A-Fied (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)
10:40 a.m. - Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team East Side Mario’s (White)
BREAK
2:30 p.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)
3:20 p.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)
4:10 p.m. - Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)
Sunday
8:30 a.m. - Team Sign-A-Fied (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)
9:20 a.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)
10:10 a.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)
A full camp roster will be released on Friday afternoon.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Applications Open For 2025 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries
/Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 2 at midnight.
(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford (last year’s recipient) and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.
The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.
A committee comprising H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.
To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:
A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university
Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury
Be in satisfactory academic standing
Have financial need
Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online and submitting it via email to Vince Bierworth at Vince@GPHSF.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
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.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
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.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
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.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
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.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
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.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
"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
