Peterborough Lakers No Longer Undefeated After Upset From Winless Oakville Rock

The winless Oakville Rock (0-3) came to town, got the upset and knocked off the previously undefeated Peterborough Lakers, 9-7, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers had welcomed back their former netminder Landon Kells who was traded to Oakville along with a 2026 first-round pick for veteran goaltender Nick Rose on March 17.

This game was also the return of Lakers defenceman Mitch Ogilvie, who sustained a concussion during last year’s playoffs and missed the entire National Lacrosse League playoffs.

Both teams traded two goals apiece as Joe Resetarits and Brad McCulley scored for the Lakers for a 2-2 tie in the first period.

Oakville started the second with two straight goals. The teams alternated the next five including Thomas Hoggarth scoring two and Taite Cattoni tacking on one for a 6-5 game in favour of the Rock.

Peterborough reclaimed the lead as Resetarits and Holden Cattoni scored for a 7-6 lead. However, Oakville rung off three unanswered goals including an insurance marker with 19 seconds left in regulation for the 9-7 upset victory.

“We have to be more energetic on the floor, on the bench, getting on and off the floor, playing tougher D, pushing some guys around in the offensive end and putting the ball in the net,” said Ogilvie. “Definitely not what we wanted and we’ll be better for next game.”

Kells stopped Peterborough with 47 shots for the win. Ogilvie had an early breakaway but could not get it past his former teammate.

“(I was thinking) don’t fall. I didn’t fall. Definitely not a good shot though,” explained Ogilvie. “Especially on (Landon) Kells, I grew up playing with him my whole junior career and in senior. Would have been nice to bury one on him but he played a hell of a game.”

The loss moves Peterborough to 5-1 on the year. The Lakers hit the road for their next game against the Brampton Excelsiors at the Memorial Arena on Thursday.

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Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The City of Peterborough celebrated two decades of sports, fitness and activity at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre in a ceremony held on Thursday morning.  

Dignitaries, sports notaries and Fleming College staff in front of the Wellness Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Centre had its groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 25, 2003. Since it first opened its doors on June 5, 2005, the building has been equipped with three gymnasiums, an aquatics centre and water slide, fitness centre and classes, an indoor track and multi-purpose rooms. The facility has become a centre of community connection, said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the residents and staff who have made the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre such an integral part of our community,” he explained. “This has become a place where individuals of all ages come to build healthy habits, helping our residents lead active, connected lives. The Sport and Wellness Centre is a true community hub.”

“Over the years, the Sport and Wellness Centre has welcomed thousands of members and guests, hosted countless community events and fitness classes, and played an important role in fostering social connections and lifelong wellness,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We look forward to another 20 years of community and healthy activity at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.”

Kristi McNamara was the Fleming College Knight Women’s Basketball team captain in 2005-06 and shot the first basket at the Peterborough Sports & Wellness Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Fleming College has been a longtime partner of the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, serving as the home of the Fleming Phoenix. 

“Fleming College is proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. This facility has been an integral part of our students’ experience, providing a place where they can stay active, prioritize their well-being and feel connected to the broader Peterborough community,” said Dr. Kate McIntosh, Fleming College Vice President of Student Experience. “We are grateful for the Sport and Wellness Centre’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all, and we congratulate the entire Sport and Wellness Centre team on this significant milestone.”

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Peterborough Lakers Acquire Homegrown Brothers In Trade With Cobourg Kodiaks

The Peterborough Lakers shored up their defence, acquiring homegrown talent in brothers Broedie and Dustyn Birkhof from the Cobourg Kodiaks, announced on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers traded away defencemen Andrew Vradenburg, Cole Begley and Payton Tasse to the Kodiaks. Tasse joins his father, Jason, an assistant coach for the team.

The teams also swapped picks, with the Lakers receiving Brampton’s third-round selection in 2026 in exchange for Brampton’s second-rounder.

“Broedie and Dustyn are two players that are tough to play against, and we’re excited for them to get on the floor with us and be great lacrosse players,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers head coach and general manager. “We were also looking for a presence that will keep things honest and help diffuse situations during a heated game before it escalates - both have that ability as well.”

The 31-year-old Broedie has had stints in the MSL with Cobourg and Six Nations, while also suiting up for several Arena Lacrosse League teams, including the Peterborough Timbermen in their inaugural season. He is the strength and conditioning coach for the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks and formerly worked with the Peterborough Petes.

Twenty-four-year-old Dustyn is coming off his rookie National Lacrosse League season, playing four games with the Ottawa Black Bears. Last season, he played 13 games for Cobourg, scoring twice and recording 43 penalty minutes. He has two goals, one assist and 25 penalty minutes in three games this season.

The Lakers return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre to take on a familiar face in Landon Kells and the Oakville Rock on Thursday. Kells was a former Laker and was traded along with a 2026 first-round pick for veteran goaltender Nick Rose on March 17.

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U13 Lakers Get Walk-Off Championship Goal To Complete Undefeated Tournament Run

The U13 Peterborough Lakers got a walk-off championship goal in overtime that capped off an undefeated run at the 33rd-Annual John ‘Gus’ McCauley Memorial Tournament at the Century Gardens Recreation Centre in Brampton on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of U13-2 Lakers.

The three-day tournament had the Lakers play two out of three round-robin games on Friday.

They routed the eventual winless Strathroy Screaming Eagles, 9-1, in Peterborough’s first victory. They allowed only one goal with eight minutes left in the first period and clamped down defensively since then.

The Lakers earned their second victory over the Midland Titans in another blowout, 8-1. Peterborough went on an eight-goal run, only to see their shutout get snapped from a power play goal later in the third.

Peterborough’s only game on Saturday was against the Brampton Excelsiors and it was their closest game of the tournament. In a low-scoring affair, the Lakers had a 4-1 lead but allowed two late third-period goals to make it a one-score affair with 1:34 in regulation. Peterborough held on and won 4-3 to remain perfect through the round robin and advanced to the semifinals.

They met the Midland Titans again and while the score was tighter, Peterborough dominated play with a 6-1 win. The Lakers allowed the first goal of the game, then went on a 6-0 run to cap off the victory and advance to the finals.

Peterborough was paired with the Excelsiors again in the championship match. The Lakers stumbled out of the gate, failing to score during the first 21 minutes of regulation while allowing Brampton to score twice. Peterborough finally got on the board nearly halfway through the second period to make it 2-1.

The Lakers tied things up with a power-play goal early in the third to force overtime.

Brampton had an opportunity to spoil Peterborough’s undefeated run and win on their home turf but failed to get it past the goaltender. The Lakers capitalized and scored the walk-off overtime goal to capture the championship and secure an undefeated tournament run.

The following are the Lakers’s players and staff:

• Nicolas Aguilar

• Korban Andrew

• Emerson Birkhof-Talbot

• Bryson Croswell

• Colten Crough

• Bennett Ducie

• Easton Garlough (Ruthowsky)

• Reed Graham

• Bentley Heffernan

• Oliver Hodgins

• Keegan Jennings

• Keegan McCormick

• Hayden McIntyre

• Jonathan McNamara

• Zachary Reid

• Easton Wilson

• Grayson Wolff

• Head Coach - Chad Birkhof

• Asst. Coach - Broedie Birkhof

• Asst. Coach/Goalie Coach - Callan Baker

• Asst. Coach - Dan Crough

• Asst. Coach - Shawn McNamara

• Trainer - Dan Aguilar

• Manager - Jo Dunbar

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Peterborough Lakers Remain Undefeated After Pair of Weekend Road Games

The Peterborough Lakers’s lucky number was 13 as they scored that many in both weekend games to defeat the Owen Sound North Stars and Cobourg Kodiaks, respectively.

Photo courtesy Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

Peterborough defeated Owen Sound 13-10 at the Meaford-St. Vincent Community Centre on Saturday and got their second weekend win, 13-6, against the Kodiaks at the Cobourg Community Centre on Sunday

The Lakers had played three games in six days but managed to stay undefeated with a 5-0 record to remain atop the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) standings.

“Three games in three days; my body will be sore tomorrow, but it was a lot of fun,” said Frank Coyle, Lakers rookie defenceman.

He was not dressed on Thursday but played Friday night for the Sr. B Ennismore James Gang. He made his MSL debut and he scored his first career goal.

“I got sent out for one offensive shift,” explained Coyle. “I set an off-ball pick for (Austin) Hasen and turned around and Taite (Cattoni) had thrown me the ball. I closed my eyes, threw it at the net and it went in.”

The Lakers were missing several of veterans to prior commitments and had several call-ups in Owen Sound (Curtis Ward, Seven Gillingham, Carter Frost, Dylan Lee and Grant Ramsey). Several regulars returned for Sunday’s game, making Nate Sage the only Jr. A call-up in the lineup. Sage scored his first two MSL goals with one assist. 

The Lakers had a 7-5 lead after the second period before Owen Sound roared back to start the third with a five-goal run. The Lakers rallied and ended the game with a six-goal run of their own. Hasen, Mike Robinson, Brad McCulley, Carter Page and Curtis Ward each had two goals.

It was a low-scoring affair until the Lakers, leading 6-4, broke the dam open in the third period, once again scoring six goals in the final frame on Sunday. McCulley, Page, Koleton Marquis and Sage each scored twice.

Drew Hutchison played both games on the weekend, with Nick Rose backing up Saturday and Deacan Knott Sunday. Hutchison made 45 saves on Sunday. 

“He’s a great goalie, he makes a D guy’s job easy,” said Coyle. “You can mess up and rely on him to steal some. It’s pretty easy playing in front of him.”

The Lakers return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre to take on a familiar face in Landon Kells and the Oakville Rock on Thursday. Kells was a former Laker and was traded along with a 2026 first-round pick for veteran goaltender Nick Rose on March 17.

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Peterborough Lakers Scrape Away Win In Tight Contest Over Brampton Excelsiors

The Peterborough Lakers had a close battle with the Brampton Excelsiors but squeezed out a victory, winning 6-5 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The game was a stalemate until almost halfway through the opening period as Austin Hasen scored shorthanded for a 1-0 lead.

“Honestly, all credit to Marquis with that pass there, he put it right on my stick, I didn’t really have to move it,” said Hasen. “Luckily, I got (Brampton goalie Riley Hutchcraft) over the shoulder there on a good one. It’s something you mess around with all the time as a lacrosse player; growing up, you throw a one-handed shot all the time in practice. It was the only shot I could have taken at that point and shorthanded we might as well take a chance on it.”

Brampton tied the game just over seven minutes later but Joe Resetarits, in his first game as a Laker this season, scored to make it 2-1 after the first period.

“Truthfully, we got outplayed tonight on all aspects of the floor,” said Resetarits. “If it wasn’t for Rosey, I don’t think we would have been in that game.”

Lakers goaltender Nick Rose had a goals-against average of 5.5 in the contest.

The second period saw another low-scoring affair, with James Whitford and Thomas Hoggarth scoring for the Excelsiors and Lakers, respectively, to leave the game at 3-2 going into the third.

In the third, both teams traded goals twice, with Hoggarth’s second goal of the game and Mike Robinson’s first. Colton Armstrong in transition, got the game-winning goal after ball movement with Brad McCulley and Matt Gilray.

Brampton had one late goal with 1:43 left to play but could not get the tying score. Peterborough remains perfect with a 3-0 record, atop the Major Series Lacrosse standings.

The Lakers have a busy weekend with a pair of road games. They play the Owen Sound North Stars on Saturday then the Cobourg Kodiaks on Sunday.

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St. Peter's Student Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2025 Steve Montador Bursary

St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) student Lara Cottam has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2025 Steve Montador Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Vince Bierworth of GPHSF (left) with Cottam (right) at SPSS. 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.

“Having first sustained a serious concussion in elementary school, Lara has consistently had to battle the lasting symptoms and reaggravation of the injury while balancing the demands of being a high performing student, athlete and community member” said Nick Beamish, SPSS chair of physical education and athletic director, in a reference letter. “As a student athlete she has been a role model and leader for others. Her peers look up to and respect her, as she is always one of the most dedicated athletes on all of her teams.”

Cottam is planning to attend Queen’s University in Kingston this fall.

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Peterborough Lakers Asking For Donations For Kawartha Food Share For Thursday's Game

With the Peterborough Lakers’ next matchup against the Brampton Excelsiors, the former is asking the public to bring non-perishable items to donate in support of Kawartha Food Share (KFS) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The donations support KFS in distributing it among its 37-member network of food banks. They will be accepted at the doors.

Thursday’s game will feature a special salute to all Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association rep Lakers teams before the game. 

The Lakers are atop the standings with a 2-0 record after back-to-back wins over the Brooklin L.C. and the two-time defending-champion Six Nations Chiefs.

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U11s Win Peterborough Laker Classic; Dedicate Win to Teammate's Late Twin Brother

In dedication to nine-year-old Mark Mose, who passed away on Wednesday, the U11 Peterborough Lakers captured the Laker Classic in his honour at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Ennismore Eagles.

Mose had passed away in his family’s arms and had a progressive genetic condition.

His twin brother Ben was on the winning U11 Lakers team, scoring two goals in the championship in a 6-5 win over the U11 Orangeville Northmen.

“It was incredible,” said Stephanie Mose, Mark and Ben’s mother. “It felt like everyone was behind us and behind Ben the whole time.”

“He scored a few goals in the tournament and every time was an emotional time on the bench,” said Kyle Martin, U11 Lakers head coach. “He played amazing, a true man.”

Photo courtesy of U11 Peterborough Lakers.

The team had struggled early in the three-day tournament, losing their first two games to the Centre Wellington Riverhawks and Nepean Knights. The team bounced back, winning four straight games that ultimately led to a championship.

“We were surprised to move on after two losses and it was a second chance. explained Martin. “The boys changed their game plan and the boys were fired up for that game three.”

Stephanie said Ben had the option not to play this weekend because of their tragedy but he refused to take that offer.

“He told us he wanted to play for Mark,” she explained.

“It’s a true testament of character,” added Martin. “The beauty of lacrosse. It’s the medicine game. It’s something the kid loves and it’s a good outlet for them.

Photo courtesy of U11 Peterborough Lakers.

A day after Mark’s passing, the U11 Lakers paid tribute to him by adding a little extra to their gear.

“There’s a blue ‘MM’ that we put on our helmets,” said Martin. “Mason Crow (Ben’s teammate) spoke up and he said, ‘let’s do this for Mark.’”

When Ben received the championship trophy during the presentation ceremony, his teammates were heard chanting ‘Benny’ to honour both Mose brothers.

“It was pretty incredible. The boys got the rust off the first two games and came together as a group. Everyone bought in,” said Martin.” “It was surreal that we could do it for Mark.”

“It’s nothing short of amazing. It made what we went through last week exactly what we needed. The whole Lakers community behind us felt unreal,” explained Stephanie. “It was incredible in so many ways and it’s just what we needed as a family. Honestly, it really helped us after the first few days that he passed. It felt like everyone was behind us and behind Ben the whole time.”

Mark was a student at St. Martin Catholic Elementary School in Ennismore. He was known for his bright smile and ability to touch the hearts of everyone he encountered. This included family, friends, classmates and school staff.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Nisbett Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Northview Community Church. Interment to follow the service at Rosemount Memorial Gardens.

At the family’s request, donations can be made to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada or the Make-A-Wish Foundation Canada.

The public can also purchase raffle tickets from the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, with all proceeds to benefit the Mose family. They can be purchased by emailing djmcphail@ptbolax.com or sending a direct message to the U11 Lakers Instagram page.

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Peterborough Petes Sign 2025 Third-Round Pick to OHL Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed their 2025 third-round pick, Gerry DiCunzolo, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re very excited to announce that Gerry DiCunzolo has signed with the Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. . “He had a very strong season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s last year and caught the attention of our scouts. He showed very well at development camp earlier in May and we’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at training camp later this year.”

The Buffalo, N.Y. forward was originally selected by the Petes 61st overall, in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The left-handed centreman played 62 games for Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15O last season, leading the team in scoring with 57 goals and 90 assists for 147 points. He also played in four games with Shattuck at the USA 15-only National Championships, leading his team in scoring with three goals and three assists for six points.

“It feels amazing to sign with the Petes,” said DiCunzolo. “It’s a dream come true to advance to the next level and be a part of such an amazing organization like the Petes. I’m looking forward to getting started and making an impact.”

In the official 2025 OHL Draft Guide, OHL Director of Hockey Development Darrell Woodley wrote the following:

“Gerry is a highly skilled centre that the puck seems to follow around the ice when he is out there. He is a very good skater with the ability to change gears in full flight and has that top gear that many players just don’t have. He plays the game at a high pace and has the ability to make highly skilled plays while moving his feet and constantly putting pressure on the opposition,” said Darrell Woodley, OHL director of hockey development. “Although he isn’t the biggest player, he rarely backs down or turns away from going into the high-traffic/contact areas. He is an exceptional playmaker and sees the play developing well before most others do. Gerry has all the talent and skill to be a very dynamic player at the next level.”

In the 2022-23 season, DiCunzolo was coached by former Pete and Buffalo Sabre Patrick Kaleta while playing for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 13U.

This signing makes DiCunzolo the first player from the Petes 2025 draft class to sign an OHL Standard Player Agreement.

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