Trent Excalibur Men's Soccer Start Playoffs Against Ottawa This Wednesday

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As the Trent Excalibur men’s soccer team completed their record-breaking regular season on Sunday, they begin their playoff run on the road to Ottawa to face the Carleton Ravens on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent Excalibur.

This marks Trent’s first playoff appearance in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) playoffs in 14 years.

Trent finished the regular season 6-5-1 for 19 points, setting a new program record for both wins and points in a season (the previous record of five wins and 17 points was set in 2010-11). The Excalibur set both records in their 3-2 victory over Nipissing in North Bay on Saturday

Trent finished the regular season in a three-way tie for fourth place in the OUA East Division but dropped to sixth place due to the tie-breakers. Carleton finished the season in third place in the OUA East Division and are ranked eighth nationally. 

The two teams played once this season, at Carleton on Sept. 26 in a 3-3 draw.

The game will be livestreamed on OUA.tv. 

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A Pair of First-Career Goals For Peterborough Petes Leads Team to 5-2 Win Over Kingston Frontenacs

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Adam Novotný and Kaden McGregor scored their first-career OHL goals to propel the Petes to a 5-2 win over the East-leading Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 3-3-0-1 record. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

It took 44 seconds for the Petes to get on the board as Leon Kolarik won the draw and Colin Fitzgerald took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle. Kolarik pounced on the rebound and scored for a 1-0 lead. Peterborough struck again when Blake Gowan forced a turnover in Kingston’s defensive zone. He took a shot but the puck ended up on Adam Levac’s stick and he buried it for a 2-0 lead.

While Kingston’s Kieren Dervin got one back for Peterborough, Novotný restored the two-goal lead, receiving a slot pass and outwaiting the goaltender to score. His first career OHL goal.

Dervin struck again for the Frontenacs and brought it to within one just over two minutes later to end the period 3-2 in favour of Peterborough.

McGregor, Peterborough’s first-ever number-one overall pick of this year’s Priority Selection, registered his first-career OHL goal by intercepting a defensive zone pass. He sniped it past Kingston goaltender Gavin Betts and scored to make it 4-2, unassisted.

Brennan Faulkner added an empty-net goal late in the third period and the Petes walked away with a 5-2 victory.

The Petes play again Friday as part of a home-and-home series in a rematch with Kingston at the Slush Puppie Place for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Struggle Early Against Brantford Bulldogs On the Road

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The Peterborough Petes allowed the first five goals of the game and could not recover, losing to the Brantford Bulldogs 6-3 at the TD Civic Centre on Friday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 2-3-0-1 record. Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford Bulldogs.

Only one goal came in the first and it came late in the frame. Adam Jiricek scored on the power play and it was 1-0.

The Bulldogs ramped up the offense, scoring three times thanks to Luca Testa, Ryder Boulton and Marek Vanacker. Despite 14 shots on goal through two periods, Peterborough was getting shut out.

Just as Peterborough had an opportunity to get on the board with the man advantage, Jake O'Brien netted a shorthanded goal for the Bulldogs to make it 5-0. Petes forward Adam Novotný took a point shot but David Egorov made the save. It was a fortunate bounce for Gens Ula and he scored on the rebound to break the shutout. It only took 68 seconds for the Bulldogs to respond as Edison Engle responded to restore the five-goal lead.

Late in the period, Peterbrough had a few power play opportunities and saw both Leon Kolarik and Yanis Lutz score to ake it 6-3 but it too late and the Bulldogs easily held on for the 6-3 win.

The Petes play next at home on Thursday to host the Kingston Frontenacs for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Comeback Bid Falls Short In Shootout Loss to Erie Otters

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The Peterborough Petes erased a two-goal deficit but could not complete the comeback in the shootout as they fell to the Erie Otters, 3-2, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 2-2-0-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough PEtes.

The game was also the debut of Kaden McGregor, the Petes' first-overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection. He was playing centre on the team’s third line.

The Otters struck first late in the opening period as the Petes' goaltender, Easton Rye, tried to clear the zone but could not. Callum Hughes scooped it for the Otters and got it to Dylan Edwards for an easy one-timer and a 1-0 lead.

Erie struck again as Tristen Trevino held the zone and passed it to Alex Misiak, alone in the slot. He beat Rye and the Otters had a 2-0 lead. Peterborough had an opportunity to get on the board with the man advantage. Yanis Lutz carried it into the zone and feinted a shot but got it to Matthew Soto who had an easy one-timed tip-in goal for a 2-1 game.

The third period had only one goal and it belonged to the Petes who struck again on the power play. James Petrovski took a slapshot at the point and was padded aside. Caden Taylor got the rebound, shot it and it was saved again. Leon Kolarik got on that rebound and hit the top shelf for a goal and tied the game, 2-2. Petrovski recorded his 100th-career OHL point with the secondary assist.

Regulation ended with overtime and with nothing settled, the game had to be decided in a shootout:

Shootout results:

  • PBO - Caden Taylor (No Goal)

  • ER - Gabriel Frasca (Goal)

  • PBO - Colin Fitzgerald (No Goal)

  • ER - McLean Agrette (Goal)

The Petes are back on the road for a Sept. 20 rematch when they face the Brantford Bulldogs for the OHL’s Friday Night Faceoff. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the TD Civic Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Trade Defenceman to Sudbury Wolves to Reacquire Draft Pick

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The Peterborough Petes have made their first trade since the regular season’s start, reacquiring their fifth-round pick in the 2027 OHL Priority Selection from the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for defenceman Liam Ladds, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough PEtes.

The 2007-born defenceman from Ilderton, was originally selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 88th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He has played in 115 games over two-plus seasons for Peterborough, scoring two goals and adding 15 assists for 17 points.

“With the depth that we have on the back end right now, we’ve had to make a move to free up some space,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “I want to thank Liam for his two years with the Peterborough Petes and wish him all the best as he continues his OHL career in Sudbury.”

The Petes return home for Pride Night on Thursday to take on the Erie Otters. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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54th Head of the Trent Weekend Rowing Its Way For Oct. 3 to 5

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A major university tradition is back as the 54th annual Head of the Trent (HOTT) Weekend takes place from Oct. 3 to 5, featuring world-class rowing, spirited varsity competition, alumni gatherings and family-friendly activities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Head of the Trent is a time-honoured tradition where generations of Trent pride and spirit converge,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “It brings together our alumni, students, and community along the river and across campus to celebrate what makes Trent University so special. It’s an experience unlike any other, and we invite everyone to be part of it.”

The Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, remains the centrepiece of the weekend. Since its inception in 1971 with just 13 boats, the regatta has grown into one of the largest head races in North America, with over 800 boats and 1,400 athletes competing along the five-km course on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

This year, regatta spectators can enjoy premium riverside viewing from the revitalized Founders Walk along the Otonabee River and a licensed area inside and outside of the Ceilie Pub in Trent’s Champlain College. The Peterborough Rowing Club is also providing livestream coverage and commentary available throughout the weekend.

The event pays tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70, who is considered a ‘founding father’ of the rowing community in Peterborough. He led the charge to establish the inaugural Head of the Trent Regatta in 1971 and was a founder of the Trent Rowing Club and Peterborough Rowing Club. The Trent University Rowing Club will sell a commemorative mug featuring one of Leach’s quintessential quotes as part of their annual merchandise sales at Head of the Trent in support of Trent’s renowned rowing program.

With premium rowing, varsity games, alumni gatherings, and family-friendly activities, the Symons Campus has activities for everyone all weekend. Featured activities include:

  • Rowing Recognition: Join the Trent Alumni Rowing Social on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring the christening of a new single rowing shell and a tribute to the late Chris Leach ’70.

  • Alumni Gatherings: Visit the Alumni Welcome Tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the upper Bata Podium to activate your Trent Alumni Perks and enjoy giveaways, family games, and exclusive perks.

  • Family Fun: Bring the kids to the expanded Kid’s Zone Children’s Area (Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Lady Eaton College lawn for play zones, giant games, Bluey & Bingo appearance with The Play Spot Peterborough and animal encounters with Zoo to You. This event is free to attend and brought to you by the Trent University Alumni Association.

  • Food and Refreshment: Enjoy a range of cuisine in the food truck area in the parking lot near Bata Library, or enjoy eats with prime riverfront views at the Ceilie, the only licensed location on campus (no cover, and all ages are welcome).

  • Varsity Competition: Cheer on the Trent Excalibur with a full schedule of varsity games throughout the weekend, including men’s and women’s rugby, volleyball and soccer. Don’t miss Saturday’s pep rally at 11 a.m., led by the Trent Pom Team, designed especially to get Trent fans fired up.

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Peterborough Petes Win Rematch On the Road to Brampton Steelheads

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Just nine days after their last matchup, the Peterborough Petes defeated the Brampton Steelheads again, 4-2, at the CAA Centre on Saturday night.

Caden Taylor after scoring the last goal of the second period. The Petes have 2-2 record after the win. Photo courtesy of Charles Warburton and the Brampton Steelheads.

Peterborough opened the scoring as Francis Parish made a pass to the high slot for Leon Kolarik, who sniped it home for a 1-0 lead.

In the dying seconds of the period, Steelheads defenseman Jakub Fibigr took a point shot and Petes goaltender Eston Rye made the save. There was a rebound and a mad scramble for the puck. Manuel Amado got a whack at it but teammate William Eggleton got the final tip for the goal and tied it up before the period’s end, 1-1.

The Steelheads picked up where they left off, as the Petes struggled to clear the zone. From behind the Petes net, MacGregor Richmond made a backhand pass to Troy Patton out in front. Instead of shooting, he quickly shuffled it to Kieran Witkowski, who had a tap-in goal for a 2-1 lead.

Peterborough responded a few minutes later after a faceoff win in the offensive zone. The puck came back to newly named captain Carson Cameron, who wristed it from the point and found its way through traffic and into the back of the net for a 2-2 tie.

While Peterborough was on the power play, they won a battle behind the net that resulted in the puck on Caden Taylor’s stick. He brought it to the faceoff dot, ripped it and scored for a 3-2 lead to round out the period.

The Petes wanted an insurance tally as Adam Novotný forced a turnover in the neutral zone and got it to Francis Parish late in the period. He got his way to the high slot and despite a defender trying to obstruct him, he sniped the top corner for a 4-2 lead and eventual win.

Easton Rye stopped 30 of 32 shots, picking up his second win of the season for the Petes (both against the Steelheads).

The Petes return home for Pride Night on Thursday to take on the Erie Otters. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Get Hit With Two Empty-Net Goals In Blanking From the Soo Greyhounds

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The Peterborough Petes could not find the back of the net as they were shut out by the Soo Greyhounds, 3-0, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes move to a 1-2 record after the shutout loss by Soo. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough controlled the game offensively in the first period, peppering Soo goaltender Landon Miller with 16 shots while allowing only eight shots on goal. Both Miller and Easton Rye stopped all pucks that period and the game was scoreless after the one.

Things did not change in the second as the Petes saw more offensive opportunities with 17 shots but failed ot register a goal. Soo got more pucks to the net in the second but Rye stopped all 13 shots to keep the game scoreless.

The game’s first goal did not come until 6:15 left in regulation. The Petes tried to clear their own defensive zone but was intercepted by Jordan Charron at neutral ice. He passed it to Tobias Zvolensky at the blue line and ripped it from just outside the faceoff circle, beating Rye for a 1-0 lead. It was Zvolensky’s first career OHL goal.

The Petes pulled Rye with 1:35 left for the extra attacker, but with Marco Mignosa was able to deposit an empty-net goal with exactly one minute left in regulation to make it 2-0. Peterborough persisted with pulling the goalie but Jordan Charron scored 18 seconds later for the 3-0 lead to seal the game.

Rye stopped 27 of 28 shots in the loss and was named the game’s second star.

The Petes are back on the road to take on the Brampton Steelheads this Saturday at 4 p.m. at the CAA Centre.

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Trent Excalibur's Team Bus Gets Makeover With Unveiling of New Wrap

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Trent Athletics & Recreation can kick off the sports season with new threads as it unveiled the wrap for its first-ever Excalibur team bus, put on display on Wednesday.

The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at Trent University. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This is something when I came here from day one, it was certainly right at the top of the list and I told them as such that we'd be working on this and getting it for them,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent University director of Athletics & Recreation.

While the team had a vehicle to transport the athletes for road games, this is the first time in the school’s history that it has had a custom-wrapped bus for away games and championships.

“The unveiling of the Excalibur bus marks a true milestone for our varsity program,” said McFadden. “Our Trent Excalibur bus is more than transportation, it's a symbol of our commitment to the student-athlete experience, to building community, and to proudly showcasing the Excalibur spirit wherever we travel.”

@ptbo_canada Trent Excalibur has unveiled a new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, “Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.” The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at @trentuniversity #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #trentuniversity ♬ Sport Motivation - Eternal Waves

The new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, ‘Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.’

“We very much wanted something that was dynamic and bold; two things hat are important to our program,” explained McFadden. “The 'Defend the River' was something we had student-athletes come up with about a year or so ago and we had used it a little bit in our branding. It was something they gravitated to and we did as well so we went through with that. With the river running through our campus, this is something that ties in for us.”

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Peterborough Petes Name Captains For the 2025-26 Season

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The Peterborough Petes have named their captains for the 2025-26 season, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Third-year defenceman Carson Cameron was named the organization’s 64th captain in franchise history.

 “We’re excited to be able to announce Carson Cameron as the 64th captain of the Peterborough Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Carson has proven to be someone that our players respect both on and off the ice over his two years with the team and we’re very confident in his leadership moving forward.” 

The Bobcaygeon native was originally selected by the Petes in the first round, 13th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In two seasons with the Petes, the 2007-born defenceman has played in 122 games, scoring 11 goals and adding 38 assists for 49 points. 

“It’s a big deal to be named Captain of an organization like the Petes,” said Cameron. “It’s something that I will take full advantage of moving into this year with the guys. The last couple of years have been tough but it’s time to start playing some winning hockey. I’m going to give everything I have this season and I expect nothing less from anyone else on this team.”

In September last year, Cameron was named as a part of the Petes leadership team, wearing an A throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Over the summer, he attended both the Florida Panthers Development Camp and Training Camp.

Cameron is joined by Braydon McCallum and Colin Fitzgerald, who serve as alternate captains at home while Aiden Young and James Petrovski get the As on the road.

The Petes return home to host the Soo Greyhounds for the first and only time this season at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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