Peterborough Lakers Unveil Season Schedule; Home Opener On May 21 Against Six Nations Chiefs

The Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season is set for the Peterborough Lakers as they have unveiled their schedule for 2026, with May 21 as the home opener against the Six Nations Chiefs, announced at the Peterborough & District Hall of Fame on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement; Teddy, Lakers mascot and Ted Higgins, Lakers Board of Directors president banging the drum for a “Go, Lakers, Go!” chant. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This season has 18 regular-season games, with nine home and nine away, playing each of the other six MSL teams three times.

The MSL announced that this year’s first round of the playoffs is a best-of-five series but the finals remain a best-of-seven.

All Lakers’ home games are on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC). Event nights such as Country Night, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Night and Canada Day are returning for this year.

“Our players love performing in front of this community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “When the building is full and loud, it’s a special place to play. We’re ready to give the fans something to cheer about all summer. We want every night at the PMC to feel like an event. We’ve got some fun surprises and some new exciting theme nights coming and we can’t wait to share them with our fans.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax have unveiled their schedule for 2026 with May 21 as the home opener against the six Nations Chiefs. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ Sport - Syafeea library

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

• May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

• June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

• June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

• July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

• July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Postseason-Bound Peterborough Petes Notch Pair of Weekend Wins

The Peterborough Petes have punched their ticket to the postseason since their 2023 OHL Championship run and recorded two weekend victories over the Brampton Steelheads and Brantford Bulldogs.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 33-21-1-2 record and have clinched a postseason berth. Photo courtesy of Charles Warburtonand the BRampton Steelheads.

In their final matchup of the season, Peterborough defeated Brampton, 4-1, which included two empty-net goals at the CAA Centre on Friday night.

Kieron Walton led the Petes with a goal and two assists. Adam Novotný scored and had an assist while Brennan Faulkner notched two helpers. Matthew Soto and Aiden Young scored, with James Petrovski and Francis Parish each getting an assist. Easton Rye stopped 34 of 35 for his 31st win of the season.

Peterborough officially clinched a postseason berth after Brampton lost to Owen Sound Attack, 5-0, on Saturday night.

The Petes returned home and won a nail-biter against the first-place Brantford Bulldogs in a 4-3 overtime win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The game was Peterborough’s annual Talk Today Mental Health Awareness game in partnership with CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge.

Faulkner tied the game with 48 seconds remaining and Novotný scored his second of the game and 30th of the season in overtime to give the Petes a 4-3 win.

Petrovski and Walton each had two assists. Matthew Soto recorded his 200th career OHL point, scoring his 17th goal of the season. Faulkner scored his 20th goal with Young getting an assist. Easton Rye stopped 30 of 33 for his league-leading 32nd win.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes are playoff bound and notched two weekend wins after victories over the Brampton Steelheards and Branftford Bulldogs. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes play a rare Thursday road game when they travel to Windsor to take on the Spitfires for 7:05 p.m. at the WFCU Centre.

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Eligible Liquor Licensees Can Sell Alcohol As Early As 6 A.M. For Final Day of 2026 Winter Olympics This Sunday

For the final day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved a temporary extension of liquor sale and service hours across Ontario on Sunday.

PTBOCanada Video Screenshot.

Eligible liquor sales licensees may begin selling and serving alcohol at 6 a.m. The standard closing time of 2 a.m. remains unchanged.

The extension applies only to indoor licensed areas, not to outdoor licensed areas such as patios, etc.

The gold medal game for men’s hockey between Canada and the USA starts at 8:10 a.m. EST on Sunday.

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PHOTOS: Special Olympics Athletes Have a Ball At TASSS's Regional Bocce Tournament

Over 100 athletes gathered to compete at the regional Special Olympics Bocce Tournament at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) on Friday.

Crestwood student Sarah Craig, 15 (left), is being aided by Liisa Black (right) as the former slides her ball at the Special Olympics Bocce Tournament. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

There were 22 teams from Peterborough and the Kawarthas that competed at the event. Schools included St. Peter CSS, Crestwood SS, Kenner CVI, Adam Scott CVI, Norwood DHS, Holy Cross SS, and Thomas A Stewart SS at this year’s tournament.

An opening ceremony was held prior to the tournament, featuring TASSS band Tommy and the Stewarts and a performance from the TASSS Dance Program.

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Peterborough Petes On Losing Side of High-Scoring Third Period Against North Bay

The goals came on both sides but the Peterborough Petes wound up on the losing end in a 5-4 game on annual Indigenous Heritage Night to the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 31-21-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes struck first as Kieran Walton, on a turnaround bid, shot the puck at a sharp angle, and it found its way in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. It stood as the period’s only goal and Peterborough led 1-0.

The second frame was all North Bay as Nick Wellenreiter scored 5:07 into the period and Ryder Carey tacked on a score at 12:35. North Bay had their first lead of the night and it was 2-1 for the visitors heading into the third.

The floodgates opened up as Lirim Amidovski extended the Battalion's lead in just 19 seconds. Peterborough answered less than eight minutes later as Yanis Lutz found the scoresheet, creeping up to the high slot from the point to rip it home for a 3-2 game.

Peterborough tied things up as Grayden Strohack went end-to-end and gave a soft lob at the next. It somehow found its way through the five-hole and the score was 3-3. North Bay responded less than two minutes later and added another late tally to lead 5-3 with 2:21 left in regulation. Adam Novotný brought the Petes within one as he showed off his deking ability, setting up a 5-4 game. Peterborough pulled the goalie for the extra attacker but could not tie the game and the visiting Battalion held on for the 5-4 win.

@ptbo_canada The goals came on both sides but the @Peterborough Petes wound up on the losing end in a 5-4 game on annual Indigenous Heritage Night to the North Bay Battalion. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes play their second game in back-to-back days as they are on the road against the Brampton Steelheads on Friday night.

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns to Millennium Park April 26

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), in partnership with the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), have announced that the Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park for its 10th anniversary April 26.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run, facebook.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of the inception of the run. To mark this milestone, our theme this year is gratitude” said Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych, Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee. “We want to say thank you to the Peterborough community that has supported the run. Thank you to the volunteers and past committee members who have worked to make it happen. And most important, thanks to every runner, walker, donor and sponsor who has shown their support for the mission of the run. More than anything, the Peterborough Butterfly Run is about community. It takes a caring community to have an event reach a milestone like this.”

The run route will remain the same as in previous years, with registration opening at 9 a.m., the 1K Kids Fun Run starting at 10 a.m., 1K Memorial Walk starting at 10:20 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m. The Memorial Walk will remain free as in previous years, with 1km Kids Fun Run registration at $5 and the 5K Run/Walk registration at $45, plus applicable fees. All registrations include a medal and customizable race bib. 5km Run/Walk participants who register before the April 6 deadline will also receive a race shirt and various other items in their race kit.

For those who are unable to join on April 26 but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. Registration is now open through the link.

“It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has made over the past 10 years,” said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director for GPHSF. “This will be my 5th year being part of organizing the event. I have seen so many people in that time take it upon themselves to do whatever they can to support those who have experienced loss in our community. There is no other way we could mark the 10th anniversary of the event then to turn the spotlight on the community that has supported it and say thank you.”

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

Since 2018, 900 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Proceeds will support Bereavement retreats, in partnership with Hospice Peterborough, which began in 2025. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1km Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message, and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

“The Partners in Pregnancy Clinic is deeply grateful for the support items made possible through funds raised by the run,” said Tracy Condon, Social Worker with the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic. “Being able to provide patients with a care package or book that they can turn to between appointments offers meaningful, ongoing support as they navigate their loss.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life (174 Charlotte Street, Peterborough).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To find out more, visit the website or email either Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com. 

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Peterborough Petes Split Friday and Next-Gen Games Over Family Day Weekend

The Peterborough Petes fell to the last-place Oshawa Generals on Friday but rebounded with a shootout win over the Kitchener Rangers during the Next-Gen Family Day game on Monday afternoon.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 31-20-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The last-place Generals won the game by a score of 8-4 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

Leon Kolarik led the Petes with a goal and an assist, giving him eight points in his last four games. Newly signed defenceman Holden Carter grabbed his first OHL point in the loss, picking up two assists in his second career game. Calum Hartnell scored his first OHL goal, while Garrett Frazer and Brett Hammond each scored their first goal as a Pete. Adam Novotny and Aiden Young also had an assist in the game.

Peterborough rebounded, defeating the second-place Rangers in a 3-2 shootout win during their Next-Gen game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The game was in front of the team’s 18th sold-out crowd of the season in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre. 

(From left to right) Nate Smoke, Kaisyn Dyer, Mason Webster and William Webster. The kids had an opportunity to experience the game up close and personal as a part of the Petes staff. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes signed the following Next Gen Staff to one-day contracts:

• Nate Smoke - General Manager

• Mason Webster - Head Coach

• Kaisyn Dyer - PA Announcer

• William Webster - Scout

Adam Novotný had two points with an goal and an assist. Kolarik also scored, extending his goal streak to five games, while Yanis Lutz, Francis Parish and Brennan Faulkner picked up assists. Easton Rye stopped 37 of 39 shots and all three shootout attempts for his league-leading 30th win.

The following were the shootout results:

• PBO - Leon Kolarik (No Goal)

• KIT - Jack Pridham (No Goal)

• PBO - Kieron Walton (Goal)

• KIT - Christian Humphreys (No Goal)

• PBO - Adam Novotný (No Goal)

• KIT - Tanner Lam (No Goal)

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes take down the Kitchener Rangers 3-2 in a shootout on their Next Gen Family Day Game in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes continue their homestand against the North Bay Battalion on Indigenous Heritage Night this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Trounce League-Leading Ottawa 67's In 7-3 Win

The Peterborough Petes can put a feather in their caps as they took down the league-leading Ottawa 67’s in a 7-3 thrashing at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 30-19-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The game started as a low-scoring affair with Ottawa scoring the lone goal of the opening frame thanks to a Nic Sima wrist shot for a 1-0 lead.

The second period is where the floodgates opened for Peterborough’s offense. Adam Novotný was the recipient of a bouncing puck and got it past a sprawling goalie for a tie game just five minutes into the period. Aiden Young struck 40 seconds later, tipping a Matthew Perreault point shot for Peterborough’s first lead of the night. Kieron Walton got on the scoreboard as he dumped the puck but the goaltender mishandled it. Walton tracked the loose puck and scored on a wide-open net for a 3-1 lead.

The goals kept coming as Brennan Faulkner backchecked several 67’s at neutral ice for a turnover. He had a partial breakaway and completed the individual effort for a goal and a 4-1 lead. Ottawa was able to get one back late in the period as their power play subsided, but Peterborough had one more score in them. Young scored his second of the night with a turnaround bid to cap a five-goal period for Peterborough to lead, 5-2, into the final frame.

Walton also got his second goal just past the eight-minute mark. The Pete scored seconds after their power play went from a five-on-three to a five-on-four. Walton wristed it home for a 6-2 game. Ottawa responded two minutes later but Leon Kolarik added a late tally to solidify the game for a 7-3 win.

Walton and Novotný had four points each, Aiden Young scored twice and added an assist. Leon Kolarik had a goal and an assist. Easton Rye made 31 saves to get his 29th win of the season which leads the league.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes trounce the league-leading Ottawa 67’s, 7-3, to give them their fourth consecutive win. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes add another chapter to their storied rivalry as they face the last-place Oshawa Generals for Friday Night Faceoff. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Tribute Communities Centre.

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Peterborough Swim Club Makes a Splash at Huronia Region Short Course Championships

The Peterborough Swim Club delivered high-ranking performances at the 2026 Huronia Region Short Course Championships in Orangeville from Feb. 5 to 8, showcasing depth, determination and competitive excellence against the region’s top programs.

photo courtesy of the peterborough swim club.

The championship meet featured approximately 500 qualified swimmers representing 10 clubs from across the Huronia Region. Peterborough Swim Club was represented by 46 athletes qualifying and competing over the course of the multi-day event.

At the conclusion of competition, the club secured a strong fourth place overall finish in team points.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Swim Club.

Individually, several Peterborough swimmers achieved notable success. Benjamin Korkus captured the Individual High Point Award for the 10 Years and Under Male age group, and Sebastian Matamoros added his name to the club record books by setting a new Peterborough Swim Club record in the Men’s 11 to 12 age category for the short course 50-metre butterfly, posting a time of 32.25 seconds.

Across all events, Peterborough swimmers amassed total of 51 medals, including 9 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze.

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Swim Club delivered high-ranking performances at the 2026 Huronia Region Short Course Championships in Orangeville last week! 🏊 #ptbocanada ♬ Everyday Market - Ondo88 & U-star

“The results at the 2026 Huronia Region Short Course Championships highlight the continued growth and success of the Peterborough Swim Club and its athletes, as well as the dedication of its coaching staff and support team,” said the Peterborough Swim Club in a press release.

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Former Peterborough Petes Head Coach Passes Away At Age 64

Former Peterborough Petes head coach Vince Malette passed away peacefully after an ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday.

Facebook, Joana Malette.

He was surrounded by family when he passed away. Malette was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease 11 years ago at the age of 53.

Malette first coached with the Ottawa 67’s from 1994-2006, alongside head coach Brian Kilrea and assistant Bert O’Brien. During that span, he helped the team to a Cup title on home ice in 1999 and an OHL Championship in 2001. He served as head coach of the Petes from 2006-08.

He was a graduate of the CJHL’s Gloucester Rangers and Ottawa Jr. Senators, where he played from 1979 to 1982. He had overseas success as an assistant coach with the Berlin Polar Bears of the DEL from 2010-15, winning league championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

His wife Joana Malotte, made the following statement on her Facebook regarding her husband’s passing:

“My love, I will miss you more than words can say, and a piece of my heart will forever belong to you. Loving you was the greatest gift I was ever given, and I will carry you with me always. I will never forget the joy, laughter, and love you brought into our lives. I love you so much; we love you so much, and you were so deeply loved. Alzheimer's took so much from you, but it can take nothing more. You are free now, free from the disease, and finally at peace. I love you.”

Along with his wife, Malotte leaves behind his daughters Alyssa and Amanda.

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