Peterborough Jr. A Lakers Release Home Schedule; Home Opener On May 22 Against League's Newest Team

The Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers will welcome new faces to the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League as they have released their home schedule, with opening night against the newest franchise Elora Hawks, on May 22.

Photo courtesy of Cade Dunford and the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers.

The Hawks were granted ‘A’ status this year after competing in the Jr. B ranks since 1987.

All nine home games are set for 8 p.m at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Head coach Robert Hope says the home opener provides an opportunity to set the tone for the season in front of the hometown crowd.

“Opening night always brings a different intensity,” he explained. “It’s the first opportunity to see how everything comes together; the preparation, the pace of the league, the matchups. There’s a real energy around a new season, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

Peterborough enters the 2026 season after finishing fifth in the standings with a 12-8 record last year. They swept the Six Nations Arrows in the first round of the playoffs but fell to the eventual league champion Orangeville Northmen in the semifinals in six games.

Hope says last season’s playoff run gave the group valuable experience that can carry into the year ahead.

“We learned a lot about our group during that playoff run,” he said. To get through the first round the way we did and then push Orangeville in the semifinals showed what this team is capable of. The goal now is to take that next step.”

The Lakers’ head coach emphasized that preparation and staying consistent will be key to success as the team gears up for another competitive OJLL season.

“This league is tough every night and there’s not an easy opponent on the schedule,” said Hope. “We need to be prepared to play a full 60 minutes each game and be ready for whatever comes at us throughout the season.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers will welcome new faces to the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League as they have released their home schedule, with opening night against the newest franchise Elora Hawks, on May 22. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Lakers’ 2026 home schedule is as follows:

• Friday, May 22 vs. Elora Hawks – 8 p.m.

• Friday, May 29 vs. Oakville Buzz – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 1 vs. Kitchener-Waterloo LC – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 15 vs. Mimico Mountaineers – 8 p.m.

• Thursday, June 18 vs. Brampton Excelsiors – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 22 vs. Whitby Warriors – 8 p.m.

• Friday, June 26 vs. Orangeville Northmen – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 29 vs. Six Nations Arrows – 8 p.m.

• Monday, July 6 vs. Toronto Beaches – 8 p.m.

The Lakers begin their season the night before their home opener, on May 21 in Toronto.

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Peterborough Petes Get Two Points After a Pair of Weekend Road Games

The Peterborough Petes earned two points after a pair of road games against the Niagara IceDogs and Ottawa 67’s.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 36-23-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of the Niagara IceDogs.

The Petes were in St. Catharines for the final time this season to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Friday night. The visitors won, 4-1, sweeping the season series 4-0.

Brennan Faulkner scored two shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill and added an assist. He is the seventh Pete in franchise history to score two shorthanded goals in a game. Matthew Perreault and Adam Novotny also scored, with Adam Levac and Matthew Soto each getting an assist. Easton Rye stopped 34 of 35 shots for his 35th win.

The Petes went to the nation’s capital on Sunday to take on the Ottawa 67’s. They erased a two-goal deficit early but fell behind again, failing to catch up a second time and lost 6-3.

Yanis Lutz led the Petes with two goals, while Aiden Young also scored. Kieron Walton and James Petrovski had two assists each and Calum Hartnell had a helper.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes earned two points on a two-game road trip. Defeating the Niagara IceDogs but falling to the Ottawa 67’s. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes return home to take on their heated rival, the Oshawa Generals, on Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for their Big Brothers Big Sisters game.

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Peterborough Petes Win Goalie Battle With 1-0 Overtime Win Over Ottawa 67's

In a low-scoring affair, the Peterborough Petes escaped the Peterborough Memorial Centre with a 1-0 overtime win over their East Division rival, Ottawa 67’s, in front of a sold-out crowd on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 35-22-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes wore their winning design for the annual RCSS CHL Jersey Contest during the game. Designed by Lochlan Pherrill, they were being auctioned off online with all proceeds in support of the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. To date, the Real Canadian Superstore jersey contests have collectively raised over $864,900 to help feed one million kids each year. The auction runs until Sunday at 8 p.m.

Petes goaltender, Easton Rye, stopped all 38 shots, while 67’s netminder, Jaeden Nelson, made 25 saves before having to settle things in overtime.

The Petes broke out of their own zone as Petes captain Carson Cameron gained the offensive zone on the rush. He made a centring pass to Brennan Faulkner who found the back of the net off a tip-in and scored the game’s only goal for a 1-0 win over Ottawa.

ON REPEAT 🔁 https://t.co/Q5CemJ6j8y pic.twitter.com/MZIPKDZBXv

— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 6, 2026

Rye recorded his third shutout of the season with 41 saves, the most in a shutout this season. He recorded his league-leading 34th win of the season.

Faulkner’s lone goal was assisted by Cameron and Aiden Young.

The Petes hit St. Catharines to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Friday with puck drop at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Centre.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes defeat the Ottawa 67’s in a low-scoring affair, 1-0, in overtime. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

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Rebecca van Staalduinen Named Head Coach of Excalibur Women’s Volleyball

Director of Athletics and Recreation at Trent University Nathan McFadden announced the appointment of Rebecca van Staalduinen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women's volleyball program. 

Photo courtesy of trent university.

A longtime member of the program, van Staalduinen becomes the first female head coach in the history of Trent women's volleyball. Van Staalduinen '10 (Champlain College) brings more than a decade of experience with the Excalibur to her new role. After completing 10 seasons as associate coach, she begins her 11th season with the program as head coach.

A graduate of Trent's Biology program with a specialization in Health Sciences, she has been a dedicated contributor to Excalibur volleyball both on the court as a student-athlete, and on the sidelines as a coach. 

"Rebecca's commitment to Trent women's volleyball and her passion for our student-athletes and their holistic development make her an outstanding choice to lead our women's program," said McFadden. "Her experience as both a student-athlete and coach at Trent gives her a deep understanding of our values and how we want to continue to build a successful program." 

Van Staalduinen first joined the Excalibur coaching staff during the 2014–15 season and has played a key role in the program's growth and development ever since. 

"I've been part of this program since 2010; as a student-athlete, an alum, and an assistant coach, and it has shaped who I am," said van Staalduinen. "I'm honoured to now step into the role of Head Coach, building on the strong foundation Colin has established over the past three seasons while continuing to move the program forward. This program means a great deal to me, and I'm excited about the future and the opportunity to continue growing it alongside our student-athletes and staff." 

Prior to her coaching career, van Staalduinen enjoyed a decorated playing career. She competed for one season at Fleming College, where she earned National Scholar recognition, before continuing her career with the Excalibur at Trent. During her four seasons as a student-athlete, she was named an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association First Team All-Star twice and a Second Team All-Star once. She helped lead Trent to an OCAA bronze medal in the 2013 to 2014 season and was named an OCAA Championship All-Star. Van Staalduinen was also a two-time team MVP and represented the program at the OCAA All-Star Game on three occasions. 

Her development as a coach has also included national-level training opportunities. In 2022 to 20223, van Staalduinen was selected to participate in the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, an initiative designed to increase the number of women in coaching roles across Canadian universities by pairing developing coaches with experienced mentors.

As part of the transition, former head coach Colin Walker will remain with the program in a mentorship and senior advisory capacity with the women's team while continuing in his role as head coach of the men's volleyball program.

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Fleming Phoenix Rookie Student Athlete Receives Provincial Recognition

Fleming Phoenix’s Nathan Walters-Sundararajah of the varsity men’s basketball team was named a member of the Men’s Basketball East Division All-Rookie team by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) last Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

He was one of five student-athletes to receive the honour.

Walters-Sundararajah is from Toronto and is in Fleming’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician program. In his first season with the Phoenix, Walters-Sundararajah logged 245 minutes of playing time in 16 games this season, earning six starts and 128 points over the course of the season.

According to Fleming, Walters-Sundararajah’s coaches rave about his immediate impact on the court, getting the ball up the floor quickly and drawing attention from the defence with his ability to get to the key. He also has an innate ability to draw fouls and create opportunities for his teammates.

Walters-Sundararajah’s efforts helped the Phoenix men’s basketball team secure a playoff spot this season.

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Peterborough Petes Round One Playoff Tickets On Sale

With the Peterborough Petes returning to the playoffs since their OHL Championship in the 2022-23 season, single-game tickets for the first round of the playoffs are on sale.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 34-22-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Charles Warburton and the Brampton Steelheads.

They are available on Ticketmaster as game dates and times will be confirmed playoff seeding is determined.

Single-game home tickets can be purchased by clicking online, at the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office or by calling 705-743-3561. Playoff packages are also available through the Petes Account Manager.

Petes Season Ticket Members have until March 20 at 10 a.m. to reserve their seats for the 2026 OHL Playoffs.

Season Ticket Members who need assistance setting up their Account Manager can attend the drop-in sessions below at the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s North Lobby (near Gate 1):

• Tuesday, March 10 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 11 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Petes return home for their Thursday game against the Ottawa 67’s with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Telus Cup Single Tickets Now On Sale

The TELUS Cup is running from April 20 to April 26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, with single tickets on sale.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Featuring the top six U18 men’s club teams from across Canada, the TELUS Cup is a national tournament that will bring elite competition and fast-paced action.

Single-game tickets are available at tiered pricing, with ticket costs increasing as the TELUS Cup progresses. Fans are encouraged to purchase early to take advantage of lower prices during the tournament’s preliminary round, with premium pricing in place for playoff games and the championship final. 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting memorialcentre.ca. Group and family packages are available. 

“This tournament is expected to draw some of Canada’s best athletes, their families and hockey fans to Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would encourage everyone to grab a ticket for the TELUS Cup to make sure they don’t miss a moment of action as some of the nation’s best players take to the ice right here in Peterborough.”

The City of Peterborough is receiving support from the Government of Ontario through the Sport Hosting Program to help bring the TELUS Cup back to Ontario for the first time in seven years.

“Our government is proud to support the TELUS Cup through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport. “This event gives our athletes a chance to compete on a national stage right here at home, while boosting tourism and supporting local businesses in Peterborough. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and everyone involved in bringing this exciting event back to our province.” 

The full TELUS Cup schedule can be found at memorialcentre.ca.  

School packages for the TELUS Cup are also available. Tickets for school packages are $5 per seat, per game.  Educators can contact the Memorial Centre box office at 705-745-3561 or email MemCentre@peterborough.ca for more information on school packages.

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Trent University's Second-Annual 'Curl with Cathy Funspiel' Raises Over $12,000 Student-Athlete Support

The second-annual ‘Curl with Cathy Funspiel’ raised over $12,000 Peterborough in financial support for Trent University Excalibur student-athletes at the Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

Dr. Cathy Bruce (far left) with Trent Students and faculty during the second-annual Curl with Cathy Funspiel. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Hosted by Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, the event offered a day of curling and camaraderie to raise support for Trent's Green & White Athletic Financial Awards. 

“I want to thank everyone for taking part and for supporting this important cause. The generosity helps student athletes’ balance academics, training, competition and life beyond sport,” said Bruce. “To date, the fund has benefited over 450 Trent student-athletes, helping remove barriers, open doors and create opportunities for students to thrive at Trent. The impact of this support is also reflected in the success we continue to see across Excalibur Athletics.” 

This year’s event featured two sold-out draws, with more than 60 participants taking to the ice. Through event registrations, sponsorships and a silent auction, the 2026 Funspiel exceeded the fundraising target for the year and nearly doubled the inaugural year’s fundraising total of $7,000. 

“I want to thank President Bruce for her leadership and for once again championing this event in support of our student-athletes,” said Nathan McFadden, director, Trent Athletics & Recreation. “Her commitment to the Green & White Scholarship Fund continues to make a meaningful difference and is helping us reach new levels of success, both on our respective fields of play and in the classroom. It was special to see the Peterborough Golf and Country Club filled for the second annual Funspiel, which speaks volumes about the strength of our Trent community and the belief our supporters have in Excalibur student-athletes.”  

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Peterborough Petes Split Games On Weekend Michigan Road Trip

The Peterborough Petes earned two points in their two-game road trip in Michigan over the weekend.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 34-22-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Eric Young of Dream Bigger Media.

The Peterborough Petes started the second game of a three-game road trip against the Saginaw Spirit at the Dow Event Center on Saturday. Despite the Petes outshooting the Spirit 49-25, Saginaw scored four unanswered in the third period for a 5-2 win.

Brennan Faulkner and Matthew Soto scored for Peterborough, while Adam Novotný, Adam Levac, Kieron Walton and Brody Partridge each picked up an assist.

Peterborough hit the final leg of the trip against the Flint Firebirds on Sunday. The Petes took the lead in the third period, with Novotný scoring a late empty net goal to seal the 4-2 win.

Easton Rye stopped 32 shots for his league-leading 33rd win of the season. Aiden Young and Matthew Perrault had two helpers. Yanis Lutz, Carson Cameron, Brennan Faulkner and Novotný all scored. Matthew Soto and Adam Levac also tallied an assist.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes earned two points in their two-game road trip in Michigan over the weekend. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes return home for their Thursday game against the Ottawa 67’s with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Earn a Point In Comeback Bid But Fall Short in Shootout to Windsor Spitfires

The Peterborough Petes made a valiant effort in a comeback but ultimately lost to the Windsor Spitfires in a 4-3 shootout loss at the WFCU Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 33-21-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Isabella Ruccolo and the Windsor Spitfires.

The first period went well for the home team as the Windsor Spitfires put up two goals thanks to Jakub Fibigr and New York Rangers prospect Liam Greentree to lead 2-0 after the first period.

Peterborough found their footing as just nearly five minutes into the period, Kieron Walton scored as he was all alone point-blank to cut the deficit in half. Calum Hartnell tied the game for the Petes just under four minutes alter with a wrist shot from the centre point for a 2-2 game. Greentree struck again for Windsor over halfway through the period to restore Windsor’s lead to 3-2 going into the final frame.

Only one goal was scored but it belonged to Peterborough on the power play. Aidan Young wristed one but it was saved. The puck was loose and both scrambled for it. Matthew Soto jammed away at the puck and it found its way through the net for a tie game for an eventual overtime.

With three-on-three overtime solving nothing, the game had to be decided in a shootout. Greentree scored the lone goal for Windsor to pick up the victory and knock off Peterborough’s comeback bid.

The following were the shootout results:

• PBO - Leon Kolarik (No Goal)

• WSR - Liam Greentree (Goal)

• PBO - Kieron Walton (No Goal)

• WSR - Ethan Belchetz (No Goal)

• PBO - Adam Novotný (No Goal)

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes made a valiant effort in a comeback but ultimately lost to the Windsor Spitfires in a 4-3 shootout loss. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes continue their three-game road trip as they head to Saginaw to take on the Spirit at the Dow Event Center at 7:05 p.m. this Saturday.

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