The Always-Improving Peterborough Pete Brennan Faulkner Gets Playoff Run To Finish OHL Career

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Peterborough Petes forward Brennan Faulkner, fresh off a second consecutive Norm Bryan Award for most improved player, is set for his first and only playoff run with the team, starting Thursday.

Faulkner had 23 goals and 3 assists more than last season to earn his second Norm Bryan Award. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Faulkner was honoured at the Petes year-end banquet at the Venue on Tuesday night. Including his second Norm Bryan Award, he was presented a gift from the Petes as a graduating overage player. He was kept along with James Petrovski and Matthew Soto as the three eligible 20-year-old overage players an Ontario Hockey League team can roster.

“You put the work in when nobody's looking so when you get the recognition, it's something to be proud of,” explained Faulkner. “I'm doing the same thing this summer: I'm going to get bigger, stronger and try to build my confidence. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've had here and the trust they put into me.”

The London native was drafted sixth overall in the 2022 U18 OHL Priority Selection by the Petes. In his first season with Peterborough in 2023-24, he registered six assists in 64 games. The following year, he had six goals and 17 assists in 65 games, earning him his first Norm Bryan Award. He was awarded the same honour on Tuesday night after skyrocketing his numbers to 29 goals and 20 assists in 68 games; he and Matthew Soto were the only Petes to suit up in all their regular-season games. Faulkner spent his entire OHL career with the Petes.

“When they tell you it goes by quick, you don't think of it as you do now,” he explained. “I'll definitely be back here to see the boys. That's definitely something I'll miss for sure: coming to the rink every day, seeing the guys, being with them, being around them and I'll definitely be back for sure.”

Last summer, Faulkner said he trained diligently throughout the off-season to make a bigger impact in his final year with the Petes.

“Every year, you're hoping to get bigger and stronger but also build your confidence,” he explained. “I'd build my strength and most importantly, my confidence. I think shooting the puck more was a big thing I needed to add to my game so this year, I worked on that and it helped me.”

After graduating from the Petes, Faulkner has committed to Robert Morris University to play for the Colonials in Pittsburgh, Penn. He plans to study in the Teaching in Higher Education program and wants to pursue a career in education if he cannot attain one in hockey.

“I've been around teaching my whole life,” said Faulkner. “My mom's a teacher, my neighbour's a teacher so that's what I'm going to pursue if hockey doesn't work out.”

After Peterborough’s OHL Championship season in 2022-23, the Petes failed to make the playoffs until this year. This season marks Faulkner’s first and only opportunity to play in the OHL postseason.

Regardless of the outcome, Faulkner says 100 per cent that Peterborough is his home away from home.

“It's a place you can call home. It's an organization that does a lot of things top-notch so I was very grateful to be selected by Peterborough and be able to play my whole career here,” he said. “I couldn't have asked for a better organization and people to be around for the past three years and I'm just happy I was able to call it home for the rest of my life.”

The Petes open their first-round series at home against the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Petes Defenceman's Fundraiser Collaboration With Milk + Tea Exceeds Expectations and Gets Over 120 Meals to Those In Need

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Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette and his community initiative, Marentette’s Mission, in collaboration with Milk + Tea’s Brewing Confidence, was a major success that will feed over 120 individuals.

Kathy Song, Milk + Tea co-owner (left); Thanasi Marentette, Petes defenceman and Phillip Cho, Milk + Tea co-owner (right) at the bubble tea establishment, located on George Street in Downtown Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The initiative donated a portion of the proceeds from select baked goods and specialty items to feed anyone in need, including ham and cheese sandwiches, fresh bagels, hearty chicken noodle and lentil soup, hot coffee and tea and cookies.

Selected goods sold included sourdough bagels, cinnamon rolls, cookies and bubble tea kits. The campaign goal was not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of both organizations and their shared mission to support underprivileged individuals and families.

Meals will be served and distributed in partnership with Street Level Advocacy of Peterborough.

“This partnership was a huge success,” said Marentette. “The support from the community has been incredible, and it’s allowed us to turn this fundraiser into something tangible, providing real meals and real support to people who need it most. I am confident this will become an annual event.”

In addition to supporting Marentette’s Mission, the fundraiser also contributed to Milk + Tea Shop’s ongoing commitment to inclusive employment. The business continues to provide training and job opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome and individuals with disabilities.

“We’re extremely grateful for the response from the community,” said Philip Cho, Milk + Tea co-owner . “This partnership allowed us to give back in a meaningful way while continuing to invest in inclusive programs that are central to our mission.”

Following the success of this collaboration, Marentette’s Mission is actively exploring additional partnerships and initiatives to further its goal of uplifting the local community.

The Petes open their first-round series at home against the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Commemorate Staff and Players At Annual Year-End Ceremony Before 2025-26 Playoff Push

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As the Peterborough Petes’ 2025-26 regular season finishes and playoffs begining Thursday, the organization held its annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday night.

Easton Rye, Petes goaltender (left) being awarded the Petes Executive Trophy for most valuable player as voted by teammates by Dave Lorentz, team president (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Rob Wilson, head coach; Dave Lorentz, team president; and captain Carson Cameron made speeches. They recognized teammates, staff, and several others for their support of the organization throughout the season.

The following awards were presented:

  • Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Kieron Walton (48 assists)

  • Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Gerry DiCunzolo

  • Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Adam Novotný

  • Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Matthew Perreault

  • Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Dave “Beamer” Beamish

  • Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Easton Rye

  • Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedication to team) – Aiden Young

  • Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Kieron Walton (40 goals)

  • Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Brennan Faulkner

  • Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Carson Cameron

  • Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Kieron Walton (88 points)

  • Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Thanasi Marentette

  • Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Easton Rye

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association presented gifts to the graduating and overage players:

  • Brody Partridge

  • Garrett Frazer

  • Brett Hammond

  • Grayden Strohack

  • Kieron Walton

  • Braydon McCallum

  • Easton Rye

  • Matthew Soto (OA)

  • James Petrovski (OA)

  • Brennan Faulkner (OA)

The first round playoff schedule against North Bay is as follows:

  • Game 1 - Thursday, March 26 @ Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 2 - Friday, March 27 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 3 - Sunday, March 29 @ Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens (BLMG) - 2:05 p.m.

  • Game 4 - Tuesday, March 31 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 5 - Thursday, April 2 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.* - (*if necessary)

  • Game 6 - Saturday, April 4 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.*

  • Game 7 - Monday, April 6 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.*

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Fleming Phoenix Loggersports Athletes Claim Two National Titles

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Fleming College is celebrating its performance at the 40th Annual Rick Russell Loggersports Competition as the Phoenix Women’s ‘A’ and Men’s ‘A’  Loggersports teams claimed national titles at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This is the first time Fleming has accomplished this feat since the Loggersports program began in 1974.

“This is a momentous occasion for our entire Fleming community,” said Greg Jefford, Fleming director of student experience and athletics. “Our Women’s and Men’s teams standing on the national podium together reflects the incredible talent and dedication of our athletes, the elite leadership from our coaches, Al Cavers and Darian Carpenter, and the long-standing strength of our Loggersports program at the Frost Campus.”

While the Women’s ‘A’ team successfully defended their National Champion title, the Men’s "A" team reclaimed the top spot they held in 2023-2024.

The Men’s ‘B’ team placed third while the Jack and Jill team — who competed against Men’s teams — was recognized as the top mixed-gender team.  

Women’s ‘A’ team captain Nicole Roy won the Echo Challenge and Hunter Hill of the Men’s ‘A’ team was named the Canadian Intercollegiate Lumberjacking Association Most Valuable Player for earning the highest individual points of any athlete in the league.

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U11 AA Peterborough Petes Derail Undefeated Whitby Wildcats For Lakeshore League Championship

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The U11 AA Peterborough Petes spoiled the Whitby Wildcats’ undefeated season during their best-of-three series, capping off a game three victory, winning 3-2 to capture the Lakeshore League Championship on Wednesday evening.

(From left to right) (Back row) Nash Prentice, Coach Bobby Christie, Jonny Dewhurst, Mason Smith, Brandon Devereaux, Gavin Thomas, Assistant Coach Steve Thomas, Case Hedges, Assistant Coach Jeremy Heffernan, Jack Coveney, Trainer Jeff Taylor and Kaden Grills.

(Middle Row) Oscar Selby, Lucy Christie, Charlie Clements, Jantzen Taylor, Jonah Vogler, Ronan Goselin and Luke Lipscombe.

(Front Row) Nash Bloomfield and Jackson Faught.

(Absent) Assistant Coach Mark Prentice. Photo courtesy of the U11 Peterborough Petes.

The U11 AA Petes had a regular-season record of five wins and three losses for a second-place finish.

The Petes advanced to the finals after inching out a 4-2 win in game three of their series over the Northumberland Hawks in the semifinals on March 10.

Peterborough fell behind early in the final series, being shut out 4-0 by the Wildcats in game one on March 14. The Petes handed Whitby their first two losses in back-to-back games on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.

“This group has shown incredible growth all season,” said Bobby Christie, U11 AA Petes head coach. “Open borders in Ontario Minor Hockey strengthened the league overall, creating stiffer competition and parity across divisions.”

The win gives the Petes the right to compete in the Red Hat OMHA Championship tournament in Whitby from March 27 to 29.

“Their dedication to each other, their work ethic, and their love for the game made this championship possible. I couldn’t be prouder of this team,“ concluded Christie.

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Peterborough Petes Clinch First-Round Home Ice After Weekend Win; Game One Starts Thursday Night at PMC

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The Peterborough Petes clinch home ice for the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday and put the cherry on top with a Sunday night win over the Oshawa Generals.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 38-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Dunford and the Kingston Frontenacs.

The 4-2 Friday win set up a first-round matchup against the North Bay Battalion, as Adam Levac scored an empty net goal late in the third period, putting the dagger in Kingston.

While Peterborough was only playing for Pride against the Generals, the Petes called up three players ahead of the game: Luka Gelinas, Luis Sturgeon and Brandt Rooyakkers.

Peterborough routed the Generals 7-3 after a five-goal flurry in the first period. Rooyakkers scored on his first shot to mark his first career OHL goal in his Petes debut.

The first round playoff schedule against North Bay is as follows:

  • Game 1 - Thursday, March 26 @ Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 2 - Friday, March 27 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 3 - Sunday, March 29 @ Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens (BLMG) - 2:05 p.m.

  • Game 4 - Tuesday, March 31 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 5 - Thursday, April 2 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.* - (*if necessary)

  • Game 6 - Saturday, April 4 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.*

  • Game 7 - Monday, April 6 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.*

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes or the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday and put the cherry on top with a Sunday night win over the Oshawa Generals. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

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Peterborough Petes's Regular Season Home Finale Is An Overtime Win Over the Barrie Colts

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The Petes’s regular-season home game finale sent the sold-out crowd home happy as they defeated the Barrie Colts, 5-4, in overtime at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 38-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The visitors struck first as Teague Vader just exited the penalty box from a holding call. He immediately got a pass and scored on the breakaway for the period’s only goal.

Peterborough tied the game while on the power play as Braydon McCallum as at the doorstep but was stopped at point-blank range. He got his own rebound and buried it for a 1-1 tie less than two minutes into the period. Barrie responded 68 seconds later to regain their lead but Peterborough hung in with a goal of their own. Aidan Young tried to corral a pass from Brennan Faulker but could not get a handle on it. However, the puck tipped off Young’s stick and into the net for a 2-2 tie game. Peterborough was a man short and Barrie capitalized with a Carter Lowe goal to regain the lead. This was the fourth goal scored within the first 5:30 of the period.

Late in the frame, Peterborough not only scored once but twice. Young scored his second goal with a tip-in on the power play as James Petrovski had his point shot unimpeded and it was a 4-3 Petes lead, their first of the game.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes regular-season home game finale sent the sold-out crowd home happy as they defeated the Barrie Colts, 5-4, in overtime. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

Only one goal occurred in the third period and it was thanks to Eamon Edgar who scored with 3:41 left in regulation and overtime was needed to settle the game.

Keiron Walton took a shot from a high-danger area but was stopped. There was a mad scramble for the puck and Petrovski won that battle with three defenders and the goaltender surrounding him. He fed the puck back to Walton, who capitalized on an out-of-position goalie and scored the walk-off game-winner for a 5-4 Petes overtime win.

The Petes travel to Kingston for one final time this regular season to take on the Frontenacs at the Slush Puppie Place on Friday night.

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Miskin Law Returns As Major Sponsor For Peterborough Lakers 2026 Season

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Miskin Law has returned as a major sponsor of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers ahead of the 2026 season.

(From left to right) Pete Dalliday, Lakers Director of Community Engagement; Daniel Miskin, Miskin Law lawyer; Teddy, Lakers Mascot; Murray Miskin, Miskin Law Lawyer and Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers Chairman of the Board. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Miskin Law has been a long-time supporter of the Lakers, donating to them for several years.

Their commitment to the team and the Peterborough community helps ensure the continued success and growth of the Lakers brand, according to Pete Dalliday, Lakers Director of Community Engagement.

“We’re proud to have Murray, Daniel, and the entire Miskin Law team back with us again,” he said. “They’ve been incredible supporters of the Lakers for years, and partnerships like this make a real difference in what we’re building here.”

@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 begin their 2026 season with a home opener against the Six Nations Chiefs on May 21 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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U13 AA Peterborough Petes End Undefeated Season With Lakeshore League Championship; Win Punches Ticket to OMHA Championship

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The U13 AA Peterborough Petes capped off their undefeated season and punched their ticket to the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Championship after winning the Lakeshore League Championship at the Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the U13 Peterborough Petes.

“ (This was) a victory built on a group of players who fully bought into our system from day one,” said Mark MacDonell, Petes U13 AA head coach. “Their commitment shows every single practice by demonstrating relentless effort, attention to detail, and a drive to get better that carries straight into how they compete on game day.”

The team capped their regular season by going undefeated with eight wins (two in overtime). The Petes opened their season with a 4-0 win over the North Durham Warriors on Feb. 8, then beat the Quinte West Hawks, 2-1, two days later. A Valentine’s Day date with the Kingston Canadians saw Peterborough win convincingly, 5-1. On the second game of a back-to-back, the Petes defeated the Oshawa Generals, 4-1.

Peterborough had a six-day rest before taking down the Hawks a second time, 5-2. The next day, the Petes beat Kingston again, 3-2. The team had two consecutive days of games to start off March and closed their regular season with a pair of wins, 6-0 over the Warriors and 3-2 over the Generals.

The eight-game winning streak earned the Petes a spot in the semifinals against the Whitby Wildcats. The latter swept the best-of-three series with a 1-0 win on March 4 and a 4-2 victory on March 7.

Peterborough met their rival, the Oshawa Generals, in the finals in another best-of-three series. Peterborough won game one, 3-1 at the Healthy Planet Arena on Friday, before capping off the perfect season with a 3-2 win on Monday night.

“What makes this team truly special is how tightly connected they are; they play for each other, push each other and support each other like brothers,” said MacDonnell. “Our coaching staff poured everything into helping these players grow and their dedication set the tone for the culture we built together.”

The win qualifies the Petes to participate in the OMHA Championship in Whitby from March 27 to 29.

“As their coach, watching this group grow into champions, both in skill and in character, has been something I’ll never forget,” concluded MacDonnell.

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Peterborough Petes Season Ticket Holders Can Win Big In '100 Days of Giveaways' Promotion

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The Peterborough Petes’ annual 100 Days of Giveaways promotion returns, as Season Ticket Members who put a deposit down on their 2026-27 tickets will be entered into a daily draw from local partners, which starts Tuesday.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 37-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Tim Austen and the Ottawa 67’s.

Fans who have already put down a deposit for 2026-27 season tickets will be entered into every draw. Any deposit made after Tuesday will be entered into the draw on the date the deposit is received. Season Ticket Members who qualify for 100 Days of Giveaways can win an unlimited number of times over the duration of the Campaign.

Over $20,000 worth of prizes have been provided by Booster Juice, Riley’s, The Keg, Rawscoe’s Sport Collectibles, Flow Spa, Kawartha TV & Stereo, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Boston Pizza, and more.

Until June 23, a winner will be selected and posted on the Petes X account and Facebook page. They will also be contacted over email by a member of the Petes sales team.

Season Ticket Members have the option to pay in full up front or make a non-refundable deposit as low as $150 per seat to reserve their tickets, then pay the remaining balance by the final payment deadline of July 31. The deadline to renew current season tickets is June 9, after which seats will be released to the general public.

The Petes have their final home game of the season this Thursday against the Barrie Colts. Puck drop is 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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