Peterborough Curling Club to Host Community Celebration For Local Paralympic Gold Medalist

Dunsford’s Jon Thurston and his gold medal are going to be honoured in a community celebration at the Peterborough Curling Club on April 17 at 6 p.m.

Thurston holding a card made by PCC members prior to his trip to the Winter Paralympics. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Curling Club.

Thurston won a gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics in wheelchair curling on March 14 with teammates Mark Ideson, Ina Forrest, Collinda Joseph and Gilbert Dash.

Since his gold medal, Thurston has already had a community celebration in Dusford. He was also part of the ceremonial puck drop for the Peterborough Petes on March 19.

He trained at the Peterborough Curling Club and Bobcaygeon Curling Club.

This was Thurston’s second medal as he earned bronze at the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games. The Dunsford native has been on the last six world championship teams, earning silver in 2020, 2023, 2024 and bronze last year.

According to the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Thurston suffered a work injury that left him paralyzed in 2008. He was working on a construction site when an unexpected storm caused the building he was in to collapse. During his escape, part of the building collapsed on his back.

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Jack’s Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame 39th-Annual Golf Tournament Tees Off On May 21

The Jack’s 39th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament is set to tee off on May 21 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson, is holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. The auction includes items such as an inflatable paddleboard, an autographed jersey of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year, the tournament is hosting 240 golfers, with spots still available for registration. Entry includes refreshments, lunch, dinner and a live and silent auction.

The proceeds go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and support its bursary for exemplary student-athletes who have just graduated high school and are planning to attend a post-secondary institute the following fall.

“Over the years with the success of the tournament, we've been able to increase our busaries — which we give out to the local high-school athletes — from $500, now we give four at $2,000,” said Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson.

@ptbo_canada The 39th-annual Jack’s Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament has been launched with the event on May 21 at the Quarry Golf Club. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Golf, fresh breeze, positive and strong(1437641) - SK MUSIC

The tournament is in honour of Doug’s father, Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 to the PDSHOF and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.

He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship that year.

Jack also managed the Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.

As the tournament enters its 39th year, Doug continues his father's legacy through the golf event.

“That's one of the reasons down here at the Hall, we put so much effort into our tournament each year,” he explained. “It's not only dad's legacy, it's Bob McGillian's who was the other co-founder of the tournament. We have a trophy in his honour now and it just keeps it going and keeps their memories alive.”

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CMHA HKPR Launches Fourth-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

Time to put the pedal to the metal for the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) as they launched the fourth-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 20.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right), emulating the event's signature photo to mark the launch of the fourth-annual fundraiser. Since 2023, Change the Cycle has now raised over $100,000 for local mental health initiatives. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year, proceeds support CMHA HKPR's unfunded and non‑annualized mental health programs.

“Proceeds this year will be going towards unfunded mental health programs for the CMHA,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “(It’s) All the services that will best support those in the community that need it the most.”

@ptbo_canada The @CMHAHKPR has launched the fourth-annual “Change the Cycle” fundraiser happening Nune 20 at Nicholls Oval. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mentalhealth ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

This year’s goal is to raise at least $25,000. Last year’s event raised $30,537.08; 2024 raised $25,500; and the inaugural event raised over $40,000, all totalling over $100,000 for mental health initiatives.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

New this year is a theme song created by Lindsay-based grunge band, ‘Soup,’ to showcase their hit, ‘Let’s Go For a Ride.’ The band was formed by Lindsay resident Simon Ward, the founder of Strumbellas.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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Pools and Changerooms at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Remain Closed As Boiler System Maintenance Work Continues

The pools and changeroom showers at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre remain closed as maintenance work continues on the facility’s boiler system.

Dignitaries, sports notaries and Fleming College staff in front of the Wellness Centre during its 20th anniversary last summer.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City anticipates that the pools and showers will reopen on April 16, with swimming lessons starting on April 18.   

The gymnasiums and fitness area remain open for regular use.  

The Sport and Wellness Centre is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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Community Care Peterborough's Fifth-Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Tournament Hits the Links On Aug. 10

Registration for the fifth-annual Gary Dalliday Memorial charity golf tournament is open with the event set for Aug. 10 at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club in support of Community Care Peterborough.

Pete (left), Tim (middle) and Krista Dalliday (right) at the second-annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Tournament. Their father passed away in 2018. Photo by David Tuan bui.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation. Last year’s tournament raised $20,000.

The event is named after Gary 'The Diller’ Dalliday for his contributions to the Peterborough community. He was a CHEX-TV sportscaster, the radio voice of the Peterborough Petes and a longtime supporter of local sports. He was an avid volunteer with Community Care Peterborough and its Meals on Wheels program.

Gary’s grandson, Nick Bozec, inspired the event to honour his grandfather’s legacy.

“My father was involved with a number of community causes and Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, in particular, was near and dear to his heart,” said Tim Dalliday. “My Dad would be very proud of the money we’re raising to help seniors stay in their own homes.”

“This tournament is a true reflection of Gary’s legacy of supporting our local community,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “The Dalliday family, our sponsors, and all the golfers are making a difference in the lives of seniors and adults living with disabilities. We are very grateful for their participation and generosity.”

The day begins with a BBQ lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, two meals, prizes, and more—capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony. Golfers can register online.

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Porter Martone's First-Career NHL Goal Is An Overtime Winner

It only took Peterborough’s Porter Martone’s fourth game to score his first career NHL goal and he did it in dramatic fashion, giving the Philadelphia Flyers a 2-1 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the NHL.

The Flyers had a five-on-three advantage in overtime as Martone was playing the bumper spot. Philadelphia did some tic-tac-toe passing with Martone taking the shot but was stopped by Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Peterborough rookie pounced on his own rebound and buried the puck for his first-career NHL goal in walk-off fashion.

At 19 years old, Martone became the second-youngest player in NHL history to have his first goal be an overtime game-winner. His goal marks the first in franchise history that a Flyer had his NHL first goal in overtime and the 38th player to do so overall.

“I just hopped the boards and Dee-vo (Dvorak) fed me a great pass and the puck went in the net. It was an amazing feeling,” explained Martone.

The goal earned Martone the first-star of the game honours as he also had the primary assist on Philadelphia’s first goal, scored by Christian Dvorak.

The Peterborough forward was a member of the Petes U15 AAA team, scoring six goals and 15 assists in 36 games.

He spent most of his OHL career with the Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads and had a brief stint with the Sarnia Sting.

Porter is the son of his father and former NHL player Mike Martone. The latter was known for scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the 1996 OHL Championship against the Guelph Storm.

@ptbo_canada #duet with @NHL #NHL It only took Peterborough’s Porter Martone’s fourth game to score his first career NHL goal and he did it in dramatic fashion, giving the Philadelphia Flyers a 2-1 overtime win over the Boston Bruins. #ptbocanada #journalism #sports ♬ original sound - NHL

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Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Closed Until April 11 for Facility Maintenance

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre pool and change room showers are closed from now until April 11 due to maintenance on the facility’s boiler system.

file photo.

The Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) will maintain its standard operating hours during this period, with the fitness centre and gymnasiums remaining open for their regular use.

For more information on the Sport and Wellness Centre, visit the website.

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Peterborough Petes Season Ends With 5-4 Double Overtime Loss to North Bay Battalion In Game Six

The Petes' season ended in double overtime as they took a 5-4 loss to the North Bay Battalion, resulting in a 4-2 series loss at the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens on Saturday night.

The Petes ended the regular season with a 40-24-1-3 record for third place in the East Division. Photo courtesy of Tom Martineau and the North Bay Battalion.

The Petes opened the scoring as Yanis Lutz forced a turnover at the North Bay blue line. He drew two defenders in then got the puck to Francis Parish. The latter quickly fed a rushing Leon Kolarik who one-timed it home for a 1-0 Peterborough lead. It stood as the only goal of the period.

The second was all North Bay as discipline problems came to haunt the Petes. The home team tied then took the lead off a pair of power-play goals in the first 10:05 of the period. Just under three minutes later, North Bay had another tally thanks to Ethan Procyszyn and it was a 3-1 game after the second period.

The Petes had to rally in order to avoid elimination and Yanis Lutz got Peterborough started, scoring from the high slot just 5:22 into the period to make it 3-2. Less than a minute later, Peterborough forced another offensive zone turnover and Adam Levac scored on the doorstep to tie the game at three. With just under five minutes left in regulation, Peterborough applied heavy pressure in the offensive zone and caused another turnover. That led to Braydon McCallum getting the puck and immediately dishing it to Kieron Walton for the one-timer goal and 4-3 lead.

North Bay in desperation, pulled their goalie while on the man advantage for six-on-four play. A point shot was saved by Petes goaltender Easton Rye, but the rebound allowed Vaughan to score his second goal of the game with six seconds remaining in regulation.

It took until late in the second overtime period to find a winner. Adam Novotný struggled to corral the puck in his own zone and was checked, leading to a turnover. North Bay took a quick one-timed shot and Vaughan beat Rye for the series walk-off goal to eliminate the Peterborough Petes in six games, 5-4.

Walton and Lutz led the Petes with a goal and an assist each. Kolarik and Levac scored, while Parish, Garrett Frazer and McCallum each had an assist. Easton Rye made 39 saves in the loss.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes season ended in double overtime as they took a 5-4 loss to the North Bay Battalion, resulting in a 4-2 series loss. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

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Alf Curtis Returns As Sponsor For 21st Year to Peterborough Lakers Prior to Season's Start

Twenty-one is the magic number as Alf Curtis Home Improvements has returned for its 21st year as sponsor of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers ahead of the 2026 season.

In 2004, the Lakers ended a 20-year drought by capturing the Mann Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When you think about the modern era of Lakers lacrosse, Alf Curtis has been there from the very beginning,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “Their support helped lay the foundation for everything this organization has become.”

Members from the Lakers recieved their sponsorship cheque at Alf Curtis last week which included Dalliday, Lakers mascot Teddy and Holden Lowes. Lowes suffered a season-ending injury in training camp last year.

“It was great to be back in the store and see that connection is still so strong,” said Dalliday. “That’s what makes partnerships like this so special — it’s real, it’s lasting, and it means something.”

Founder Alf Curtis passed away last fall, not long after the Lakers’ season came to a close. His wife, June Curtis, remains part of that legacy, with the Curtis family maintaining their strong connection to the team.

Alf Curtis’s support has helped fuel one of the most successful eras in franchise history, including multiple Mann Cup championships, according to Dalliday.

“Alf wasn’t just a sponsor, he truly cared about this team and this community,” he said.

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Petes Cannot Solve North Bay Goaltending In 3-1 Loss; Peterborough Down 3-2 In Series

The Petes had 45 shots on net but only one found its way through as Peterborough dropped Game Five to the North Bay Battalion, 3-1, to fall 3-2 in the series at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes ended the regular season with a 40-24-1-3 record for third place in the East Division. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The visitors drew first blood as Lirim Amidovski took a shot from the wing just outside the faceoff circle and was able to wire it past Petes goaltender Easton Rye for a 1-0 lead. Peterborough mustered 12 shots on North Bay goaltender Jack Lisson but was held scoreless throughout the first period.

The second frame only had one goal and it was courtesy of North Bay. Parker Vaughan stole the puck in the Petes zone and he sniped it past Rye for a 2-0 lead. Peterborough put another 20 shots on net but could nto beat Lisson as they remained shut out.

It took the 56th minute of regulation, but Peterborough finally got on the board as Braydon McCallum had a point-blank one-timer that beat Lission and gave the Petes life down only by one goal. Peterborough had 13 shots on net in the final frame but could only score once and surrendered an empty-net goal for the 3-1 loss and 3-2 series in North Bay’s favour.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes had 45 shots on net but only one found its way through as Peterborough dropped game five to the North Bay Battalion, 3-1, to fall 3-2 in the series. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes will try to keep the series alive as they head back to North Bay and the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens for Game Six of the first round of the OHL playoff series this Saturday.

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