Otonabee's Colin Fitzgerald Hears His Name Called at NHL Draft

By Scott Arnold

A local hockey journey reached another milestone on Saturday as Otonabee's Colin Fitzgerald was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Otonabee's Colin Fitzgerald poses in a St. Louis Blues jersey after being selected 203rd overall in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Photo via twitter @CHlhockey)

The Blues picked Fitzgerald with the 203rd overall selection, making him one of the newest members of the organization's prospect pool.

The 18-year-old forward is no stranger to hockey fans in Peterborough. Fitzgerald was selected third overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection and spent parts of two seasons with the club before being traded to the Soo Greyhounds in November.

In 72 games with the Petes, Fitzgerald recorded 18 goals and 23 assists for 41 points.

@EASPORTSNHL - it's in the game 🏒

Colin Fitzgerald makes it official with a face scan.#NHLDraft | @OHLHoundPower | @StLouisBlues pic.twitter.com/gJhDpsZMXk

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) June 27, 2026

THE NHL WASTED NO TIME GETTING COLIN FITZGERALD OVER TO THE EASPORTS SCANNING MACHINE TO GET HIS FACE VIDEO GAME READY

After being traded to the Greyhounds, the six-foot-two, 212-pound forward appeared in 39 regular-season games and put up 20 points on nine goals and 11 assists. Overall, he finished the 2025-26 season with 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 63 games.

Prior to his jump to the OHL, he played his minor hockey in Peterborough, playing his final season with the U16 AAA Petes, racking up 64 points in 35 games.

Fitzgerald's strong season also earned him an invitation to the NHL Scouting Combine, where he was one of just 20 OHL players invited. He was ranked 82nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings.

On the international stage, Fitzgerald has represented Canada twice, helping the country win bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and silver at the 2024 U17 World Challenge.

The draft selection marks another major step in the young forward's hockey career and gives Peterborough-area fans another local player to follow as he works toward his NHL dream.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Jr. C Lakers One Win Away From Advancing to Next Round

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are one win away from advancing after opening their first-round playoff series with back-to-back wins over the Huntsville Hawks.

The Jr C. lakers have a chance for the sweep on friday at 8pm at the pmc when they host the huntsville hawks for game 3 of their playoff series (photo via facebook @peterboroughjrclakers

Peterborough earned an 8-4 victory in Game 1 at the Healthy Planet Arena on Saturday before picking up an 8-7 road win in Game 2 on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Braden Hockaday picked up the win in net in the opener, while Chase Brown earned the victory in Game 2.

The Lakers led 8-3 in the third period on Sunday before Huntsville scored four times to make things interesting. Kyson Campbell's goal with 5:52 remaining stood up as the game winner.

The series returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game 3 on Friday at 8 pm. A Lakers victory would send Peterborough to the second round.

Game 1 points: Ryder Perry (3G, 2A), Braxtin Howard (4A), Kennen Withers (2G), Patrick Curtain (1G, 1A), Hayden Heigh (1G, 1A), Charlie Evans (1G), Quinn Jacobs (1A), Bobby Crowe (1A), Kyson Campbell (1A), Jared Martinell (1A).

Game 2 points: Braxtin Howard (4G, 4A), Hayden Heigh (2G, 2A), Kyson Campbell (1G, 3A), Patrick Curtain (1A), Ricky Bevan (1A), Brady Higgs (2G, 2A), Damon Buttus (2G, 2A), Hunter Crawford (1G, 2A), Carson Frasier (1G, 2A), Jacob Barney (2A)

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Levac Selected 108th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Detroit Red Wings

It was an 18th birthday to remember for Peterborough Petes forward Adam Levac, as the Detroit Red Wings selected him 108th overall in round four at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Levac becomes the second Pete to be drafted in the 2026 NHL Draft, with Adam Novotny being taken 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night.

“It’s an honour and a dream come true to be selected in the NHL Draft by the Red Wings,” exclaimed Levac. “This is a great birthday gift and I’m excited to be able to enjoy it with all of my family.”

The Levac family celebrating Adam’s 18th birthday during his draft party. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Embrun, Ont. native was originally selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s. In two seasons with the Petes, Levac has played in 117 games, scoring 17 goals and 32 assists for 54 points. This past season, Levac put up 44 points in 60 games. He also finished second on the team in scoring during the playoffs, recording four points in six games.

“On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, I’d like to congratulate Adam on this amazing accomplishment,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “This is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, dedication, and character shown by Adam throughout his time in Peterborough. I’d also like to congratulate Adam’s family and recognize our coaches and staff for the role they played in helping him reach this milestone.”

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Novotný Selected 24th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Vancouver Canucks

Peterborough Petes forward Adam Novotný finally had his name called when the Vancouver Canucks selected him 24th overall at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

Hailing from Kobylice, Czechia, he was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He was the first Czech player taken in this year's draft and the first Pete.

Since 2002, he has been one of four Petes to record 30+ goals and 65+ points in a draft-eligible season, joining Nick Ritchie (2013-2014), Matt Puempel (2010-11) and Eric Staal (2002-03).

This past season with Peterborough, he scored 34 goals, the second-best behind Kieron Walton. He was fourth on the team with 31 assists and second with 65 points in 58 games. He tallied one assist in six playoff games.

Two seasons ago, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points.

He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023-24, Novotný played in 48 games for Mountfield HK U20, scoring 32 goals and adding 27 assists for 59 points. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga with Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score in the league at 15.

Novotný has also represented his home country of Czechia on the international stage at multiple levels. Two seasons ago, he featured in seven games for Czechia at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, scoring once and helping his team win a bronze medal. He also represented his country at the 2025 U18 World Championships in Texas, scoring twice and adding four assists for six points in five games. 

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Trent University's 20th Annual President's Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises Record-Breaking $101,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

There was a record 24 teams swinging their clubs and raising $101,000 for Trent University student-athletes at the 20th annual President's Excalibur Golf Tournament at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Trent staff and students witness Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) sink a putt prior to the shotgun start. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“At Trent, athletics is about much more than competition. It’s about developing leaders – students who build resilience, confidence, discipline and teamwork,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The record-breaking support shows our student-athletes that they have supporters rooting for them, that their efforts are recognized and valued. The Green & White Athletic Financial Awards give students the chance to be and become—embracing who they are and fully realizing their potential without financial barriers getting in the way.”

Proceeds went towards the Green & White Athletic Financial Awards, which provide financial assistance to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in sport, academic achievement and leadership within the Trent community.

During the 2025-26 varsity season, more than 70 student-athletes received a Green & White Athletic Financial Award, bringing the total number of recipients supported through the program to over 450. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Aly Saydam, Trent men’s volleyball student-athlete, said the awards helped him maintain an academic average above 80 per cent throughout his undergraduate degree which earned him recognition as a USPORT Academic All-Canadian. This year, he also earned a place on the President's Honour Roll for graduating with an average of 90 per cent or higher and received two of Trent Athletics' highest honours: the Bonnie M. Patterson Award and the Arthur Cup.

“No journey to success comes without challenges,” said Saydam. “Being a student-athlete is very challenging. You’re expected to train like a professional athlete, while still excelling at a full-time university education. A major part of my success is due to generous donors like those here today. Receiving a Green & White Athletic Financial Award during each year of study has allowed me to focus more of my time and energy towards volleyball and my studies.”

@ptbo_canada A record-breaking $101,000 was raised for student-athlete bursaries at Trent University’s 20th annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity ♬ Mario like action game 2 - Jun Takahashi

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Defending Meredith Cup Champion Jr. C Lakers Open Playoff Quest on Saturday

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are back in the postseason and will begin their pursuit of a third straight Meredith Cup championship this weekend.

The PEterborough Jr. c lakers will begin their 2026 playoffs at home on saturday (Photo courtesy of the jr. c lakers, via team photographer Christine liu)

After putting together a 12-4 regular season record and finishing first in the Central Division, the Lakers will take on the Huntsville Hawks in a best-of-five division semifinal series.

Game 1 is set for Saturday at 2 pm at Healthy Planet Arena before the series shifts to Huntsville for Game 2 on Sunday, June 28 at 7 pm.

The series then returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game 3 on Friday, July 3 at 8 pm.

If necessary, Game 4 will be played in Huntsville on either Sunday, July 5 or Monday, July 6, with a deciding Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 at Healthy Planet Arena.

Peterborough enters the playoffs having won both regular season meetings against the Hawks, including a 9-5 victory in their first game back in May and a 10-6 win in the regular season finale on Sunday.

The series will also feature the Central Division's top two scorers.

Hawks forward Damon Buttus led the division with 62 points, scoring 34 goals and adding 28 assists during the regular season. Peterborough's Braxton Howard finished right behind him with 54 points on 29 goals and 25 assists, reaching that total in two fewer games than Buttus.

The Lakers will now look to carry their regular-season success into the playoffs as they chase a third consecutive league title and another Meredith Cup banner.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Complete 2026 Development Camp

The Peterborough Petes officially wrapped up their annual Development Camp on at the Miskin Law Community Complex on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Connor Massie and the Peterborough Petes.

A total of 40 players attended the camp, playing three games over two days.

The following are the results of the three games:

Game One:

• Team Maroon 3-2 Team White

• Maroon Goals - Nathan Slack, Kaden Koutroulides (2)

• White Goals - Chase MacKay, Vinny Laccona

Game Two:

• Team White 7-6 Team Maroon

• White Goals - Chase MacKay (2), Mason Quinn (2), Vinny Laccona, Colton Lapierre, Brandt Rooyakkers

• Maroon Goals - Cale Williams, Marco Nichele, Kaden Koutroulides, Brody Robertson (2), Landon Roulston

Game Three:

• Team Maroon 6-2 Team White

• Maroon Goals - Nolan Gerow (2), Ty Civello,  Anthony Farace (2), Brody Robertson

• White Goal - Liam Hayes, Evan Vukelic

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Lakers Bitten by Kodiaks in Cobourg on Sunday Night

By Scott Arnold

A five-goal run in the second period proved too much for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers to overcome in a 13-9 loss to the Cobourg Kodiaks on Sunday night.

newest laker ryan lanchbury (7) had a strong debut for peterborough with two goals and two assists (photo courtesy of peterborough lakers, via anna taylor)

The Lakers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals from Mike Robinson and Colton Armitage, but Cobourg responded and eventually took control of the game.

After the teams were tied 3-3, the Kodiaks scored five straight goals in the second period to build an 8-3 advantage. Peterborough battled back and cut the deficit to two goals late in the game, but Cobourg answered with the final two goals to secure the victory.

Ryan Lanchbury made his Lakers debut after being acquired from Oakville and led Peterborough with four points, scoring twice and adding two assists.

Robinson and Taite Cattoni each scored twice, while Rob Hellyer, Colton Armitage and Colton Armstrong added singles.

Deacan Knott started in goal before being relieved by Drew Hutchison in the second period. The two netminders combined for 51 saves.

The Lakers will look to rebound quickly when they return home Thursday night to host Brooklin at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for PRHC Night. The team will wear special jerseys for the occasion, which will be auctioned off after the game in support of the PRHC Foundation.

The loss puts Peterborough at 4-4 on the Major Series Lacrosse season, sitting at fifth place in the standings.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Lakers U22 Girls Strike Gold Again in Whitby

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Lakers U22 girls team added another championship to its season over the weekend, winning the Whitby Girls Tournament.

the peterborough lakers u22 girls are champs once again after a nail biting win over the host whitby warriors

The Lakers opened the tournament Friday with a 9-3 victory over the Burlington Blaze before falling 12-7 to the host Whitby Warriors.

Peterborough bounced back on Saturday with a 6-0 win over the Gloucester Griffins, then defeated the Barrie Bombers 8-3 on Sunday to earn a spot in the championship game.

In the final, the Lakers got a chance to face Whitby again and made the most of the opportunity, edging the Warriors 8-7 to claim the tournament title.

The championship follows another successful weekend earlier this season, as the Lakers also captured the Barrie tournament title on the final weekend of May.

The championship roster included Stella Burke, Claire Chambers, Marielle Collins, Payton Crough, Claire Crowley, Abby Drinkwalter, Christie Evans, Chloe Fife, Natalie Foster, Aly Gemmiti, Addisyn Hartwick, Jocelyn Jessup, Avery Johnston, Avery Mann, Madeleine McInnes, Skylee Nicholson and Ashlea Whyte. Goaltenders Emma Fisher and Zoey Quinlan also helped lead the team to victory.

The team is coached by Nicci Johnston, with assistant coaches Lexie Kinmond, Kelsey McWilliams and Hayley Bartlett. Jaelyn Terrion serves as the team's trainer.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Fleming College Adds Lacrosse Sixes Program Blending Athletics and Indigenous Learning

By Scott Arnold

A new chapter is opening for Fleming College athletics as the Phoenix introduce Lacrosse Sixes, pairing competitive sport with cultural learning and reconciliation.

lacrosse sixes is coming to fleming college, with their first home tournament set for October 25 (photo by scott arnold)

Fleming College has announced the launch of a Lacrosse Sixes program beginning this fall, expanding its athletics offerings while creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions and history.

Fleming says the addition of the program reflects its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous learning, while also recognizing lacrosse as one of Canada’s national sports.

Often referred to as the Creator’s Game, lacrosse was first created by the Haudenosaunee people and has long held cultural and spiritual significance, used in ceremony, thanksgiving and conflict resolution. Lacrosse Sixes is a fast-paced version of the sport focused on speed, skill and teamwork while maintaining connections to those traditions.

the addition of lacrosse sixes to fleming college marks a new chapter for phoenix athletics (photo by scott arnold)

Fleming Associate Vice-President of Student Experience Joanne Spicer said the program aligns with the region’s strong lacrosse heritage and provides another pathway for local athletes to continue playing at a competitive level while pursuing post-secondary education.

She said the College is looking forward to working with local lacrosse organizations to strengthen those community ties and expand opportunities for student development both on and off the field.

Indigenous Student Services Manager Clorise Taylor said the program will also help students gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in Canada through sport and education.

Leading the new Phoenix Lacrosse Sixes team will be head coach Dustin Dunn, who brings experience as National Development Program Coordinator for Lacrosse Canada, along with coaching roles in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and at Brock University. He is the current assistant coach for the Peterborough Jr A Lakers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.

Dustin dunn has been name head coach of fleming college’s new lacrosse sixes program (photo supplied by fleming college)

Dunn is also a former standout player, earning CULFA All-Canadian honours three times and MVP recognition at Brock University before helping capture a national title in 2009. He also played professionally with both the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits.

Director of Student Experience and Athletics Greg Jefford said Dunn’s leadership, experience and passion make him an ideal fit to build the program from the ground up.

the fleming phoenix lacrosse sixes program will host their first tournament in peterborough on october 25 (photo by scott arnold)

In its inaugural season, the Phoenix will compete in tournaments across Ontario. Fleming will also be one of four schools taking part in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's new Lacrosse Sixes exhibition season this fall.

The OCAA recently announced it will evaluate the sport as a potential future varsity offering, with Fleming joining Durham College, Humber Polytechnic and Mohawk College in a series of showcase events across the province.

The discipline continues to gain momentum internationally and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The program launch was supported by Fleming’s Student Administrative Council and was highlighted during Fleming’s Second Annual Lacrosse Day: The Creator’s Game, where the College also unveiled a new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait.

new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait

The Indigenous Phoenix design will be featured at future athletic events, including Fleming's first home Lacrosse Sixes showcase on Oct. 25 at the Fleming Sport Complex as part of the OCAA exhibition season. The event will be one of four showcase dates being hosted across Ontario as the association evaluates the sport's future at the collegiate level.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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