Peterborough Petes Forward Named to USA Hockey's 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp roster

Peterborough Petes forward Gerry DiCunzolo has been named to USA Hockey's 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp roster.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Selection Camp runs from July 23 to 27 at the TRIA Rink in Saint Paul, Minn. Those chosen from the Hlinka Camp will play for the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Men's Select Team during the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup from Aug. 3 to 8 in Edmonton.

The 17-year-old DiCunzolo has appeared in 39 games with the Petes, with five goals and four assists for nine points.

The Buffalo native was chosen by Peterborough in the third round (61st overall) of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection from Shattuck-St. Mary's School. He stood out with the United States during last summer's U17 Four Nations Tournament, earning eight points in four games.

He joins Mason Courville (Flint Firebirds), Sawyer Schmidt (Saginaw Spirit) and Nolan Snyder (Kingston Frontenacs) as the only four invitees from the Ontario Hockey League.

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James Gang Open Playoffs Against Hamilton Bengals this Weekend

By Scott Arnold

The Eakins Heating & Cooling Ennismore James Gang are set to begin their playoff run this weekend with a best-of-three first-round series against the Hamilton Bengals.

the ennismore james gang will begin their playoffs this weekend against the hamilton bengals, with Game 2 set to take place at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre on Sunday, July 19 at 4 pm (photo via facebook @jamesganglax

The James Gang finished the Ontario Series Lacrosse regular season in fifth place with a 3-9 record and will now face the fourth-seeded Bengals in the opening round of the playoffs.

The two teams split their regular season meetings. Hamilton, who finished the season with a 6-6 record, earned a 10-1 victory on home floor on May 9 before the James Gang responded with a 9-7 win in Ennismore on June 7.

The series opens Saturday, July 18 at 7 pm at Dave Andreychuk Arena in Hamilton.

Game 2 shifts to the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre on Sunday, July 19 at 4 pm, where the James Gang will look to use home-floor advantage to keep their playoff hopes alive.

If necessary, Game 3 will be played Tuesday, July 21 at 8 pm back at Dave Andreychuk Arena.

Fans unable to attend the games can follow the series through the team's social media channels, where game updates, highlights and behind-the-scenes content will be shared throughout the series. Live scoring will also be available through the Ontario Series Lacrosse website.

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

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Jr. C Lakers Even Central Division Final With Game 2 Win in Whitby

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are heading home with the Central Division Final tied after edging the Whitby Warriors 8-7 in Game 2 on Sunday afternoon.

the peterborough jr c lakers beat whitby on sunday to knot the central division final at a game apiece. game 3 goes wednesday at 8pm at the healthy planet arena (photo courtesy of facebook @ptbojrclakers)

The Lakers rebounded from their Game 1 loss by earning a split on the road in Whitby, evening the best-of-five series at one game apiece.

Peterborough led 4-2 after the first period and carried a 7-5 advantage into the third. Whitby battled back to tie the game with a pair of power-play goals before Ryder Perry scored the game winner with 13:47 remaining to give the Lakers the victory.

Game 3 is set for Wednesday at 8 pm at Healthy Planet Arena, with the series now guaranteed to return to Whitby for Game 4 on Friday if necessary.

Perry led the Lakers with five goals, including the game winner, while Quinn Jacobs scored twice and Braxtin Howard added the other goal.

Howard also chipped in two assists, while Bobby Crowe recorded two assists. Charlie Evans finished with two assists, with Kyson Campbell, Ricky Bevan and Cardiff Mader adding one assist each.

Game 3 of the best-of-five series is set for Wednesday at 8pm at the Healthy Planet Arena.

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

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Lakers Move Into Third Place After Wild Win Over North Stars

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers climbed back above .500 and into third place in the Major Series Lacrosse standings Thursday night, defeating the Owen Sound North Stars 13-5 in a game that featured plenty of offence, as well as a goalie fight late in the second period.

the two goalies went at it thursday night, with owen sound’s Andrew kidd (left) and peterborough’s decan knott squaring up late in the second period

The victory improves Peterborough to 7-6 on the season, moving the Lakers past Brooklin and into third place in the MSL standings with a game in hand.

While the final score was lopsided, the game will likely be remembered for what happened late in the second period.

With the Lakers leading 12-2, Jake Withers was involved in a scrum after being high-sticked in the corner. As officials escorted him away, Owen Sound starting goaltender Kaleb Martin, who had already been pulled earlier in the game, left the North Stars bench to challenge Withers, with the two exchanging several punches after breaking free from the referees who were doing their best to keep them apart.

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Seconds after officials separated them, Owen Sound goaltender Andrew Kidd left his crease and sprinted the length of the floor to challenge Lakers netminder Deacan Knott. After both goalies removed their upper equipment and squared up in the Lakers zone, they exchanged punches at the same time. Knott's punch landed flush, sending Kidd stumbling backwards before falling to the turf. All three goaltenders involved in the altercations were ejected from the game.

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Before the fireworks, the Lakers had already taken complete control.

Peterborough built a 5-0 lead after the opening period behind two goals from Holden Cattoni, along with singles from Rob Hellyer, Justin Sykes and Mike Robinson. Robinson also made history with one of the night's highlight-reel goals, scoring on a beautiful dunk play from behind the net.

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The Lakers stretched their advantage to 12-0 before Owen Sound finally broke through, with Dustyn Birkhof scoring twice in the second period. The veteran defenceman finished with a career-high three points, including the first multi-goal game of his MSL career.

Birkhof downplayed his rare offensive outburst and gave all the credit to his teammates, saying “we’ve just got hard working guys all around on our team, getting all the loose balls and they’re the ones making the play and I just got lucky and got the ball a few times”.

Braedon Saris and DJ Clark also scored twice, Robinson added his second of the night, and Hellyer capped his two-goal performance with Peterborough's final goal in the third period.

Knott stopped the first 35 minutes without allowing a goal before his ejection, while Nick Rose came on in relief to finish the game.

Peterborough received balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Saris led the way with six points on two goals and four assists, while Hellyer recorded five points (2G, 3A). Robinson and Clark each finished with four points (2G, 2A), Cattoni had four points (2G, 2A), Birkhof collected three (2G, 1A), Sykes added two (1G, 1A), Thomas Hoggarth chipped in two assists, and Dylan Hutchison recorded an assist.

The Lakers outshot Owen Sound 59-43 and converted three of six power-play opportunities in front of a crowd of 2,185 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Peterborough returns to action next Thursday when the second-place Oakville Rock make their only regular season visit to the PMC for Little Lakers Night in support of Five Counties Children's Centre.

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

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Peterborough Petes' Alex Darling Named to Hockey Canada Staff

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada at this year's National Under-17 Development Camp and the 2026 U17 World Challenge.

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada later this year at the u17 world challenge in oakville (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via david pickering)

Hockey Canada announced Thursday that Darling has been named video coach for Team White, one of two Canadian teams that will compete at the 2026 U17 World Challenge, taking place Nov. 1 to 7 in Oakville.

Before the tournament, Darling will also serve on Team White's staff at Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp, which runs July 17 to 21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville. The camp will bring together many of the country's top under-17 players for practices and exhibition games before final evaluations are made ahead of the tournament.

Darling has been with the Peterborough Petes organization since 2021, first joining as a sales and service intern before moving into an administration and community engagement internship the following year.

He was promoted to Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager before the 2023-24 season after serving as the team's video coordinator. Darling was also part of the Petes coaching staff during the club's 2023 Ontario Hockey League championship run.

A graduate of Brock University's Sport Management program, Darling has continued to take on a larger role with the Petes organization, and his selection by Hockey Canada marks another milestone in his coaching career.

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

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Peterborough Native Evan Fitzgerald Signs With Defending Memorial Cup Champion Kitchener Rangers

By Scott Arnold

Another young Peterborough hockey player is taking the next step in his career, with forward Evan Fitzgerald officially signing an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Kitchener Rangers.

peterborough native evan fitzgerald was all smiles after being drafted by the defending memorial cup kitchener rangers at the ohl priority selection last month (photo via instagram @ohlrangers)

The 15-year-old was selected by defending Memorial Cup Champions in the second round, 41st overall, of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection after a strong season with the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program.

Fitzgerald recorded 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points in 32 regular-season games before adding five points, including two goals, in four OHL Cup games.

The signing continues a family tradition in the OHL. Evan's older brother, Colin Fitzgerald, is a member of the Soo Greyhounds and was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2026 NHL Draft. Colin is also familiar to Peterborough hockey fans after being chosen third overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

Their father, Rob Fitzgerald, also played in the OHL, suiting up for the Owen Sound Platers and Belleville Bulls during his junior career.

Kitchener General Manager Mike McKenzie described Fitzgerald as a tenacious, hard-to-play-against forward who creates offence by winning battles and competing in the hard areas of the ice, adding that the Rangers believe his style of play will translate well to the OHL.

Signing the agreement marks another milestone for Fitzgerald as he prepares to attend the Rangers' training camp and begin the next chapter of his hockey career.

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

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Petes Sign First Round Pick Landon Roulston to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have officially added one of their top selections from the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, signing forward Landon Roulston to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

the peterborough jr c lakers will look to even their series with the warriors when they travel to whitby for game 2 on sunday (photo via facebook @peterboroughjrclakers)

Roulston was selected by the Petes with the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft and is now set to continue his hockey development with the organization.

The Oakville forward joins Peterborough after a strong season with the Vaughan Kings U16s of the Greater Toronto Hockey League. In 33 games, Roulston recorded 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points, finishing second on his team in scoring.

He also helped the Kings capture the GTHL Championship before adding four points in four games at the OHL Cup.

The 6-foot-2 forward was one of the players who made an impression during the Petes’ Development Camp earlier this summer, according to General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke.

“Landon is a big, strong, two-way forward who loves to compete,” said Oke. “He possesses the skill and character that we look for in a Peterborough Pete.”

Roulston said he is excited for the opportunity to join the organization.

“It feels awesome to join such a prestigious organization,” said Roulston. “It’s a really big step in my hockey journey and I am looking forward to getting started with this group. Now the real work begins.”

The Petes will begin their preseason schedule in Guelph on August 28th, with their first home preseason game set for September 3rd at 7pm when they host Sarnia at the PMC.

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

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Peterborough Jr. C Lakers Drop Division Final Opener to Whitby

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers will look to even their Central Division Final series on Sunday after dropping Game 1 to the Whitby Warriors 8-5 Wednesday night at Healthy Planet Arena.

the peterborough jr c lakers will look to even their series with the warriors when they travel to whitby for game 2 on sunday (photo via facebook @peterboroughjrclakers)

Whitby built a 3-1 lead after the opening period before both teams scored three goals in the second. Peterborough narrowed the gap to 6-5 midway through the third period, but the Warriors scored twice in the final 7:30 to secure the victory and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Braxtin Howard led the Lakers with two goals and two assists, while Ryder Perry picked up a goal and two assists. Kennen Withers added a goal and an assist, with Hayden Heigh scoring Peterborough's other goal.

Quinn Jacobs recorded two assists, while Ryder Evans added one assist.

Game 2 is set for Sunday at 2 pm at the McKinney Centre in Whitby before the series returns to Healthy Planet Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday at 8 pm.

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

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Peterborough Petes Sign Fenelon Falls Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed 2007-born forward and Fenelon Falls native James McMurray to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Emily Simonetta and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s a dream come true to join the Petes, the team I grew up watching,” exclaimed McMurray. “I can’t wait to get the season started.”

McMurray has spent the last two years in Sheffield, Mass., playing for Berkshire School in the New England Prep School Athletic Council. He totalled 78 points in 65 games. A product of the Central Ontario Wolves organization, McMurray played for the Peterborough Petes U18s in 2023-24, leading the team in points with 47 in 34 games. That same season, he played in three games for the Lindsay Muskies of the OJHL, registering one assist.

“James is a player we've been tracking since his days with the Central Ontario Wolves,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We got to know him well during his time with the U18 Petes and when he attended our Development Camp in 2024. He’s a skilled forward who competes hard every shift and is coming off two strong seasons at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.”

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Peterborough Jr. C Lakers Renew Rivalry With Whitby Tonight in Division Final

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers return to the floor Wednesday (July 8) as they open the Central Division Final against the rival Whitby Warriors at Healthy Planet Arena.

the Jr. C LAkers will begin their next round of playoff tonight (July 8) against a rival foe, the whitby warriors, at 8pm at the healthy planet arena (photo courtesy of jr c lakers, via Christine liu)

The Lakers advanced to the second round after sweeping the Huntsville Hawks in three games, winning by scores of 8-4, 8-7 and 10-5. Peterborough is chasing its third straight Meredith Cup championship.

Whitby also needed just three games to advance, sweeping the Clarington Gaels in its opening-round series.

The best-of-five Central Division Final begins Wednesday (July 8) at 8 pm at Healthy Planet Arena before shifting to Whitby for Game 2 on Sunday, July 12 at 2 pm.

The series returns to Healthy Planet Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 pm.

If necessary, Game 4 will be played Friday, July 17 at 8 pm in Whitby, while a deciding Game 5 would be held Sunday, July 19 at 2 pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

The Lakers won two of their three regular season meetings with the Warriors this year, earning 12-6 and 10-9 victories at home before falling 6-5 in their lone trip to Whitby.

With both teams coming off first-round sweeps, the stage is set for another chapter in the rivalry between Peterborough and Whitby.

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

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