Peterborough Jr. C Lakers Capture Central Division Championship

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are Central Division champions after defeating the Whitby Warriors 8-7 on Friday night to win the best-of-five series in four games.

The peterborough jr. c Lakers won the central division championship friday night in whitby. they will now await the winner of the Kahnawake-Cornwall series to learn their semifinal opponent (photo courtesy of the jr. c lakers)

Peterborough earned the road victory at the McKinney Centre to claim the Central Division title and advance to the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League Meredith Cup semifinals.

The Lakers will face the winner of the series between the Kahnawake Hunters and Cornwall Celtics. Cornwall currently leads that best-of-five matchup 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday.

The other Meredith Cup semifinal will feature the Six Nations Stealth and the Whitby Warriors. Although Whitby fell to Peterborough in the Central Division Final, the Warriors earned the league's wild card berth as the highest-ranked unsuccessful division finalist from the division with the strongest overall regular season winning percentage.

Friday's game was another tightly contested battle between the longtime rivals. Whitby held a 4-3 lead after the opening period before the Lakers responded with three goals in the second to take a 6-6 tie into the third. Logan Giroux gave Peterborough the lead early in the final period before Ryder Perry scored the game-winning power-play goal with 2:26 remaining.

Jordan Garfat scored twice for the Lakers, while Braxtin Howard added a goal and an assist. Ryder Perry, Kennen Withers, Hayden Heigh, Owen Thake and Logan Giroux also found the back of the net.

Heigh finished with two assists, while Quinn Jacobs recorded two assists. Charlie Evans, Charlie Donald, Kyson Campbell, Kennen Withers and Ryder Evans each added an assist.

With the Central Division title secured, the Lakers will now await the winner of the Kahnawake-Cornwall series to learn their semifinal opponent.

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

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Peterborough to Host Inaugural International Indoor Junior Lacrosse North America Cup

Peterborough has been named the host of the International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) North America Cup Series on Aug. 7 to 9.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This inaugural tournament serves as an opportunity for high-performance athletes to take part in the final selection process to be on the 23-man roster for the 2026 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championships.

The tournament will take place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the City’s flagship sport and event centre, where three games will be played between Canada, the United States, and the Haudenosaunee.

“The International Indoor Junior Lacrosse Inaugural North America Cup is an exciting opportunity to showcase top talent from across the continent, while reinforcing Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” shared Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “With athletes, families, and fans coming together for this inaugural event, it’s a chance to highlight our facilities, celebrate Peterborough’s rich lacrosse culture, and create an unforgettable experience both on and off the floor.”

“We are very excited to introduce this new international event in the community of Peterborough, which has one of the richest lacrosse histories in Canada,” said Canadian Lacrosse League President & CEO Chris Fox. “The inaugural North America Cup Series will provide teams additional opportunities to work with players prior to the IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship, while also including younger players who did not make their respective IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship rosters—empowering teams to focus on player development and bringing exciting international lacrosse to fans in Peterborough.”

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Lakers Drop Heartbreaker to Rock as Playoff Race Tightens

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers came within seconds of knocking off one of the Major Series Lacrosse's top teams Thursday night, but a late Oakville goal handed Peterborough a 13-12 loss that keeps the playoff race as tight as ever.

it was little lakers night at the pmc on thursday with funds raised during the game going to five counties children centre (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via david pickering)

The loss drops the Lakers to 7-7 on the season. They remain in fourth place in the MSL standings with 14 points, holding the tiebreaker over the fifth-place Brooklin Lacrosse Club (7-8) after winning the season series. Cobourg's win over Brampton on Friday night moved the Kodiaks to 8-5 and four points ahead of Peterborough for third place, while the second-place Oakville Rock improved to 10-4 and now sit six points in front of the Lakers. Undefeated Six Nations (14-0) continues to lead the league with 28 points and has already clinched a playoff berth.

Only the top four teams qualify for the postseason, while Brampton (2-12) and Owen Sound (1-13) have both been eliminated from playoff contention.

Thursday's game looked like it could go either way from start to finish.

The two teams traded goals throughout the opening half, with the score tied six different times before Oakville pulled away with five straight goals to open a 10-6 advantage.

Peterborough answered with a six-goal run of its own spanning the end of the second period and the start of the third, turning a four-goal deficit into a 12-10 lead.

Oakville responded with two quick goals in a span of 44 seconds to tie the game before Jake Darlison scored the winner with just 32 seconds remaining after intercepting a pass and breaking in alone.

The Lakers had one final opportunity to force overtime, but former Peterborough goaltender Landon Kells, who entered the game in relief for Oakville, stopped Brad McCulley's late chance to preserve the victory.

One of the night's biggest stories was the performance of newcomer Colton Armitage. Playing his first game as a full-time member of the Lakers after appearing earlier this season as a call-up, the 22-year-old recorded the first hat trick of his MSL career while adding two assists for a five-point night.

Braedon Saris also had five points with two goals and three assists, while Rob Hellyer finished with six points on a goal and five helpers. DJ Clark scored twice, Ryan Lanchbury had a goal and four assists, and singles came from Holden Cattoni, Liam Patten and Dylan Hutchison. Justin Sykes and Brad McCulley each added two assists.

With starting goaltender Deacan Knott serving the first game of a four-game suspension, Drew Hutchison got the start before Nick Rose came on in relief and held Oakville scoreless for more than 20 minutes.

Jake Withers also missed the game while serving the first of his two-game suspension after last week's altercation with Owen Sound goaltender Kaleb Martin. Knott received his suspension following his fight with North Stars goaltender Andrew Kidd during the same stoppage in play.

The Lakers have four regular season games remaining, beginning with what could be their biggest game of the season next Thursday when the Cobourg Kodiaks visit the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Peterborough will then travel to Brampton on July 24 before closing out the regular season with games at Six Nations on July 28 and at home against Owen Sound on July 30.

Next Thursday's game will also feature Retro Night, celebrating the 1986 Peterborough Maulers with throwback jerseys, an 80s and 90s soundtrack and the return of the popular Toonie Dog promotion. The Lakers are aiming to top the Peterborough Memorial Centre record of 924 hot dogs sold during the team's first Toonie Dog Night earlier this season, with a new goal of selling 1,386 hot dogs in honour of the 1986 Maulers.

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

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Peterborough's Shawn Evans Earns Place in NLL Hall of Fame

By Scott Arnold

One of Peterborough's greatest lacrosse players is officially headed to the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.

after an illustrious national lacrosse league career, Peterborough native shawn evans will be inducted in the nll hall of fame in september (photo courtesy of the nll)

Just one month after being named one of this year's Hall of Fame nominees, Evans has now officially earned one of the sport's highest honours.

Shawn Evans is among the eight members of the National Lacrosse League's Hall of Fame Class of 2026, earning one of the sport's highest honours following a remarkable 17-season professional career.

The Peterborough native and former Laker is joined in this year's class by Dan Dawson, Mark Steenhuis, Sandy Chapman, Mike Accursi, Jake Bergey, Gavin Prout and broadcaster John Gurtler.

While Evans is the local headline, Peterborough also has ties to three other members of this year's class. Accursi, Prout and Steenhuis each spent part of their playing careers with the Peterborough Lakers, adding even more local flavour to this year's Hall of Fame class.

Evans built one of the most accomplished careers in NLL history. A two-time league Most Valuable Player and a 2007 NLL champion with the Rochester Knighthawks, he finished his career with 1,358 regular-season points, ranking sixth all-time. He also sits fifth in league history in assists with 879 and is among the top 10 all-time in goals and games played.

Selected second overall by Rochester in the 2005 NLL Draft, Evans played for the Knighthawks, Calgary Roughnecks, New England Black Wolves, Buffalo Bandits, Halifax Thunderbirds and Vancouver Warriors before retiring following the 2023 season.

The NLL Hall of Fame is the league's highest honour, recognizing individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on professional box lacrosse. This year's class includes four players, three veterans and one builder from the media category.

Evans is being inducted alongside fellow player category members Dawson, Steenhuis and Chapman. The veteran category includes Accursi, Bergey and Prout, while Gurtler was selected in the builder category for his longtime contributions to broadcasting the game.

Evans becomes the third Peterborough native inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame, joining Tracey Kelusky and John Grant Jr., who were inducted in 2016 and 2021 respectively.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled to take place this September at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in New York.

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

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Former Pete Ryan Ramsay Named Cobourg Cougars President and General Manager

By Scott Arnold

Former Peterborough Petes forward Ryan Ramsay is taking on a new leadership role after being named President and General Manager of the Cobourg Cougars.

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)

The Cobourg Cougars announced Ramsay's appointment this week as the team continues preparations for its first season following the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg.

Ramsay brings plenty of junior hockey experience to the role. He spent the past seven seasons as General Manager and Head Coach of the Haliburton County Huskies and the Whitby Fury. During his time with the Huskies, the club reached the playoffs every season.

Before moving into coaching and management, Ramsay enjoyed a lengthy playing career. After signing with the St. Louis Blues as an undrafted free agent in 2004, he went on to play in the American Hockey League, ECHL and spent seven seasons in Germany's top professional league, the DEL.

Peterborough hockey fans will also remember Ramsay from his time with the Petes. He played 99 games for the maroon and white between 1999 and 2001, recording 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points. More recently, he returned to the organization as a Development Coach during the 2025-26 season.

The announcement comes as the new-look Cobourg Cougars prepare for their inaugural season after the OJHL approved the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg. As part of the move, the incoming ownership group assumed the historic Cobourg Cougars name and identity while taking over operations at the Cobourg Community Centre.

Ramsay will now lead the Cougars into the next chapter of the franchise as it begins its first season under the familiar Cobourg name.

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

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Jr. C Lakers Take Series Lead After Wild Game 3 Win

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are one win away from advancing after outlasting the Whitby Warriors 11-10 in a back-and-forth Game 3 on Wednesday night at Healthy Planet Arena.

the peterborough jr c lakers beat whitby on wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five playoff series. game 4 will take place tomorrow at 8pm (Friday, july 17) at the Mckinney centre in whitby (photo courtesy of the peterborough jr. c lakers, via christine liu)

The win gives Peterborough a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Central Division Final.

The teams traded goals throughout the night, with Whitby holding a 3-2 lead after the first period before the Lakers responded with five goals in the second to take a 7-6 advantage into the third. After the Warriors scored three straight late in the final period to pull ahead 10-9, Peterborough answered with two goals in 41 seconds. Braxtin Howard scored the game winner shorthanded with 4:27 remaining to put the Lakers back in front for good.

Game 4 is set for Friday at 8 pm at the McKinney Centre in Whitby. If necessary, Game 5 will be played Sunday at 2 pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

Ryder Perry led the Lakers with three goals and two assists, while Braxtin Howard scored twice, including the game winner.

Ryder Evans added a hat trick, while Kennen Withers, Quinn Jacobs and Jared Martinell also scored.

Charlie Evans recorded two assists, while Withers and Jacobs each finished with an assist. Bobby Crowe also picked up an assist.

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

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Former Peterborough Pete Nick Robertson Signs With Pittsburgh

By Scott Arnold

Former Peterborough Petes standout Nick Robertson has a new NHL home after signing a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

former peterborough petes nick robertson has inked a deal with the pittsburgh penguins (photo via instagram @nickrobertson01)

The Penguins announced Tuesday that the 24-year-old forward has signed a two-year deal worth an average annual value of $3.25 million. Robertson was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick.

Before making the jump to the professional ranks, Robertson spent three seasons with the Peterborough Petes from 2017 to 2020, becoming one of the club's most dynamic goal scorers. He finished his OHL career with 97 goals and 77 assists for 174 points in 162 regular season games.

His 55-goal performance during the 2019-20 season remains one of the most memorable offensive campaigns in recent Petes history. Robertson became the first Peterborough player in 27 years to reach the 50-goal mark, joining Jason Dawe, who scored 58 goals, and Mike Harding, who had 54 during the 1992-93 season. He also led the entire OHL in goals that year, including a league-best eight shorthanded goals.

Robertson spent the past six seasons in the Maple Leafs organization and is coming off the best NHL season of his career. He set career highs with 16 goals, 16 assists and 32 points in 78 games with Toronto during the 2025-26 campaign.

In 234 NHL games, all with the Maple Leafs, Robertson has recorded 48 goals and 40 assists for 88 points. He has also appeared in 13 Stanley Cup playoff games, collecting two goals and one assist.

The Arcadia, California native was selected by Toronto in the second round, 53rd overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft and also represented the United States at the 2020 World Junior Championship, where he had five points in five games.

Robertson will now look to continue building on his breakout season as he begins the next chapter of his NHL career in Pittsburgh.

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

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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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