Former Petes Star Jason Dawe Was in Manhattan When 9/11 Changed Everything

By Scott Arnold

Twenty-five years later, the former Peterborough Petes star still gets chills thinking about what he witnessed in New York City that morning.

Jason Dawe during his time with the Peterborough Petes (photo courtesy of the ontario hockey league)

For Jason Dawe, September 11th, 2001, wasn't something he watched unfold from a television screen.

He was in Manhattan.

Dawe, who played for the Peterborough Petes from 1989 to 1993 and helped the team win an OHL championship in 1993, was in New York as part of the Rangers organization when the terrorist attacks happened.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11th, Dawe shared his memories of that morning on Facebook, offering a glimpse into what it was like to experience the events from inside New York City.

He was at Madison Square Garden for New York Rangers training camp when, according to Dawe, he watched the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

At that moment, Dawe says, there was no way of knowing what was happening or what was still to come.

Then another plane hit.

The events of the morning continued to unfold, and what initially seemed impossible became a terrifying reality for those watching from Manhattan.

Dawe remembers the moment the towers came down especially vividly.

Madison Square Garden, several kilometres from the World Trade Center, felt like it had been hit by a massive earthquake.

His hotel room was at 34th Street and Lexington Avenue, giving him a view toward the Hudson River and the area around Ground Zero.

He was suddenly witnessing one of the most devastating days in American history from the heart of New York City.

Twenty-five years later, the memories haven't faded.

Dawe described September 11th as the craziest day of his life and said he still gets chills thinking about what happened.

For Peterborough, Dawe is best remembered as one of the greatest offensive players in Petes history.

He remains the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 169 goals and ranks second in career points with 337. After his time in Peterborough, Dawe was selected in the second round of the NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and went on to play in the NHL with Buffalo, the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens before joining the New York Rangers organization.

But on September 11th, 2001, none of that mattered.

He was simply a hockey player in New York who found himself watching history unfold from inside the city.

And 25 years later, he still remembers exactly what it felt like.

We remember September 11th, 2001, through the stories of the people who were there, and Dawe's is one that brings that day a little closer to home.

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

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Peterborough’s Porter Martone Takes His Talents to the Major League Baseball … to Throw Out the First Pitch for the Phillies

By Scott Arnold

Porter Martone hasn't played his first full NHL season yet, but he's already getting a pretty good idea of what it's like to be part of Philadelphia's sports scene.

peterborough native porter martone got to throw out the first pitch on the thursday night as the philadelphia phillies hosting the houston astros in mlb action (photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

The Peterborough native and 6th overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers threw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday, September 10th, as the Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park.

Martone, wearing a powder blue Phillies jersey, got a big ovation from the Philadelphia crowd before taking the mound and delivering the pitch to the Phillie Phanatic.

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

(photo via instagram @philadelphiaflyers)

The 19-year-old also joined the Phillies broadcast during the game, getting a chance to take in another side of the city's passionate sports culture.

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It's another pretty cool stop in what's been a whirlwind year for Martone, who went from his freshman season at Michigan State to making his NHL debut with the Flyers, playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and representing Canada at the IIHF World Championship.

Now, with his first full NHL season just around the corner, Martone is getting a taste of what it means to be a Philadelphia sports star.

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A post shared by Philadelphia Flyers (@philadelphiaflyers)

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Two NLL Teams Are Gone, Leaving a Long List of Peterborough Lacrosse Connections Looking for New Homes

By Scott Arnold

The Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings are gone from the National Lacrosse League, and that leaves a long list of Peterborough lacrosse connections waiting to see where they land next.

tracey kelusky (left) and Paul day (second from right) are two of peterborough natives affected by the announcement of the philadelphia wings ceasing operation in the national lacrosse league. Also pictured are mike Hasen (holding mann cup) and bobby keast far right. (photo courtesy of Peterborough lakers)

The National Lacrosse League announced Thursday that both the Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings have discontinued operations and will not take part in the 2026-27 season.

The league will move forward with 12 teams for its 40th anniversary season, but the decision has a very local impact.

Philadelphia had several Peterborough connections throughout its organization.

Peterborough native Paul Day was the Wings' general manager, while fellow Peterborough native Tracey Kelusky was the team's offensive coach.

The Wings also had three Peterborough natives on the roster in Dylan Hutchison, Dustyn Birkhof and goaltender Deacon Knott.

Two members of the Peterborough Lakers, Alex Pace and Liam Patten, were also part of Philadelphia's organization.

Ottawa had its own strong Peterborough ties.

Lakers leading point-getter Rob Hellyer was part of the Black Bears, along with fellow Lakers player Justin Sykes. Former Lakers Tyler Carlson and Cole Begley were also part of the Ottawa organization.

Now, all of those players are left waiting to see where their NLL careers continue.

The league has combined the Ottawa and Philadelphia player pools for a single dispersal draft, which is scheduled for September 15th at 4pm ET.

The Oshawa FireWolves will have the first selection, followed by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, Rochester Knighthawks, Calgary Roughnecks, San Diego Seals, Halifax Thunderbirds, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Buffalo Bandits, Saskatchewan Rush, Vancouver Warriors and Toronto Rock.

The draft order is determined by regular-season winning percentages over the past two completed seasons, with the most recent season weighted at 70 per cent.

Following the dispersal draft, teams can sign selected players and negotiate with selected unrestricted free agents, subject to league rules.

For the Peterborough players involved, next week's draft could quickly change where they spend the upcoming season.

For Day and Kelusky, the situation is different. Their coaching and management experience could lead to opportunities elsewhere as NLL teams continue preparing for the 2026-27 season.

There is also an obvious local connection at the top of the draft.

The FireWolves, who play their home games at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, will have the first opportunity to select from the combined Ottawa and Philadelphia player pool.

So while two NLL franchises have disappeared, the impact of that decision could be felt much closer to home than it might initially seem.

For a group of Peterborough players, coaches and lacrosse executives, September 15th will be an important day as they wait to find out where the next chapter of their NLL careers will take them.

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

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Matthew Perreault Is Bigger, Stronger and More Confident

By Scott Arnold

After a promising rookie year, Matthew Perreault is heading into his second OHL season with a clear idea of what he wants to bring to the Petes, both on the ice and in the dressing room.

Matthew perrerault put in a lot of work over the summer in preparation for his sophomore ohl season with the peterborough petes (photo by scott arnold)

The 16-year-old defenceman added muscle over the summer, spending plenty of time in the gym and on the ice as he prepared for his sophomore season with the Petes.

“Lots of training in the gym, five times a week, on the ice, eating a lot of food.”

That added size is something Perreault believes will help him compete at a higher level, while the work he put in on the ice should give him another weapon to bring to the Petes blue line.

“Obviously getting bigger as well. Don’t get pushed around as much. So just adding that size and that speed, that’ll really help me. And honestly, playmaking, helping my teammates and trying to be a leader on and off the ice.”

Perreault finished his rookie season with five goals and 25 assists for 30 points in 65 games, and now he returns with a year of OHL experience under his belt.

That experience has also brought confidence.

“Yeah, I feel very confident. I’m a lot bigger than last year. So yeah, honestly, confidence is key in this league and I feel really confident going into this year.”

He also knows the expectations around this Petes group are high.

The team has added a mix of young players and veteran leadership, and Perreault sees an opportunity to do something special.

“We got a good group here and we’re going to do something special this year.”

And when it comes to what that means, Perreault was clear.

“We expect the championship and nothing less.”

After a summer spent getting bigger, faster and stronger, Perreault heads into Year 2 with confidence and a clear idea of what he wants to help the Petes accomplish.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

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

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Two More NHL Alumni Join Peterborough’s Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

Two more familiar names from the Battle of Ontario era are coming to Peterborough, with Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips joining the alumni lineup for Rivalry Night on November 6th.

fan favourites Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips will join the Leafs and Senators Alumni teams respectively for The Battle of Ontario on November 6th at the peterborough memorial centre (photo courtesy of the greater peterborough health services foundation)

Antropov will join the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team, while Phillips will suit up with the Ottawa Senators Alumni team at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The pair join previously announced alumni Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil, giving fans four former NHL players who were key parts of the Toronto-Ottawa rivalry of the early 2000s.

Antropov was selected 10th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and spent 10 seasons in the Leafs organization. The 6-foot-6 forward was a familiar presence on Toronto’s top lines during the rivalry’s peak.

Phillips was selected first overall by Ottawa in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and spent his entire NHL career with the Senators. The defenceman became a longtime fixture on Ottawa’s blue line and was part of the rivalry’s biggest years.

The Battle of Ontario became a regular playoff matchup in the early 2000s, with Toronto and Ottawa meeting in the postseason four times in five seasons between 2000 and 2005.

The rivalry was revived in the 2024-25 season when the Leafs and Senators met in the first round of the playoffs.

Rivalry Night will also have a local purpose beyond the alumni matchup. The event is a fundraiser supporting concussion education and awareness in youth sport through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s Concussion Fund.

The game takes place November 6th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Meet and greet packages are available with the alumni teams, and complete rosters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets are available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre website.

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

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Adam Levac’s Birthday to Remember

By Scott Arnold

For Adam Levac, turning 18 came with a birthday celebration he won’t soon forget, as the Peterborough Petes forward watched one of the biggest moments of his young hockey career unfold surrounded by his family.

Adam Novotný was back in Peterborough briefly after a busy summer that has seen him selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft. (photo by scott arnold)

The Peterborough Petes centre was celebrating with his family at a cottage on June 27th when the Detroit Red Wings selected him 108th overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

It was the latest milestone in a breakout second season with the Petes, where Levac went from 10 points as a rookie to 44 points in 60 games, scoring 16 goals and adding 28 assists.

After a summer that included plenty of training and skating, Levac is heading into his third OHL season with a different role on the Petes.

With several younger players joining the team, he is now one of the veterans who can help show them the way.

“I just got to lead by example, welcome all the new guys and be a good teammate and a good leader for this team.”

On the ice, Levac has his own areas he wants to continue working on, including getting more shots on net and playing with confidence.

“I think just shooting the puck a bit more, playing hard now, it’s going to be my third year in the league. So just keep improving, keep playing with confidence and yeah, it should be a good year.”

And while Levac knows there is still plenty of work to do, there is a genuine belief inside the Petes dressing room that this group can make some noise this season.

“Yeah, it’s very exciting. I think we all feel it. We feel in the dressing room with the group of guys we have, coaching staff we have and the management. I think we have a good chance this year.”

Levac’s third season will bring a bigger role, a new group of teammates and a little extra attention after hearing his name called by the Red Wings on his birthday.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

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

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Porter Martone Pulls Back Curtain on His Peterborough Training Routine Ahead of Rookie NHL Season With Flyers

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough native Porter Martone was putting in the work at home this summer as he prepares for his first full NHL season with the Philadelphia Flyers.

peterborough native porter martone showed off his summer workout routine in a new tiktok video, which included several familiar local spots around the city (screenshot from video)

The 6th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft recently gave fans a look at what his summer training routine looks like in a TikTok video he created that was shared by the NHL.

And for Martone, getting ready for the NHL means getting plenty of work in right here at home.

His routine includes running the stairs at the Peterborough Lift Lock, workouts at Hybrid Fitness, and plenty of time on the ice at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

Martone also gets some help from a familiar face. His father, former Peterborough Petes captain Mike Martone, joins him on the ice to run drills and work with his son.

The younger Martone has already had a taste of NHL hockey. After his freshman season at Michigan State, he joined the Flyers for the final nine regular-season games and recorded four goals and six points before adding two goals and three assists in 10 playoff games.

Now, with his rookie NHL season on the horizon, he was back in Peterborough putting in the work.

And judging by the video, he made the most of being home while he could, with golf, boating, fishing and time with family and friends filling out the rest of his summer.

@portermartone94

Training camp 🔜

♬ original sound - Porter Martone

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

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A Familiar Face Joining the FireWolves Broadcast Team for Upcoming NLL Season

By Scott Arnold

Katrina Squazzin is adding to her broadcasting resume once again, but this time she’ll be doing it from the sidelines in Oshawa.

former chex newswatch reporter katrina squazzin will join the oshawa firewolves broadcast crew this season as a sideline reporter, working alongside dan malta and scott arnold (photo courtesy of the oshawa firewolves)

The former Chex Newswatch reporter has been named the sideline reporter for the Oshawa FireWolves’ home broadcasts for the 2026-2027 National Lacrosse League season, putting her back in a familiar environment covering the sport while also bringing a distinctly Peterborough connection to the FireWolves broadcast team.

Squazzin spent several years working in Peterborough with Global News, where she covered both the Peterborough Petes and Peterborough Lakers. She also spent a season in the Petes broadcast booth as the colour commentator on Freq 90.5 broadcasts.

Since leaving Peterborough, Squazzin spent three years with Sportsnet as an associate producer, host and reporter, including hosting Sportsnet Central, the network’s flagship highlight show.

Now, she’s joining the FireWolves’ lacrosse broadcast team, who are heading into their second season at Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre after relocating from Albany.

And she won’t exactly be walking into an unfamiliar broadcast booth.

Squazzin will be working alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Malta and colour commentator Scott Arnold, bringing together three broadcasters whose paths have crossed many times through Peterborough sports. Malta spent years working as a producer and host with YourTV Peterborough and has also been part of Peterborough Petes and Lakers broadcasts, while Arnold works with PTBOCanada and is the colour commentator for Petes and Lakers broadcasts on YourTV.

katrina squazzin and her husband, dan malta, on the memorial centre ice after the peterborough petes won the ohl championship in 2023. the duo will be part of the oshawa firewolves broadcasting trio for the upcoming nll season. (photo by scott arnold)

Malta and Squazzin also happen to be married, adding another unique layer to their shared broadcasting history.

“This opportunity is even more special because I get to work alongside my husband, Dan Malta, and my good friend, Scott Arnold,” said Squazzin. “Both have done an outstanding job on the FireWolves’ broadcast, and I’m thrilled to join them.”

The FireWolves’ second season in Oshawa will give Squazzin a chance to tell those stories from a different perspective, while reconnecting with a sport and a community she knows well.

“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to join the Oshawa FireWolves broadcast team,” she said. “I followed the team’s inaugural season in Oshawa and was fortunate enough to attend a couple of games, witnessing firsthand the passion and pride this fanbase has for its team. I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of the players and organization throughout the season.”

And for those who have followed Peterborough sports broadcasting over the years, the FireWolves’ home broadcasts will feature a trio with local connections.

The only difference is the address on the broadcast truck.

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

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Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Team Set to Start Season Wednesday Night at Justin Chiu Stadium

By Scott Arnold

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team returns to the field Wednesday night when it hosts the Carleton Ravens at Justin Chiu Stadium. The game will officially kick off the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) season.

The Trent excalibur men’s lacrosse team will kick off their new season at home on wednesday night against brock (photo courtesy of trent university)

The game gets underway at 7pm on September 9th, with free admission for fans who want to watch the Excalibur take on the Ravens.

The matchup gives Trent supporters a chance to catch the Excalibur in action at home, with the game taking place at Justin Chiu Stadium.

as part of orientation week at trent univerisity, admission to wednesday’s lacrosse game at justin chiu stadium will be free admission (photo courtesy of trent university)

The Excalibur had a 9-2 record last season before suffering a 13-12 overtime loss to the Brock Badgers in the CUFLA quarterfinals.

For those unable to attend, the game will also be streamed live on YouTube.

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

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Adam Novotný Is Just Getting Started

By Scott Arnold

The 18-year-old Peterborough Petes forward has spent much of the summer travelling between Peterborough, Vancouver and Czechia, preparing for the NHL Draft, attending the NHL Combine and eventually hearing his name called in the first round.

Adam Novotný was back in Peterborough briefly after a busy summer that has seen him selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft. (photo by scott arnold)

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Adam Novotný.

The Vancouver Canucks selected Novotný 24th overall in June, adding another major milestone to what has already been an impressive start to his North American career.

Now, he’s back in Peterborough briefly before heading west once again, this time for Vancouver’s rookie showcase and training camp.

“It feels unbelievable,” Novotný said of returning to the Memorial Centre. “It felt like I never left for the summer.”

That familiarity could be important for a player looking to take another step forward after a strong first season in Peterborough.

Novotný finished last season second on the Petes in both goals and points, scoring 34 goals and adding 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games. Only Kieran Walton, who had 40 goals and 88 points, finished ahead of him in both categories.

But despite the offensive numbers, Novotný isn’t satisfied.

After spending time at Vancouver’s development camp this summer, one of Novotný’s priorities is becoming more composed when he gets his chances.

“Obviously finishing a little bit more, be a little bit more calm in finishing maybe.”

That’s part of a bigger goal for Novotný, who wants to continue developing every aspect of his game.

“I just wanted to work on everything basically to just get better as an overall player.”

His summer experience in Vancouver also gave him a taste of what it takes to reach the next level. Being around NHL coaches, Novotný said, reinforced the importance of professionalism and provided lessons he can bring back to Peterborough.

Now, there’s another opportunity waiting for him in Vancouver.

For the rookie showcase, Novotný said he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice and competing for an opportunity.

“I’m just trying to get prepared for that now,” he said. “It’s super exciting to get there and do my best and fight for a spot.

A first-round selection was one highlight of Novotný’s summer. Now he gets another chance to show Vancouver what he can do.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

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

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