Hometown Boy Masen Johnston Picks Up First OHL Shutout As Petes Blank Erie 4-0

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By Scott Arnold

Masen Johnston recorded his first OHL win at home and first career shutout, while Lucas Karmiris returned to the OHL scoresheet and Adam Novotný scored one of the nicest goals you'll see at the Memorial Centre as the Peterborough Petes shut out the Erie Otters 4-0 Thursday night.

Masen Johnston made 32 saves for the petes on route to his first win at home and first career shutout as the petes defeated the otters 4-0 (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via kenneth Andersen)

The Petes improved to 2-4 on the season with the win, while Johnston stopped all 32 shots he faced in front of the hometown crowd.

Peterborough opened the scoring on the power play when Novotný won a puck battle along the boards, worked his way toward the net and brought the puck through his legs before ripping a shot into the top corner.

It was a goal that drew plenty of attention inside the Memorial Centre and gave the Petes a 1-0 lead.

Karmiris then doubled the lead with just 37 seconds left in the opening period, scoring his first goal as a Pete with assists from Aiden Young and Braydon McCallum.

It was Karmiris' first OHL game since March 28th, 2025. The Peterborough native was acquired by the Petes from the Mississauga Steelheads before last season but suffered a training camp injury and missed the entire 2025-26 season after undergoing double knee surgery.

The Petes led 2-0 after the first period.

Yanis Lutz added to the lead early in the second period, scoring on the power play with assists from Matthew Perreault and McCallum.

Peterborough carried a 3-0 lead into the third period before Leon Kolarik scored the game's final goal at 10:47, with assists from Landon Roulston and Ben Radley.

Johnston took care of the rest, stopping all 32 Erie shots to earn his first OHL win at home and his first career shutout.

Johnston took care of the rest, stopping all 32 Erie shots to earn his first OHL win at home and his first career shutout.

peterborough native masen johnston holds up the game puck from his first career ohl shutout after the petes blanked the erie otter 4-0 on thursday night. (photo via x, formerly twitter, @petesohlhockey)

The Petes went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Erie went 0-for-4.

Petes Scoring: Adam Novotný (1G), Lucas Karmiris (1G), Yanis Lutz (1G), Leon Kolarik (1G), Braydon McCallum (2A), Adam Levac (1A), Cooper Dennis (1A), Aiden Young (1A), Matthew Perreault (1A), Landon Roulston (1A), Ben Radley (1A)

The Petes also announced a goaltending move before the game, acquiring 2007-born Matthew Koprowski from the Owen Sound Attack for a conditional 15th-round pick in 2028. The trade came just days after Owen Nelson left the team to pursue an NCAA opportunity.

The Petes return to action Friday night when they visit Kingston to face the Frontenacs.


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

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Head of the Trent 2026 Features New Riverside Experience While Faryon Bridge Undergoes Revitalization

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One of Trent University’s signature weekends, Head of the Trent (HOTT), runs Friday to Sunday and features a new riverside experience for this year’s homecoming while the Faryon Bridge undergoes revitalization.

Trent faculty, staff and athletes join the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough DBIA to help launch the 2026 HOTT. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event brings athletes, alumni, families and community members to enjoy rowing races, varsity games and family-friendly programming. 

“Head of the Trent is a weekend people look forward to year after year, reconnecting them with Trent and the Peterborough region,” said Julie Davis, Trent vice president of external relations, marketing and communications. “This year’s new riverside viewing experience offers visitors a fresh way to be part of this longstanding tradition, whether they are discovering Head of the Trent for the first time or returning year after year.” 

The Faryon Bridge under constuction and revitalization to preserve its structural integrity, support safe daily use and protect its defining architectural features. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The HOTT Regatta is the heart of the event, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club. Over 1,400 rowers from across Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and the northern United States will compete in one of North America’s premier head races on the Otonabee River running through Trent’s Symons Campus.

Because of the Faryon Bridge revitalization, spectators can watch the regatta along the Otonabee, including Trent’s Founders Walk on the West Bank of Symons Campus. The Student Centre riverside is a primary hub of activity, including the Kids’ Zone. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy free activities including inflatables, lawn games, face painting and visits with animals. Kids can also meet Bluey and Bingo from the hit Australian-based TV show ‘Bluey’ from 11 a.m. to noon and Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Kids enjoying HoTT with Bluey and Bingo in a past event. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Beyond rowing, Trent Excalibur athletes are competing this weekend, with women’s and men’s rugby, soccer, and volleyball in action. 

Food and drink options include a free pancake breakfast, along with health and wellness educational opportunities on the Upper Bata Podium on Saturday. Food trucks are stationed near Bata Library and the campus pub, the Ceilie, is open during the festivities.

Alumni celebrations kick off Friday evening with the Trent Alumni Rowing & Rugby Social at Justin Chiu Stadium. Alumni from two of Trent’s longest-standing varsity programs will cheer on the Excalibur women’s rugby team alongside students and community members. Former Excalibur soccer players return to the field Saturday morning for the alumni soccer game.

Champlain College marks its 60th anniversary during Head of the Trent, with an anniversary brunch, guided college tours and a special Great Hall display featuring photographs, artifacts and stories spanning six decades of college life.

Increased Peterborough Police Service presence will be throughout HOTT and the City. This includes specialized units, such as the Police’s crowd management team, on hand during the festivities.

They will be assisting at any capacity or any location where they're required,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reesor of the Peterborough Police Service. “We also have an additional (close to) 50 paid-duty officers that are in various points throughout the weekend to also increase our presence and our ability to respond to various locations and various situations that should arrive.”

Reesor assures the public that the additional focus on HOTT will not take away from the station’s regular police duties.

“We're doing this strategically without pulling officers away from their regular shift,” he explains. “The officers scheduled to be on shift aren't being depleted by having these additional officers available.”

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Peterborough Petes Forward Named OHL Player of the Week For Sept. 28

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Peterborough Petes forward and Vancouver Canucks prospect Adam Novotný has been named the OHL Player of the Week after recording three goals, three assists and six points over three games.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

Novotny returned from Canucks training camp and made his season debut last Thursday. He had two goals and two assists in a 7-4 win over the Sarnia Sting. He followed with a goal and an assist last Saturday as the Petes fell 6-3 at home to the Ottawa 67’s. All three of Novotny’s assists were primary and he led all OHL players last week with 18 shots on goal.

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 that year's draft and the first Pete. Novotny won bronze with Czechia at the 2025 World Junior Championship and claimed silver in 2026.

The Petes take on the Erie Otters this Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Five Peterborough Connections on the Field as Canada Opens Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship With Convincing Win Over Mexico

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By Scott Arnold

Erica Evans wasted no time making an impact for Team Canada, scoring just five seconds into Tuesday’s 32-2 win over Mexico at the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship in Oshawa.

peterborough native erica evans had seven points in the opening game of the Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship at oshawa civic fields (photo via instagram @lacrossecanada)

The Peterborough native finished the game with three goals and four assists as Canada opened the tournament with a dominant victory.

Evans was joined on the Canadian roster by two members of the Peterborough Lakers’ 2026 championship-winning team, Madalyn Baxter and Nicole Perroni.

Perroni led Canada with five goals and added three assists, while Baxter scored twice.

The Trent Excalibur have a trio of athletes playing on the Canadian roster, including the aforementioned Baxter, along with Kylea Dobson and Maggie Cuddy.

Dobson found the back of the net twice in the win, while Cuddy scored four goals.

For anyone trying to add that up right now, the local connections combined for 16 goals and seven assists.

Canada returns to action on Friday at 7:30pm against Jamaica at Oshawa Civic Fields. Anyone who can’t make it to the game can watch it online through World Lacrosse TV.


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

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Goaltender Owen Nelson Leaves Peterborough Petes and the OHL for NCAA Scholarship

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By Scott Arnold

After a couple days of social media speculation, the rumours surrounding Owen Nelson were confirmed Tuesday, with the Peterborough Petes goaltender leaving the team for an NCAA opportunity.

After a couple days of social media speculation, the rumours surrounding Owen Nelson were confirmed Tuesday, with the Peterborough Petes goaltender leaving the team for an NCAA opportunity.

less than two weeks into the regular season the petes have lost goaltender owen nelson to the ncaa (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via kenneth Anderson)

Nelson has accepted a scholarship to play NCAA Division I hockey at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Minnesota native joined the Petes as a free agent from the USHL's Tri-City Storm and had quickly established himself in Peterborough's crease. He started three of the team's first five games this season, including Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Ottawa 67's.

His departure leaves the Petes with Masen Johnston and Luka Gelinas as their current goaltending options.

Johnston has started two games this season, while Gelinas has yet to appear in an OHL regular-season game.

Nelson's departure comes as the NCAA has opened its doors to Canadian Hockey League players following a rule change in 2024 that made CHL players eligible to play NCAA hockey.

The Petes are 1-4 to start the 2026-27 season and return to action Thursday, October 1st against the Erie Otters at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.


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

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The NHL Season Starts Tonight: 14 Peterborough Connections You Should Know

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By Scott Arnold

The 2026-27 NHL season gets underway Tuesday night, with a number of former Peterborough Petes and Peterborough natives listed on season opening rosters across the league.

after suiting up for the flyers their final nine regular season games last season, and ten playoff games, peterborough native porter martone is getting set for his official rookie year (photo via X, formerly twitter, @nhlflyers)

There are 14 players with Peterborough ties entering the new NHL season, including eight former Petes and six players who were born in or have strong Peterborough ties.

Former Petes

Brennan Othmann - Calgary Flames

Othmann won an OHL championship with the Petes in 2023. He spent last season between the New York Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before being traded to Calgary in March.

He is on the Flames' opening-night roster this season.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9pm vs. the Seattle Kraken

Jordan Staal - Carolina Hurricanes

Staal won an OHL championship with the Petes in 2006 and has gone on to become the captain of the Hurricanes.

This will be his 21st NHL season. Staal has been with Carolina since 2012 and helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup last season, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 5pm vs. the Florida Panthers

Nick Lardis - Chicago Blackhawks

Lardis played parts of two seasons with the Petes from 2021 to 2023 before being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

He spent last season between the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, and is on Chicago's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 10pm vs. the Vegas Golden Knights

Zach Bogosian - Minnesota Wild

Bogosian played two seasons with the Petes from 2006 to 2008.

He is entering his 19th NHL season and his fourth with Minnesota after re-signing with the Wild this summer.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 8pm vs. the Nashville Predators

Declan Chisholm - New Jersey Devils

Chisholm played four seasons with the Petes from 2016 to 2020.

After playing for the Washington Capitals last season, he was acquired by New Jersey in June. He is on the Devils' opening roster.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 7pm vs. the Philadelphia Flyers

Nick Robertson - Pittsburgh Penguins

Robertson played three seasons with the Petes from 2017 to 2020.

His 55 goals in 46 games during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season remain one of the most impressive scoring seasons in Petes history. He joined Pittsburgh this summer after spending the past several seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Philadelphia Flyers

Mason McTavish - St. Louis Blues

McTavish played just over a season with the Petes, appearing in the 2019-20 season before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the OHL schedule.

He returned to Peterborough for five games in 2021-22 before being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs, who went on to win the OHL championship that season.

McTavish joined St. Louis in the offseason and is on the Blues' opening-night roster.

Season opener: Friday, October 2nd at 9pm at the Dallas Stars

Akil Thomas - Vancouver Canucks

Thomas briefly played for the Petes after being acquired from the Niagara IceDogs during the 2019-20 season.

He signed with Vancouver this summer and is listed on the Canucks' roster, but he will not be in the lineup to start the season.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 10pm vs. the Edmonton Oilers

Peterborough Natives

Porter Martone - Philadelphia Flyers

Martone was born in Peterborough and joined the Flyers late last season after completing his first NCAA season with Michigan State.

He played nine regular-season games with Philadelphia, scoring four goals and adding six assists, before appearing in 10 playoff games and recording two goals and three assists.

This will be his official rookie season, and he is the only Flyer on the opening-night roster who qualifies as a rookie.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins

Owen Tippett - Philadelphia Flyers

The Peterborough native is entering his seventh NHL season.

Tippett began his career with the Florida Panthers before joining Philadelphia, where he has spent the last four and a half seasons.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins

Vince Dunn - Seattle Kraken

Dunn is entering his 10th NHL season and sixth with Seattle after starting his career with the St. Louis Blues, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2019.

The Kraken open their season Thursday in Calgary.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9pm at the Calgary Flames

Barrett Hayton - Utah Mammoth

Hayton was selected fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Draft before the franchise relocated to Utah.

Born in Peterborough, Hayton remains the highest-drafted Peterborough-born player in NHL history. He is on Utah's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9:30pm vs. the Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Perry - Los Angeles Kings

Perry is entering his 22nd NHL season at age 41.

The Peterborough native is one of the NHL's oldest players and returns to Los Angeles after signing with the Kings this summer. He is on the team's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 10pm at the Colorado Avalanche

Chase Stillman - Detroit Red Wings

Stillman played two seasons with his hometown Petes from 2021 to 2023 and was part of the team's 2023 OHL championship.

He spent last season in the AHL with the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, and signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit this summer.

Stillman is listed on Detroit's roster but will not be in the lineup when the Red Wings open their season Friday.

Season opener: Friday, October 2nd at 6:30pm vs. the New York Rangers

From Stanley Cup winners and longtime veterans to players beginning their first full seasons in the league, there will be plenty of Peterborough storylines to follow during the 2026-27 NHL season.


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

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Defenseman From Brantford Bulldog For Two Draft Picks

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The Peterborough Petes have acquired defenceman Camron Hankai from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2028 and a sixth-round pick in 2029, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

The Simcoe native was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the fourth round, 82nd overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, he played 36 games for the Bulldogs, scoring twice and adding six assists for eight points. He played in another six playoff games, helping the Bulldogs reach the Eastern Conference Final. Before joining the Bulldogs, Hankai played in 55 games for the Haliburton County Huskies in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, scoring 11 goals and adding 40 assists, finishing fourth in the league in points by a defenceman with 51.

“Camron is a big, physical defenceman who is very tough to play against,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s someone who we’ve been tracking since his time with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs in his U16 season.”

Hankai also had leadership experience and was an assistant captain for the team. He has committed to Bowling Green State University following his time in the OHL.

The Petes take on the Erie Otters this Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Three Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse Student-Athletes to Represent Team Canada For Pan-American Sixes Championship

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Three Trent Excalibur athletes from the women’s lacrosse team, Maddy Baxter, Kylea Dobson and Maggie Cuddy, have been selected for the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship from Tuesday to Sunday at the Oshawa Civic Centre. 

(from left to right) Maddy Baxter (second-year nursing) Maggie Cuddy (Master of healthcare management) and Kylea Dobson. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Having three Excalibur student-athletes selected to represent Canada speaks to the calibre of talent within Trent’s women’s lacrosse and the high quality of our program,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics and Recreation director. “To see them compete at this level, just around the corner in Durham Region, is an incredible opportunity for the Trent community to cheer them and Team Canada on.” 

Baxter and Cuddy recently represented Canada at the 2026 World Championship in Tokyo earlier this summer. Baxter is also coming off a championship season with the Peterborough Lakers, helping the team capture its first-ever Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial title.

“I grew up idolizing the women who represented Canada, so having the opportunity to wear the maple leaf is always a pinch-me moment,” said Dobson. “I grew up playing at the Civic and remember sitting in the stands watching the 2013 World Championship. To come back now as one of the athletes representing Canada feels like a full-circle moment.”

Former Trent Excalibur head coach Erica Evans has also been named to the 12-person Canadian roster. 

The championship sees 17 national teams from across the Americas to Oshawa, with nine women’s teams and eight men’s teams competing. The tournament helps teams qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

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Peterborough Lakers Hand Out 2026 Year-End Awards Including Jake Withers as MVP

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By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers celebrated another summer of lacrosse over the weekend by handing out their 2026 year-end awards.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers celebrated another summer of lacrosse over the weekend by handing out their 2026 year-end awards.

Jake Withers (left) was named the MVP for the PEterborough Lakers 2026 season while Dylan Hawken (right) was given the volunteer award (Photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers via david pickering)

Peterborough Lakers Hand Out 2026 Year-End Awards

The Peterborough Lakers celebrated another summer of lacrosse over the weekend by handing out their 2026 year-end awards.

Ten members of the Lakers organization were recognized, including some of the team’s top performers from the season as well as a volunteer who helps make everything happen away from the floor.

Here’s who took home the hardware:

  • MVP: Jake Withers

  • Fan Favourite: Dustyn Birkhof

  • Top Scorer: Rob Hellyer

  • Top Defender: Robert Hope

  • Top Transition: Colton Armstrong

  • Most Improved: Jordan Stouros

  • Most Dedicated: Drew Hutchison

  • Most Sportsmanlike: Frank Coyle

  • Rookie of the Year: Brendan Boyle

  • Volunteer Award: Dylan Hawken

Dustyn Birkhof named fan favourite

Dustyn Birkhof was voted as the 2026 fan favourite after an incredible season that included many many moments, including scoring a game winning goal against the eventual champion six nations chiefs (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers via david pickering)

And with the awards handed out, another summer of Peterborough Century 21 Lakers lacrosse is now officially in the books.


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

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Petes Battle Back From Early Deficit But Fall 6-3 to Ottawa on Saturday Night

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By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes erased a two-goal deficit to tie the game in the second period, but the Ottawa 67's scored four times in the third to hand the Petes a 6-3 loss Saturday night at the Memorial Centre.

The Peterborough Petes erased a two-goal deficit to tie the game in the second period, but the Ottawa 67's scored four times in the third to hand the Petes a 6-3 loss Saturday night at the Memorial Centre.

Petes goaltender Owen Nelson makes a save on saturday as defenceman Jacob xu and ottawa forward spencer bowes look on from in front of the net (photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via kenneth anderson)

Ottawa opened the scoring just over four minutes into the game when Spencer Bowes found the back of the net, then added another from Jaiden Newton with 32 seconds left in the opening period to take a 2-0 lead into the intermission.

The Petes responded in the second.

Adam Levac got Peterborough on the board midway through the period, assisted by captain Carson Cameron and Grayden Strohack. Leon Kolarik then tied the game 2-2 on the power play late in the frame, with Adam Novotný and Levac picking up the assists.

The Petes and 67's headed to the second intermission tied 2-2.

Ottawa regained the lead early in the third when Theo Avila scored, and Andrew Laurin added a power-play goal just past the midway point of the period to make it 4-2.

The Petes weren't done. Novotny cut the deficit to one on the power play with just over two minutes remaining, assisted by Cooper Dennis and Kolarik.

Ottawa added two empty-net goals in the final minute, including Bowes' second of the night and Jack Johnson's first, to seal the 6-3 win.

Petes Scoring: Adam Levac (1G, 1A), Leon Kolarik (1G, 1A), Adam Novotny (1G, 1A), Cooper Dennis (1A), Carson Cameron (1A), Grayden Strohack (1A)

Owen Nelson made 25 saves on 29 shots for the Petes while Jaeden Nelson picked the win for Ottawa with 30 saves on 33 shots.

The Petes went 2-for-1 on the power play, while Ottawa went 1-for-3.

The loss drops Peterborough to 1-4 on the season with their next game set for 7pm on Thursday, October, 1st, against the Erie Otters at the PMC.


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

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