Team Canada Wins Back-To-Back Gold Medals; Peterborough Petes' Brennan Othmann Gets Two Assists In 3-2 Win

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Back-to-back gold medals for Team Canada as they beat Czechia at the 2023 World Junior Championships in a 3-2 overtime win with Peterborough Petes’ Brennan Othmann and Port Hope’s Owen Beck a part of the winning team on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada.

Othmann assisted on the games first two goals for Team Canada. He was the secondary assist for Canada’s first powerplay goal with a diving stick check to send it back to Dylan Guenther. He and Brandt Clarke exchanged the puck once before a one-time goal from the former for a 1-0 Canada lead.

Othmann’s second assist for Shane Wrights's goal, came after he helped clear the defensive zone to Guenther where he kicked the puck to Wright after being pinned on the boards. Wright cut into the offensive zone against four defenders and backhanded his shot in for a 2-0 Canada lead.

Czechia had a late push with two third-period goals to send the game to overtime.= by Jiri Kulich and Jakub Kos respectively.

After 6:22 into the overtime frame, Canada turned the puck over in their offensive zone in 3-on-3 play. Joshua Roy and Guenther had an odd-man rush at the net, passed the puck between them and the latter scored for a walk-off goal for a 3-2 Canada win.

The win was Canada’s first back-to-back gold medals since 2008-09. Connor Bedard of Canada was named tournament MVP with nine goals and fourteen assists.

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New Restaurant Vik’s Lake and George Bistro Opens in Peterborough

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A new bistro opens its doors Friday in downtown Peterborough, serving up soup, sandwiches and other hardy dishes just across from Del Crary Park.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Vik’s Lake and George Bistro is owner Vik Sharma’s passion project.

“I had goals of opening my own restaurant,” he says. “Even though I am still learning, I am trying new things everyday.”

After living in British Columbia for ten years, Sharma moved to Peterborough in September with goals of running a business centred around the customers in the community.

The restaurants motto, “We serve with passion” are some of Sharma’s words to live by when running his bistro.

“People love good service. Of course the food is important but they dine-in expecting a level of (hospitality),” says Sharma. “You don’t get another chance to make a first impression.”

He says the new business has been busy with Skip The Dishes and DoorDash orders, even garnering returning customers before the official opening this Friday.

“Social media, word-of-mouth, anything to get that brings people in,” he laughs.

Sharma makes the beef burger patties in house, with his golden-brown hashbrowns cooked made-to-order and his signature green tea available for the breakfast, lunch and dinner crowds. The restaurant also offers Halal options depending on availability.

Although Vik’s Bistro is still finalizing their menu, the $7.99 ($6.99 for seniors) basic breakfast special has already been a hit in the community.

“If I hear (comments) from the customers, I always listen to them. It’s all about taking care of them, and listening to learn what they want in the future,” said Sharma.

With entrée options such as eggs benedict, poutine and various pasta dishes, Sharma says the menu is sure to feature something for everyone.

To those looking to try out the new restaurant, they are open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday at 25 George St. N.

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Peterborough Petes Extend Winning Streak to Seven In 5-3 Win Over Owen Sound Attack

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The good times keep rolling for the Peterborough Petes, extending their winning streak continues to seven games as they took down the Owen Sound Attack in a 5-3 win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of hte Peterborough Petes.

Scoring started in the final minute of the first period as J.R. Avon forced a turnover and dished a pass to Connor Lockhart for a Petes 1-0 lead heading into the second.

Owen Sound struck hard and fast, scoring two goals in the first 82 seconds as Colby Barlow and James Petrovski gave Owen Sound and 2-1 lead. Konnor Smith responded for Peterborough 35 seconds later and one-timed a Jax Dubois pass for a 2-2 tie. Lockhart continued his hot streak and buried a rebound to make it 3-2 Peterborough into the third.

Tucker Robertson scored late in the third period seemingly securing a Petes win with 4-2 lead with less than five minutes in the game. Owen Sound kept themselves in the game as Bryant scored 2:24 later for a 4-3 game. Chase Stillman put the game away with an empty netter and Peterborough walked away with a 5-3 win.

The line of Connor Lockhart (2G), J.R. Avon (2A), and Tucker Robertson (1G, 1A) led the way for the Petes. Konnor Smith scored his first of the season and Chase Stillman added an empty netter. Sam Mayer, Jax Dubois, James Guo, and Jonathan Melee each had an assist in the win. Liam Sztuska was fantastic again for the Petes, collecting his fifth win of the season in his first home start.

Liam Sztuska stood tall for Peterborough, stopping 27/40 shots on net for the win.

The Petes remain at home for their next game against the Kingston Frontenacs this Saturday for Harry Potter Night at the PMC.

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Beloved Man Doug “Dougie” Johnson Has Passed Away; Candlelight Vigil Being Held Honouring Lives Lost to Homelessness This Wednesday

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Peterborough is mourning one of the most beloved homeless people of the city as Doug “Dougie” Johnson has passed away and is being honoured as one of several people at a candlelight vigil at City Hall at 5 p.m. this Wednesday.

Facebook Photo.

The vigil is to show solidarity and support to anyone who lost their life or is at risk during the winter season due to homelessness and lack of affordable housing according to the Facebook event.

It was created by Courtney Elizabeth Fisher on Dec. 14. The event is asking anyone to send along photos of anyone lost from homelessness to be honoured and show City Councillors its magnitude and influence.

Johnson with his daughter Dana. HIs daughter and most of the maternal family moved out to Western Canada for a living. Facebook Photo.

Known to frequent downtown, Johnson was described as ‘respectful, kind and caring’ according to his daughter, Dana Johnson in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. She tells her dad’s story from her point of view two years ago.

Doug had suffered from schizophrenia and addiction that impacted his mental health.

He has worked at a slaughterhouse as a contractor and at the General Motors truck plant. Johnson' also worked for his father his entire life at the farm. Prior to his diagnosis, he got married and started a family.

“Taking care of our needs and mental stability is so important,” said Dana in a prior interview. “I’ve learnt that it’s okay to not feel ashamed to ask for help, not to hide, or stuff all the feelings way down deep. Because when it blows up, it could be life-changing.”

A Facebook page called ‘Surviving.PTBO’ reported his loss on Wednesday night but details have not been released regarding his death. Comments were pouring in sending condolences and sharing good memories of Doug.

“I will miss being blessed by this man every time I saw him. He would always hold the door for me and yet he never once asked for money,” said Scotty Wood in a Facebook comment. “The city won’t feel the same without Dougie. Heaven gained an angel and so did all of us here in Peterborough. This man will be watching over us all just like we watched over him.”

“Dougie, we will miss you. You were always courteous, pleasant and giving,” said Deborah Wittekoek on Facebook. “I remember way back when City Lights were still open, the owner would give him free food at closing and he would come to my cab and offer me some. I never saw anything but kindness from him. He helped me find my son one time when he went missing. He will be sadly missed but also happily remembered.”

“I will never forget you coming to my daughter’s celebration of life and you stopped in the parking lot to look in a truck mirror to check your hair,” said Gail Perry on a social media post. “You looked so nice, such a caring and thoughtful person.”

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch to Peterborough and Surrounding Area Due to Warm Weather and Rainfall

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Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood watch to Peterborough and the surrounding area due to the warm temperatures, rainfall and melting snow throughout the holidays announced on Thursday.

The watch is for the municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management according to Otonobee Conservation.

The flood watch is issued to alert municipalities, residents and businesses that floods are possible.

Parks Canada reports that they are managing water throughout the entire system.  Increased flows are entering the Kawartha Lakes that increase water levels and could result in the potential breakup of ice cover and ice jams. Starting Thursday, the flows on the Otonabee River will be increased to convey the excess water within the system.

Otonabee Conservation expects a return of cold air temperatures over the next week, in combination with a lack of ice cover and turbulent flows on the Otonabee River may result in the generation of frazil ice (a kind of slush ice formed by cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cause the surface water temperature to be super-cooled) which can lead to flooding.

Residents and businesses along the shores of the Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes — especially those located in low-lying areas — are strongly encouraged by Otonobee Conservation to keep a close watch for frazil ice generation, accumulation, and jamming and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

The flood watch is expected to expire next Thursday unless stated otherwise.

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Hometown PTBO: Brent Tully Playing For the Peterborough Petes and His World Hockey Juniors Experience

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with two-time World Junior Hockey gold medalist Brent Tully about his Peterborough Petes tenure, being drafted to the NHL and the World Juniors both past and present.

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Ukrainian Christmas Celebration Held at Peterborough Square This Saturday

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The Ukrainian Community of Peterborough and the Kawarthas (UCPK) is holding a free Ukrainian Christmas celebration at Peterborough Square this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

City Hall was lit in yellow and blue as a symbol of unity and support for Ukraine on March 1. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The celebration also known as Rizdvo falls every Jan. 7 every year according to the Julian Calendar and Orthodox Church.

The free family-friendly event features authentic Ukrainian food, music, carolling, colouring books for children and traditional craft workshops.

Performing at the event is a joy string quartet playing music with children and adult volunteers singing carols throughout. ‘Carol of the Bells’ is one of the featured songs and is based on the famous Ukrainian Christmas Carol ‘Shedryk’ by Nikolai Leontovich.

A fundraiser is being held to support UCPK during the event. Vendors are selling items such as fresh baked goods by Ukrainian community members, candles and Ukrainian-themed goods. Donations can also be made online by emailing ucpk.ca@gmail.com.

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City of Peterborough Accepting Applications For Citizen Appointments to City Council Advisory Committees

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The City of Peterborough is taking applications for its advisory committees to provide input and feedback on the provision of municipal services for the Peterborough community with the deadline on Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

“Citizen participation is essential for a healthy democracy. We are better when we work together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.  “Citizens who participate on advisory committees provide valuable input into City initiatives. If you have a keen interest in one of the current vacancies, I encourage you to apply.”

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities with all applicants required to be Peterborough residents as interviews may be required.

Applications are reviewed by City Council’s Citizen Appointment Selection Committee. The Committee will make recommendations to Council for its consideration.

The following are vacancies on the following committees:

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee – three vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Two-year term)

  • Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee – Two vacancies (Two-year term)

  • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Arenas, Parks and Recreation Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

  • Citizens’ War Memorial Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

  • Committee of Adjustment – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee – Eight vacancies (Three-year term)

  • Museum and Archives Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

  • Peterborough Public Library – Six vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Planning Advisory Committee – Four vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Police Services Board - One vacancy (Four-year term)

  • Property Standards Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

  • Tree and Woodlands Appeals Committee – Three vacancies (Four-year term)

Applications are available online and hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N., Peterborough. Completed applications may be submitted online, dropped off or mailed to City Hall no later than Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

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Port Hope's Owen Beck Lends a Hand In Canada's 6-2 Win Over USA; Advance to Gold Medal Game

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Port Hope’s Owen Beck and Team Canada are headed to the gold medal game at the 2023 World Junior Championship after a 6-2 win over the United States at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on Wednesday.

Canada scored six unanswered goals after letting in thei first two to the United States. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OHL.

The Montréal Canadiens’ prospect recorded an assist — his first point of the tournament — on Brandt Clarke’s goal roughly halfway through the third period.

Beck made a cross-crease pass to Adam Fantilli after scooping up a loose puck on a defensive zone turnover from the USA. Fantilli’s shot was blocked but ended up in the hands of Clarke and Los Angeles Kings prospect to snipe it top shelf for the 5-2 lead.

Beck was a late call-up to the team on New Year’s Day after Colton Dach was out of the tournament due to an injury.

Beck was invited to the World Junior Selection Camp for Team Canada but did not make the final roster at the time.

The Peterborough-born forward did not register a point in Canada’s win over Slovakia in their 4-3 overtime thrilling win.

Canada faces Czechia on Thursday night for the gold medal. Czechia dealt Canada’s only tournament loss 5-2 on opening day (Boxing Day).

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Lakefield Jr. C Chiefs Acquire Defenseman From the Schomberg Cougars For a Player Development Fee

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The Lakefield Jr. C Chiefs have acquired Brenner Boddy from the Schomberg Cougars in exchange for a player development fee announced on Wednesday night.

The 18-year old was born in Keswick, is 185 pounds and stands in at 5’11”. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Jr. C Chiefs.

The defenseman played 12 games this season with one goal and four assists, totalling five points.

He is known to be a physical player with a hard shot.

The team’s game is against the Georgina Ice on the road this Friday.

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