Peterborough Area Roller Derby Kicks Off 2023 Season For June 17

Peterborough Area Roller Derby (PARD) gets back on track, kicking off “House PARDy,” their first game of the season at the Douro Community Centre on June 17 announced on Tuesday morning.

PARD is running for a second straight year after a two-year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of PARD.

This is PARD’s first Women's Flat Track Derby Association-sanctioned game ever as the former became an officially chartered competitive league earlier in the spring.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m as PARD takes on Toronto Roller Derby starting at 3 p.m. with an open full contact scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Kids under 12 are free. 

PARD is also opening applications for anyone interested in the open scrimmage, volunteering, becoming a non-skating official with the league or being a vendor.

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Students Display Their Art Skills In the 10th Annual Paint a Peterborough County Snow Plow

Teachers and students of Peterborough County got to put their creative side on display as they got to participate in the 10th Annual Paint a Peterborough County Snow Plow.

Photo courtesy of the County of Peterborough.

Snowplow blades were delivered the schools in early May where they were painted with their custom designs. Chemong Public School, St. Martin Catholic School, Millbrook Public School, Norwood District Public School, Rhema Christian School and Buckhorn Public School participated in the painting event.

“This is our 10-year anniversary engaging with our local schools to paint our plows,” said Bill Linnen, General Manager Public Works Division “They have fun and get to share their creativity with us and we enjoy displaying them along Hwy 28 and sharing them with the greater community.” 

They are being displayed at the Douro Public Works Depot at the corner of Hwy 28 and County Road 4 upon completion. They will remain there until they are needed next winter for plowing operations.  

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Photos: Peterborough Petes Take to Quaker Park Food Square To Celebrate OHL Championship With the Fans

The Peterborough Petes held their Championship Celebration Event at the Quaker Food Park Square to commemorate their OHL Championship title on Monday afternoon.

A Petes watch party took place at the Quaker Food Park Square during the team's last playoff road game on Friday. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

A 16-foot mega screen played highlight videos as remarks from dignitaries, players, staff and coaches were made during the ceremony.

Players signed autographs for fans after the speeches and team photo.

The Petes are heading west for the Memorial Cup from May 26 to Jun 4 to determine the Canadian Hockey League champion in Kamloops, B.C. They are joined by the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

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Knights of Columbus 45th Annual Police Appreciation Night Recognizes Heroic Citizens and Officers

The Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered Wednesday to present awards to citizens and officers who displayed acts of courage and commitment to the community.

photo courtesy of peterborough police service, facebook.

This year’s commendations were presented to citizens and officers for their assistance over the past three years.

Citizen Commendations:

• Rob Reynolds

• Matt Cooper

• Hunter Hoey

• Justin Schaude

• Molly Touzel

• Kaylynn Delong

• Nikki Casey

• Jeff Lustig

• Chris Formosa

• Amy Gosland

• Britney Graham

• Michelle Scheeters

• Kelly Lahay

• Leslie Cangas

• Francis Joseph Edwards

• Jake Hartjes

• Mariah Hartjes

• Madison Sargent

• Natalie Jennings

• Kelli McNamara

• Tim McNamara

• Star Hodge

• Nichole Bartley

• Timur Abdrakhmanov

Carol Winter Humanitarian Award – awarded to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.

• Staff Sergeant Daniel MacLean

Robert Lewis Bursary Award – awarded to the graduating constable with the highest achievement at Ontario Police College.

• Constable Lily Gamble (Class of 2019)

• Constable Brandon Bigelow (Class of 2019)

• Constable David Wickham (Class of 2020)

• Constable Kristopher DiClemente (Class of 2021)

• Constable Suzanne Szafran (Class of 2022)

Service Pins for Civilian Members:

• Mary Lee – 30 years

• Jennifer Tippin – 20 years

Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Awards:

• Sergeant John Townsend / Constable James McIntyre

• Constable Robert Cowie & K9 Isaac

• Detective Constable Brian Urquhart / Detective Constable Mark MacDonell (former)

• Sergeant Kirk Kelly

To read about the actions of these heroic community members, visit the link.

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Curve Lake First Nation Educational Department and Otonabee Conservation Celebrate World Turtle Day with Mikinaak Trail Signs

The Curve Lake First Nation Cultural Centre and Otonabee Conservation are raising awareness about local turtles with the installation of Mikinaak trail crossing signs along the Jackson Creek Trail and at Curve Lake First Nation.

photo courtesy of otonabee conservation.

May 23rd is World Turtle Day, a day to increase respect for and knowledge about one of the world’s oldest creatures – turtles or in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), Mikinaak.

According to experts, turtles are the most threatened of the major groups of vertebrates, more so than birds, mammals, and fish with about 75 per cent of turtles worldwide being threatened or already extinct. All of Ontario’s eight species of turtles are at risk of disappearing.

Mikinaak crossing signs will be mounted on kilometre marker posts along the Jackson Creek Trail, providing trail visitors with a QR code that connects to the Turtle Guardians Sighting Report Form; when turtles are spotted along the trail, visitors can report their sighting to help advance turtle conservation efforts.

Turtle education signs will also be installed at Curve Lake First Nation and along the Jackson Creek Trail. Text and species names of Ontario Turtles have been translated into Anishinaabemowin, the local dialect of the Ojibway language.

“As a result of colonization, Anishinaabemowin has lost many words, sounds, and phrases that will never be regained,” explained Anne Taylor from the Curve Lake First Nation Education Department. “That includes some of the turtle species included on these educational signs. Where possible, the traditional turtle species names have been used but new names have been created for some species, based on what makes these turtles special to the Curve Lake First Nation community.”

Anishinaabemowin is predominantly a spoken language. Efforts are underway to include QR codes that link to audio clips of Curve Lake First Nation Elders speaking Anishinaabemowin species names so that visitors can hear the pronunciation of the local dialect.

For more information or to report a turtle sighting visit turtleguardians.com/report-sightings which will help advance turtle conservation efforts.

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Public Invited to Attend Peterborough Petes Championship Celebration Event At Quaker Food Park Square Monday Afternoon

A Peterborough Petes Championship Celebration Event to commemorate the team’s 10th J. Ross Robertson Cup and OHL Championship is occurring from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Quaker Food Park Square on Monday.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The event features highlight videos, and remarks from dignitaries, players, staff and executives.

Activities, face painting, food and refreshments from local vendors are available during the free event. An official championship team photo will be taken of the team during the festivities.

The celebration’s announcement was made shortly after the Petes won the title in a 2-1 victory over the London Knights at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

The championship qualifies the Petes for the Memorial Cup from May 26 to Jun 4 to determine the Canadian Hockey League champion in Kamloops, B.C. They are joined by the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Passageway Law, 100 Acre Brewing Co., New Growth Tree Care and Stylish Fit Alterations

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Passageway Law is a new three-person law firm in Peterborough, with partners Meryn Steeves and Rob Hiseler along with paralegal Laura Wilson.

Located at 201 George St. N., Unit 301 A across from Greg’s No Frills, Passageway is a full-service law firm covering family law, wills/estates, real estates, business law, notary services, paralegal services and more. Whether you need assistance with a complex litigation matter, guidance on a business transaction, advice on estate planning or need notary services, the trio have the expertise to help.

The 100 Acre Brewing Company just opened at 390 Ashburnham Dr., just South of the bypass.

The Vass Family describes it as a family-operated farmhouse brewery, located on their 100-acre homestead. They focus on traditional styles, and the lineup includes Flight Path, a table beer, a Pilsner called White Tail, Monarch – a farmhouse beer packed with flavour, and an IPA called Snapper.

Owner Evan Nolan and his partner Cass bring eight years of experience in the tree care industry to their new business - New Growth Tree Care Professionals.

Nolan and his team offer best practices in arboriculture, providing tree pruning, tree removal, storm damage clean up, deep root fertilization, cabling and bracing, as well as hedge trimming, brush chipping, stump grinding, permits and more. No matter the size of the job, they’ll guide their clients every step of the way. Visit newgrowthtreecare.ca for details.

Stylish Fit Alterations recently celebrated the grand opening of their second location in Peterborough.

Located on 871 Chemong Rd., Unit 12, at Brookdale Plaza, the new North end location is in addition to their existing business at 948 Weller St. Offering over 23 years of experience in everything from hemming your pants, shortening your drapes, fixing the zipper in your jacket or purse, buttons and snaps, from jeans to your wedding dress. Stop in, or find Stylish Fit Alterations on Facebook.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Peterborough Petes Win OHL Championship With a 2-1 Game Six Win Over the London Knights

A record-breaking 4,101 fans saw the Peterborough Petes’ 17-year drought end as the team claimed the J. Ross Robertson Cup and the OHL Championship, defeating the London Knights in six games with a 2-1 victory at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

The Petes went 10-1 at home during the playoffs en route to their OHL Championship. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Owen Beck was out of Peterborough’s lineup on a two-game suspension after slew-footing on Friday night in Game Five. The Petes dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen for the game.

Both teams were cautious to start the first period, waiting for each other to make a mistake. The Petes drew a penalty after a whistle to go on the power play just under eight minutes into the game. J.R. Avon had a chance to make a one-time shot in front of London goalie Owen Willmore but could not get his stick on the puck to keep the game scoreless. London had their own chance on a one-timed shot on the power play but the puck went too high. The score remained 0-0 after the first period. Shots were in favour of Peterborough, 20-10.

London tried to score one early in the second, getting the first five shots on net. On their first power play of the period, the Knights almost scored again with a wide-open net but a Petes defender was able to block the shot.

Peterborough had excellent forechecking 13 minutes in as they turned over the puck in the offensive zone. A pass went to Avery Hayes and with patience, he backhanded it past Willmore for a 1-0 lead to break the deadlock.

Peterborough threatened again on the power play as Brennan Othmann seemingly had a breakaway from a long stretch pass. He wired it past Willmore but the goal did not count as the play was deemed offside. The score remained 1-0 going into the second. Donovon McCoy was hit with a roughing penalty so the Petes had to start the third period shorthanded. London had 13 shots to Peterborough’s 11.  

The Knights started with a power play but were unable to capitalize. Both teams struggled with an extra man during the game. Peterborough was 0/3 while London was 0/4.

London on a dump-in was able to generate numbers. A few bounces got the puck to Max McCue’s stick and he buried it past Petes’ goaltender Michael Simpson for a 1-1 tie, eight minutes into the period. Peterborough responded just over three minutes later as Donovan McCoy fired a point shot and found Tucker Robertson’s stick on a deflection for a much-needed Peterborough goal and a 2-1 lead (the goal was originally Robertson’s, changed to McCoy’s then back to Robertson’s after further review).

“We never had a doubt in our mind that we were going to win,” said Robertson.

London had to push to tie the game with a few minutes left. They sustained pressure in the offensive zone but Simpson and the Petes stood tall and hung on for the 2-1 win and the OHL Championship.

“I tried to keep that one-goal lead but credit to our team, there were some huge blocks to keep that lead,” said Simpson.

Robertson, Simpson and Willmore were awarded the three stars of the game. Simpson won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award for Most Valuable Player in the playoffs.

“He just played so well for us,” said Rob Wilson, Petes head coach. “He's such a good kid too. He's so well-liked by his teammates. I think the players probably would have all voted for him., I think the plays all wanted him to win.”

“I'm super thankful to get it but I think it could have went to four or five guys,” said Simpson. “I think anyone on this team could have deserved it.”

The Petes win the J. Ross Robertson Cup for the 10th time in franchise history. They will participate in the Memorial Cup from May 26 to Jun 4 to determine the Canadian Hockey League champion. They are joined by the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

A Championship Celebration Event is occurring from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Quaker Food Park Square on Monday.

It features highlight videos, and remarks from dignitaries, players, staff and executives.

Activities, face painting, food and refreshments from local vendors are available during the event. An official championship team photo will be taken of the team at the free event.

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London Knights Pull Away In Second Period to Defeat Peterborough 4-1, Petes Lead Series 3-2 With Game Six On Sunday At Home

The Peterborough Petes will have to wait another day for the OHL Championship as they fell to the London Knights 4-1 at the Budweiser Gardens on Friday night.

The Petes were one for six on the Power Play in Game Five. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes almost let up a goal early in the period as Easton Cowan had a breakaway but Petes goaltender flashed the leather and kept London off the board. The Petes struck first on the powerplay as J.R. Avon had a shot blocked but ricocheted to Connor Lockhart who scored on the wide-open net, 1-0. With under two minutes left in the period, Cowan got redemption as he and the Knights entered the attacking zone with an outnumbered attack and beat Simpson glove-side for a 1-1 tie after the first period.

London applied heavy pressure on the forecheck less than five into the period that rewarded them with possession in the offensive zone. London’s Ryan Humphrey turned around and fried a seemingly harmless shot but a screened Simpson was too late to find the puck and it went in for a 2-1 Knights lead. London kept their foot on the gas as they cycled the puck through the zone as Logan Mailloux took a point shot. It was blocked but Denver Barkey corralled it and backhanded the puck over a sprawling Simpson for a 3-1 lead into the final frame.

The Petes tried to push hard in the third period, registering 13 shots but London’s defence and goaltender was able to keep Peterborough at bay. The visiting team had three third-period power plays but could not find the back of the net even while pulling their goalie. London found the back of the empty net with 2:13 left in the game to ice it. Owen Beck was penalized for slew-footing with 39.9 seconds left in the game, incurred a five-minute major and a match penalty. London survives and pushes the series for Game Six at 3-2 for Peterborough.

The Petes return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) to try and capture the OHL Championship at home this Sunday against the London Knights with puck drop at 7 p.m.

Tickets for Game Six go on sale at 1 p.m. on Sunday through the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person, over the phone and online.

Season Ticket Members who already have pre-authorized their playoff tickets or purchased a playoff round bundle have been sent their tickets as part of a bundle.

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Photos: Peterborough Businesses and Communities Getting Petes Fever As the Team Aims For an OHL Championship Friday

Several businesses and communities have come out in support of the Peterborough Petes as the team is in London to take on the Knights in Game Five of the OHL Championship.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area, Canadian Tire, City Hall, Angevaare Mazda, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre, Whelan’s Flooring Centre, FreshCo., Aon Inc’s Royal Gardens among several others have dressed in Petes apparel to show their team spirit.

A Petes watch party is taking place at the Quaker Foods City Square rain or shine from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and is being nationally televised.

The Charlotte Street square will have a 16-foot mega screen that is live streaming the game. Face painting and a small vendors market with grab-and-go snacks such as popcorn, candy, mini pies and tacos) are amenities that are provided during the watch party.

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