Peterborough Petes Avoid Memorial Cup Elimination With 4-2 Win Over the Quebec Remparts

The Peterborough Petes keep their Memorial Cup hopes alive by defeating the undefeated Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Quebec Remparts, 4-2 at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, B.C. on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Van Staalduinen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Remparts had already punched their ticket into the finals prior to the game but were playing for pride. Peterborough was in a do-or-die situation. The Petes played patiently in the first period, limiting Quebec’s chances. The period was relatively quiet and defensive as no scoring occurred in the opening frame. The Petes outshot the Remparts 9-5, the first time they had more shots in a period than the opponent in the tournament.

The second period was a fireworks show as the game was broken wide open with scoring. The Petes kicked it off as a Remparts defender slipped in his own zone and coughed up the puck to Brennan Othmann. He fed Tucker Robertson out in front and scored on a one-timer for a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, The Petes caught the Remparts on an ill-timed line change that let Chase Stillman hit J.R. Avon on a 2-on-0 situation to extend the Petes’ lead to 2-0. Two minutes later, Quebec got on the board with some excellent passing in the offensive zone to allow James Malatesta to cash one home for a 2-1 lead. Avery Hayes responded 89 seconds later as he sniped one past William Rousseau to make it 3-1 Petes. The Remparts answered right back 27 seconds later as Nathan Gaucher tipped a point shot for a 3-2 game going into the third.

The Petes sustained pressure early in the period, firing shots from every direction/ Connor Lockhart got some puck luck as he fired it from the boards and ricocheted off a Remparts’ skate and into the net for a 4-2 lead. The Petes held on for a 4-2 lead and kept their Memorial Cup season alive with the win.

Tucker Robertson was named the Player of the Game with a goal and an assist.

The Petes force a tiebreaker game on Thursday with the win. They will face the loser of Wednesday’s game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Kamloops Blazers, the final round-robin matchup of the Memorial Cup.

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Photos: New 'Plant-Forward' Restaurant The Vine Opens to the Public

Flowers has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years from dishwasher to head chef. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

After three days of a soft opening last Thursday to Saturday, The Vine has opened to the public as a ‘plant-forward’ pescatarian-friendly restaurant. It is located at the former Electric City Bread Company location at 165 Sherbrooke St.

The menu showcases salads, soups, sandwiches, entrées and pizza. A brunch menu that also incorporates eggs and dairy is available on Sundays. Pitchers of Gatorade and Kool-Aid and a tater-tot waffle are ‘hangover specials’ that are featured in the brunch.

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Norm Foster’s ‘The Long Weekend’ Presented by the Peterborough Theatre Guild

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced the final play of the season ‘The Long Weekend’ written by Norm Foster, coming to the Theatre Guild July 5 to 9 and July 12 to 15.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The Long Weekend is a full-length comedy by Norm Foster. During a weekend visit between two couples, the true nature of their relationships come to the surface as the four so-called 'best friends' slowly discover how they really feel about each other. 

Successful lawyer Max and his wife Wynn are about to show off their beautiful new their summer home to their best friends, Roger and Abby. But it doesn't take long to uncover the true feelings behind this long friendship. What is meant to be a relaxing holiday weekend turns into a battle of wits as their pasts catch up with them, the gloves come off and old scores get settled in comedic fashion.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The Theatre Guild’s adaptation is directed by Jason Shulha, with project manager Margaret Pieper, and will feature David Adams, Siobhan MacQuarrie, Chelsey Mark and Jennifer Hilborn. The July 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances July 9 and 15 beginning at 2 p.m.

Norm Foster’s writing delivers non-stop mischievous fun and scrumptious plot twists. The production is described as a hilariously tangled web of truths, deception and surprises that will leave the audience guessing – and laughing – all the way to the final curtain.

Tickets for the show can be purchased for $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students online or via phone.

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U16 Peterborough Petes and Cavan's Joshua Avery Signs With the Brantford Bulldogs

Former Peterborough Elite Court Sports U16 AAA Petes centreman Joshua Avery has committed to a standard player agreement with the Brantford Bulldogs announced on Monday afternoon.

Avery was the second U16 Pete behind Wil McFadden to be drafted in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Hockey League.

Avery was a member of the U16 Petes that won the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) playoff championship, made the finals of the Steve Richey tournament and the OHL Cup semi-finals this year.

He was selected in the third round, 54th overall in the 2023 Ontario Priority Selection.

Avery posted 31 goals and 32 assists for 63 points in 35 regular season games with the Petes. He had four goals and 11 assists for 15 points through eight playoff games and another four goals and two assists for six points in six games at the OHL Cup.

“The Brantford Bulldogs are very happy to receive a commitment from Joshua Avery,” said Matt Turek, Bulldogs interim general manager. “Joshua is one of the most offensively gifted players in this past draft and brings a style of game that will get our fans out of their seats. Off the ice, Joshua is a young man we are looking forward to having in our community and representing what it means to be a Bulldog.”

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Sixth Annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival Returns to Del Crary Park After Three-Year Hiatus

The sixth annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival returns to Del Crary Park after being shelved for three years for a one-day event being held this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Craft Beer Festival.

The festival is an all-ages event for the first time. The event features 10 Ontario Craft Breweries, cideries, three local food vendors, games and live music throughout the day.

Tickets are available now online with the advanced ticket price of $15 plus tax and fees. That pricing ends Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with day-of tickets priced at $20 + tax and fees. Each ticket includes a wristband, branded beer mug and two drink tokens.

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One Man Charged After a Stewart Street Stabbing Incident From Monday.

A 31-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after a stabbing incident in the Stewart Street and Wolfe Street area on Monday morning.

File Photo.

At roughly 10:15 a.m., officers arrived and discovered a male victim outside the residence. Police attended to him until emergency medical services arrived and took them to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A dispute had escalated between two men that resulted in the stabbing officers say. The residence was searched where the suspect was located and taked into custody without incident. 

As a result of the investigation, the suspect was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon

• Aggravated Assault

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purposes

• Uttering Threats

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Tuesday.

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Tree Canada, LCBO and Otonabee Conservation Work to Enhance Habitat at New Peterborough Animal Care Centre

20 volunteers planted over 150 trees and shrubs at the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Friday; made possible through a $10,000 grant from Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grant program and support from project sponsor LCBO.

Local LCBO employees and volunteers from Otonabee Conservation joined staff and volunteers from the Peterborough Humane Society. Pine Needle Farms also came in advance of the event and installed large trees on the property, located at 1999 Technology Drive.

Over 150 native species were planted, including Dogwood, Pussy Willow and Ninebark. These trees and shrubs will support natural diversity, help to mitigate climate change, and help to filter rainwater that flows to the stormwater retention pond and from the adjacent parking lot.

“Partnerships like this one with LCBO along with Tree Canada, Otonabee Conservation, and the 20 plus volunteers that came out to lend a hand with this initiative, makes such a positive impact on our new Centre, while also supporting our environment.” shared Shawn Morey, executive director of Peterborough Humane Society. “It truly means the world to us to see our community come together and put their own sweat and effort into this project.”

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments, in every province across the country. To date, with their partners and sponsors, they have planted more than 84 million trees. Nurturing urban and rural forestry not only sustains Canada’s proud heritage of biodiversity and natural beauty, but also creates a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.

“The protection of our urban forests is as crucial as ever, and it is through partnerships such as these that we can positively influence the health of urban trees and the communities that rely on them,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. “Through the support of LCBO and Otonabee Conservation, together we can grow better places to live for Canadians one tree at a time.”

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Peterborough Lakers Going Full Steam Ahead For 'Drive for Five'

As the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers prepare for an unprecedented fifth-consecutive Mann Cup title with the ‘Drive for Five,’ the team has made several announcements concerning coaching, roster, a new jersey, opening day and mascot affairs.

Paul Day, lakers General Manager (left) and Jake Withers, defenceman (right) with the new jersey designs for the team. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The announcement was made at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Saturday.

The coaching staff is being brought back with no changes as head coach Mike Hasen and assistant coaches Tracey Kelusky and Bobby Keast return to the bench.

The championship roster from last year is returning with the exception of goaltender and 2019 Mann Cup MVP Mike Poulin who has retired. Jake Withers and Josh Currier are welcomed back to the lineup as the former was playing in the Premier Lacrosse League and had a no-compete clause enforced on him, prohibiting him from playing in other leagues. The latter was injured.

“It starts with a core group of Peterborough guys and we're able to get Jake Withers back and Josh Currie that didn't play last year,” explained Paul Day, Lakers general manager. “These guys have been important for three of those Mann Cups.”

The Lakers’ home opener is scheduled for June 8 against the Brampton Excelsiors. This is the third game on their schedule as they have two road games prior to their home opener with their first game against the Excelsiors on June 1 and Brooklin L.C. on June 7.

A tailgate party is being scheduled in the PMC parking lot from 5:30 to 7:30. Food and drinks (alcoholic and soft) are available for purchase on-site while The Ilk will be performing live music at the event. All fans are asked to bring non-perishable goods as the Lakers are collecting in support of Kawartha Food Share.

Before faceoff, the Peterborough Pop Ensemble is performing the national anthem and the team will celebrate the banner-raising of Peterborough’s fourth-straight Mann Cup title.

“It's really hard to win one,” said Day. “When they go up there, it's pretty special. I was at home watching the Petes on TSN, you could see all our banners on there so it's pretty special for everybody in this city.”

A new jersey has been unveiled for this season. Most notably, the top right corner on the front will have the initials, ‘S.H.’ in memory of equipment manager Steve Hynes. He passed away peacefully at 72 at Hospice Peterborough last month and had served the team for over a decade.

The Lakers mascot Leo the Lion is being retired this year. The decision was to honour Riddick MacHart who wore the costume. He and his family passed away suddenly in a Hwy 7 car accident on Nov. 22. Leo’s last game is on June 22 against the Six Nations Chiefs and a new mascot will be unveiled for that night. Leo served as the face of the Lakers since 2000.

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U16 Peterborough Petes Andrew MacNiel Commits to Kitchener Rangers

Former Peterborough Elite Court Sports U16 AAA Petes defenceman Andrew MacNiel has committed to a standard player agreement and education package with the Kitchener Rangers announced on Monday afternoon.

MacNiel is the fourth captain that has committed to Kitchener this off-season alongside Cameron Reid, Luca Romano and Matheas Stark. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Hockey League.

“We are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to our organization,” said Mike McKenzie, Rangers general manager. “Andrew had a very strong development camp. His size, hockey sense, mobility and puck-moving ability will give him a chance to be a very good defenseman as he matures. We are excited to add him to our already strong group of 2007-born prospects that will be the building blocks of the hockey club’s future.”

The Cobourg product captained the Petes to an Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) playoff championship, the finals of the Steve Richey tournament and the OHL Cup semi-finals this year.

“It’s a dream come true,” said MacNiel. “I imagined playing in the OHL my whole life so to be able to get drafted and eventually sign with the Rangers means everything to me. I never would have believed this would happen so quickly but it’s an amazing feeling and I cannot wait to get started.”

MacNiel had six goals and four assists for 10 points in 24 regular season games with the Petes and had six points in eight playoff games.

The former U16 Petes captain will wear number 43 for the Rangers.

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City of Peterborough to Host Drop-In Session for New Valleymore Park Splash Pad

Residents are invited to share their input on plans for a new splash pad at Valleymore Park, located at 338 Spillsbury Dr., at a community drop-in session on May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

file photo.

Everyone is welcome to stop in to talk to the project team and provide input regarding the splash pad features they prefer.

Community drop-in session:

Monday, May 29, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre - Multi-Purpose Room B

775 Brealey Dr., Peterborough

Information about the proposed splash pad and a community survey is available on the City’s community consultation website Connect Peterborough.

Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey will be open until 11:55 p.m. on June 5.

The City has a strategic plan to enhance the City’s outdoor water play facilities through the development of new facilities and the replacement of aging facilities at various parks across the city. Splash pads are hard surface playgrounds that have water squirts, ground geysers and decorative water spray features. Splash pads are designed for children from toddler age to pre-teen. The City currently operates six splash pads throughout the City.

Community feedback will help inform the City about the needs of the neighbourhood as the design of the splashpad is considered. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the Connect Peterborough project page as the information becomes available.

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