Peterborough Petes Drop First Matchup of Three-Game Road Trip to the Sarnia Sting, 2-1

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The Peterborough Petes’s three-game road trip is not off to a good start as they fell to the Sarnia Sting 2-1 at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Wednesday night.

The Petes sit in fifth and last place of the East Division with 34 points. The team has lost eight of their last 10 games. Photo courtesy of Natalie Silver and the Peterborough Petes.

The game had Peterborough’s two newest members Nico Addy and Martin Matejicek formerly from the Owen Sound (acquired in a trade on Tuesday) make their Petes debut.

The start was not what the visitors wanted as Marko Sikic scored seven minutes in to give Sarnia a quick 1-0 lead, his ninth of the year. Not to be outdone by his teammate, Andrew LeBlanc also tacked on his ninth of the season to give a 2-0 lead over the Petes going into the second.

Two minutes into the period, Peterborough had almost found its footing as Tommy Purdeller seemed to have scored the Petes’s first goal but was called off due to an offside call after review.

The defending OHL champions persisted as they had a man advantage four minutes later. OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month Carson Cameron fired a shot from the point and Quinton Pagé deflected it for a power play goal to narrow the deficit to one going into the final period.

Both teams went back and forth on each other as Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska stopped all shots faced in the third to give Peterborough a chance. However, Sting goalie Nick Surzycia also was a brick wall and disallowed anything past him and Sarnia held on for the 2-1 win.

The Petes head to the second matchup of their three-game road trip, crossing the border into Michigan to take on the Flint Firebirds at 7 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center on Friday.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Nico Addy, Martin Matejicek and Draft Pick From Owen Sound For Konnor Smith and Sam McCue

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With eight days ahead of the Ontario Hockey League deadline, the Peterborough Petes have acquired forward Nico Addy, defenceman Martin Matejicek and a third-round pick in 2026 in exchange for Anaheim Ducks prospect Konnor Smith and forward Sam McCue announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Shaver and the Peterborough Petes.

The 2007-born forward was selected by the Attack in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In 26 games, the Casselman, Ont. native has one goal and two assists.

The former U16 Toronto Jr. Canadien had 24 points in 33 Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) games last season, winning a 2023 OHL Cup. In that tournament, he scored four goals with an assist in seven games. Standing at 6’4”, Addy represented Ontario in the 2023 Canada Winter Games, scoring twice in six games.

Matejicek, a 2005-born defenceman, was selected by the Attack in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. The 6’2” Jihlava, Czechia, native has played 34 games in his OHL career with a goal and an assist. Matejicek has represented Czechia at various youth levels including U18 at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he picked up two assists in five games.

“We’re excited to be able to add Nico and Martin to the lineup,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and director of business operations. “Nico is a big young forward with a ton of potential who won the OHL Cup last year. Martin is a big defenceman who plays solid in his own end and can move the puck.”

Smith, a 2004-born defenceman, was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round, 97th overall, in last yea’rs NHL Entry Draft. Originally selected by the Petes in the ninth round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, the 6’5” Windsor, Ont. native has appeared in 145 games in three seasons with the Petes, scoring 14 times and adding 21 assists for 35 points. Smith also played in all 23 of the Petes playoff games last season, picking up two assists while winning a 2023 OHL Championship. Konnor appeared in all five Petes 2023 Memorial Cup games with an assist.

“I’d like to personally thank Konnor for everything he’s done over the past three seasons for the Petes and the city of Peterborough,” continued Oke. “Konnor’s been a fan favourite on and off the ice and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

McCue, is a Sudbury, Ont. forward, selected by the Petes in the seventh round, 125th overall, in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. In 67 career games, he’s scored 11 goals and added five assists for 16 points. McCue played in three playoff games last season en route to an OHL Championship.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Sam for two great years in Peterborough. We wish him the best of luck in Owen Sound,” said Oke. “I’d like to thank both Konnor and Sam for the role they played in last year’s OHL Championship. They both will forever be remembered as Champions in Peterborough.”

The Petes look to get another winning streak going on Wednesday as they travel to Sarnia to take on the Sting. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. The official road game watch party at Shoeless Joe’s Peterborough.

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Man Facing Impaired Driving Charges on New Year's Eve During RIDE Check

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A 35-year-old Peterborough man is facing an impaired charge during a RIDE check late Sunday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At 11:53 p.m., officers conducting a RIDE check were approached by a citizen and advised that a vehicle had just struck another vehicle in a parking lot and fled the scene. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a vehicle stop.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

  • Drive while under suspension – Highway traffic Act

The accused was issued a 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an Appearance Notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 30.

The Peterborough Police conducted RIDE checks between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan Township. Of all 835 vehicles checked, 38 tests were administered and in addition to the above impaired arrest; two warnings with a three-day license suspension were issued.

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PRHC Welcomes First Peterborough Baby of 2024

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Peterborough’s first baby of 2024 has been born at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) as parents Robyn and Paul Westwood welcomed their daughter Charlotte Grace Westwood into the world at 1:13 a.m. on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Charlotte was safely delivered at PRHC, weighing eight pounds and measuring 21 inches. Mother and baby are doing well according to the PRHC as the family welcomes their first child.

“The care we received at PRHC was very good; our obstetrician was very good – thorough and friendly – and the nursing staff on Labour & Delivery gave us extremely good care,” said Paul.

“We had a great experience at PRHC,” said Robyn.

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David Tuan Bui


Trent Valley Archives Launches 'Tide of Hope' Production For May

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Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is launching a new dramatic history theatre initiative with their production, ‘Tide of Hope,’ at Market Hall in May.

Lindsay Wilson (left) and Paden Gilhooley (right) in a scene from Trent Valley Archives Theatre’s Tide of Hope. A public performance of the play will be staged May 16 at The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Schroeter and Peterborough Museum and Archives.

The production is written by Peterborough playwright Ed Schroeter and directed by Gerry McBride. The play is a prequel to the Peter Robinson immigration story geared toward the general public and Grades 6 to 12 students.

The story follows the fortunes and misfortunes of David Nagle, an Irish land agent and rent collector forced to flee to Upper Canada in 1825 when Irish rebels fighting against English tyranny brand him a traitor. The play commemorates the bicentennial of Peter Robinson's immigration while opening a dialogue about immigration, refugees, migrants and European settler history.

The public fund-raiser is at 7:30 p.m. on May 16. Tickets are $26 per person or $36 for table seating, plus applicable service charges and are available on the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre website.

Two performances for school groups are scheduled on May 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Teachers can book their classes by email at trentvalleyarchivestheatre@gmail.com. Admission is $250 for a class of 25 students or more. Teachers may request up to five free seats for themselves and up to four volunteer chaperones at the time of booking.

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East Peterborough Lions Club Great Turkey Exchange Successfully Delivered 65 Turkeys and 10 Hams to Families for Christmas

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There were 65 turkeys and 10 hams delivered to needy families thanks to the East Peterborough Lions Club’s Great Turkey Exchange during December.

Photo courtesy of the East Peterborough Lions Club.

The club saw that requests were down from last year. Several turkeys and hams donated came from individuals, businesses and service clubs.

“While we love providing for the people of Peterborough, it always makes us sad to see the need for help each year. We were so happy to be able to provide help to make their Christmas a little brighter and play a small part of the joy in the season,” said Lion Frank Hewitt, Club service chair. “One thing that we found incredible this year was for the first time since we began working with this program, we had people calling and letting us know they received turkeys from another source and asked us to remove them from the list. That allowed us to be able to supply another family with a turkey or ham for their meal.”

The club also donated hygiene packages to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Dec. 22. The club was contacted by the PRHC and said they were running out of emergency supplies according to a Facebook post.

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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Stories of 2023

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And with that, 2023 is about to be history as another year passes with me as a part of PTBOCanada. Peterborough has a population of just under 84,000 people. Tack on everyone in the Kawarthas and we’re still not bigger than some neighbouring cities like Oshawa, Whitby and beyond.

However, the amount of news, unbelievable stories and iconic people never seems to stop and I have had the pleasure to witness and report on a vast amount of it. I’ve been in this town for over 30 years of my life and I never stop learning more about my city.

Bui interviewing Rob Wilson, Petes head coach and Shawn Spearing, Petes captain shortly after the team’s OHL Championship. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

These are my top five stories — in no particular order — that I truly enjoyed covering in 2022.

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

It’s no secret that I’m a hockey fan and only one of two Los Angeles Kings fans (that I know of) in Peterborough.

But to see my hometown Peterborough Petes win the OHL Championship was an unforgettable experience. I have been covering them since I started working for PTBOCanada in March 2021. Countless hours were spent watching games, highlights, conducting interviews and beyond.

I put in a lot of extra time and work during their playoff run, culminating in witnessing history before my eyes and playing a tiny role. I got to be on the ice to do post-game interviews and get immersed in the celebrations. I am certain I did not get home until 1 a.m. that night but it was well worth it.

I could have put a lot of Petes’ stories on this list but I’m going to keep it to one.

Elizabeth, Aurora and Matthew Gardner on the putting green of Bellmere Winds Golf Resort with the memorial poster of William in his memorial tournament. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

I have always been looking for reasons to go golfing ever since I picked it up as a Covid hobby but this was a touching story. So much so that I had to be a part of it as a journalist and a golfer.

The Gardner family had lost their five-year-old son William in a golf cart accident last year and started a memorial tournament in his honour.

The day was filled with fun but a lot of emotion but 155 golfers were out to show their support. I’ve been to several charity golf tournaments in my short golf life but that was a high number for an inaugural event compared to others that I’ve played in.

Erica Evans (left), Lou Warner (middle) and Payton Crough (right) celebrating the first-ever LAXNAI Women's tournament. photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sure enough, the above photo also made my top 10 photos story posted earlier this week.

I was selected to be a play-by-play commentator for the North American Invitational (LAXNAI) for a third straight year in Utica, N.Y. from late September to early October. Last year, women’s lacrosse was showcased but this year had the inaugural women’s tournament.

Peterborough’s Erica Evans, Lou Warner and Payton Crough were playing for BP Lawyers and became tournament champions. Evans was also named MVP.

Technically, I was off-duty from PTBOCanada at this point in time but with Peterborough women’s lacrosse making a statement in an international tournament, I could not help but indulge in turning it into a story.

Susan Tung, Hanoi House and NAKA Japanese owner (left) and Morgan Bell, general manager (right) showing HCSS students how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Photo by Samantha Bianco

During May, students of Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board learned about Asian heritage. Naka Japanese and Hanoi House owner Susan Tung was invited to perform a food demo for students as part of the school’s Cook Eat Love culinary program.

They made fresh Vietnamese spring rolls which were a common and popular meal of my heritage. It consisted of Vietnamese sausage, vermicelli, lettuce, cucumbers rolled in rice paper. It was dipped in either a fish sauce or peanut sauce.

Of course, I had to jump in there and help the students learn how to prepare them after reporting on the event. I recall even having this meal with my family on the weekend prior to the demo so I was fresh off making them. That was a lucky coincidence.

Jenn and Braden Glasbergen entertaining a first-time Halloweener during the ghost pirate ship's last year. photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Glasbergen family did amazing things with their magnificent displays of Halloween, Easter, Christmas and a dinosaur park with ‘Seasons on Ravenwood.’

However, this was the final year they were doing it, including their large ghost pirate ship, amid several complaints regarding safety. The family also collected non-perishable goods and money to donate to St. Vincent de Paul.

It was an absolute spectacle to see year in and year out that also got national recognition. I am not sure if the holidays will be the same in Peterborough without them. I am glad I got to be a part of it in spreading the community cheer.

I’d also like to recognize PTBOCanada’s newest employee and colleague this year, our graphic designer Mark Dizon. If you have ever seen his work, it is marvellous. We met him at Fleming College as an international student from the Philippines.

He was the winner of a graphic design contest for the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough’s anti-stigma campaign called the ‘Missing Piece.’

We were impresses with his work so much that we hired him shortly after his graduation!

GDV FLEMING STUDENTS ADAM KEIZER (LEFT) MARK DIZON (MIDDLE) AND JAMES LEVESQUE (RIGHT) GAVE PRESENTATIONS TO THE MEDIA AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS OF THEIR CAMPAIGNS. DIZON IS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FROM THE PHILLIPINES AND CAME TO PETERBOROUGH FOR SCHOOL TWO YEARS AGO. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA BIANCO.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas never seem to stop with wonderful and fascinating stories.

I’ve enjoyed covering our City and County and will continue to do so with pride. I’m eager to see what 2024 has in store especially since I was able to welcome my first child in June, Serenity!

Here’s to a great new year, PTBO! 2024 should be a wonderful time!

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Hometown PTBO: 2023 Year-End Review

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday looks back on all our fantastic guests over 2023.

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David Tuan Bui's Top 10 Photos of 2023

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As I mentioned in last year’s edition, I do not espouse the thought of calling myself one of the best local photographers in Peterborough.

But with each year comes experience, growth and maturity in every skill I honed in my young and short journalism career. We are only taught so much in journalism school and another great way to learn is to go into the world and try.

Again, like last year, my skills and Rome were not built in a day, much like the thoughts and reasoning behind great Roman philosophers I studied at Trent University, such as St. Augustine of Hippo and Cicero (okay, I’m getting a little carried away).

Nonetheless, my quest for knowledge and tenacity to learn has not stopped and rightfully so if I want to continue my journalism career.

However, it is flattering to know that some pictures I took have been used commercially for local organizations such as the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Peterborough Business Social Club and Hospice Peterborough. They are definitely signs of improvement for sure.

Nonetheless, these are my top ten photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in chronological order:

RENEE OAKE (LEFT) WITH HER SON OSCAR WEINSTEIN (RIGHT) AFTER SWIMMING 150 LAPS IN THE LANE POOL. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The 37th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim held by the Rotary Club was back at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, raising money for Easter Seals and various Rotary projects.

This event has fundraised over $1.32 million since February and saw 19 teams try to raise over $50,000 for this year’s event.

A similar picture made my top five list last year with Renee Oake and her father Carl Oake. This year, it was her and her son Oscar Weinstein. You could see the jubilance of the two after Renee’s swim.

BURTON LEE, PETES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS (LEFT) ADDRESSING THE 165+ STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 AND 8 ABOUT HIS CAREER EXPERIENCE WITH THE TEAM. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Immediately looking at this picture, you could tell Burton Lee, former Peterborough Petes executive director of business operations, had the charisma to capture the attention of the young students.

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario and their World Choices program had students listen and learn intimately about the day-to-day lives of various careers.

We were also invited as guest speakers for this event too.

BUMSTEAD (LEFT) CAUGHT WALTER AFTER HIS THIRD CAST NOT A HALF-AN-HOUR INTO THE DERBY. HIS STEPFATHER JUSTIN DESBARBIEUX (RIGHT) DID IT LAST YEAR, FIVE DAYS INTO THE EVENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

We got a good look at ‘Walter’ from this shot as Ben Bumstead caught him just 30 minutes into the derby. He’s also the stepson of Justin Desbarbieux who caught it last year.

Walter is the top prize at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Under the Lock Fishing Derby held every year at the Peterborough Lift Locks.

PHOEBE M., 3, HAS BEEN A REGULAR VISITOR TO THE CENTRE FOR THE PAST YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Peterborough Child & Family Centre marked their 40th anniversary with a new Playscape for their facility and Phoebe (pictured) was enjoying every second of it.

You can tell she’s enjoying the new playground, and all the parents in the background are enjoying watching their children play.

The PlayScape features a repurposed downhill slide, a circular track for walking and biking, a play kitchen, a canopy and other playground equipment. It replaced a tall climber that had occupied the outdoor space for several years.

Kelli Marshall of Hiawatha First Nation (pictured) dances in a fancy shawl at a pow wow at St. John Catholic Elementary School. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

St. John Catholic Elementary School had a pow-wow to celebrate Indigenous culture in mid-May.

Many students and faculty had Indigenous roots and saw Members of Hiawatha First Nations, Haudenosaunee and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation come together for the sacred event.

Kelli Marshall put her beautiful shawl on display and you could see all the colours and its design with this shot.

CELEBRITY GOLF ENTERTAINER AND INSTRUCTOR TODD KEIRSTEAD GETTING THE TRUST OF JENNIFER ARMSTRONG AS HE ROCKETS A TEE SHOT OFF HER AS ONE OF HIS MANY TRICK SHOTS. KEIRSTEAD WAS A GUEST ENTERTAINER AT THE 15TH HOLE AT THE QUARRY GOLF CLUB. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The third-annual "Be a Saint" St. Joseph's at Fleming golf tournament raised money to upgrade the facility’s infrastructure.

It turns out that celebrity golf entertainer and instructor Todd Keirstead was at the event performing trick shots and I got a solid shot of what he could do.

@ptbo_canada Editor David helps @PGATOUR golf entertainer Todd Keirstead with a trick shot at the Quarry Golf Club for the third-annual “Be a Stant” St. Joseph’s at Fleming’s golf fundraiser tournament! #ptbo #ptbocanada #fyp #journalism #journalismlife #journalist #journalistlife #peterborough #news #followers➕ #follow #following #golf #golftiktok #golftok #golfer #golflife #sports #sportstiktok #trickshot #trickshots ♬ Golf - Clean Cutt Crew

Apparently, I may have been off my rocker that day, and I wanted to be a part of it myself.

Rhaelynn Gaspari, 5 (left), celebrating her friend Charlotte Miller’s birthday, 5 (right), during the grand opening. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

It may have been the grand opening for Rollz Ice Cream but these two cute little girls stole my camera’s attention.

It was a way to kick off Charlotte Miller’s fifth birthday with her friend and being surrounded by balloons is a great way to tell the world that it’s your day!

The parlour serves rolled ice cream, milkshakes, waffles, falooda, cheesecake (from the Cheesecake Factory), popping soda and ice cream burgers.

Big Wreck consists of Ian Thornley (pictured), Dave MacMillan, Chris Caddell and Sekou Lumumba. photo by David Tuan Bui.

I always look forward to at least one show every year at Peterborough Musicfest. This year, it was Big Wreck.

I got close to Ian Thornley and got a good shot. You could see everything on him down to every detail.

Of course, I got to enjoy the concert after I was done taking my photos for the night.

An unexpected champagne cork pop leads to a bubbly surprise for Dani Guppy (left) and Pete Dalliday (right). photo by David Tuan Bui.

Pete Dalliday and Dani Guppy of 'Fresh Mornings With Pete & Dani,’ recorded their 1,005th episode with 100.5 FM Fresh Radio, a huge milestone for these two.

The celebrations had an unexpected pop of a champagne bottle as Dalliday was unravelling it and I got a shot of their reaction, especially Guppy’s. Her face says it all.

Erica Evans (left), Lou Warner (middle) and Payton Crough (right) celebrating the first-ever LAXNAI Women's tournament. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

I was selected to be a play-by-play commentator for the North American Invitational (LAXNAI) for a third-straight year in Utica, N.Y. and it was the inaugural women’s tournament.

Peterborough’s Erica Evans, Lou Warner and Payton Crough were playing for BP Lawyers and became tournament champions. Evans was also named MVP, so getting my shots and interviews was an opportunity I could not pass up.

Look at the size of that trophy. It was not small by any means. The expressions of the women, coupled with that championship, showed the prowess of lacrosse in Peterborough and the genuine hard work of winning an event.

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U10 AAA Peterborough Petes Spread Holiday Cheer By Giving Gifts To Young Patients at PRHC

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The U10 AAA Peterborough Petes were in the giving spirit as the team gave presents to children treated at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Chad cavanaugh.

There were 17 Petes who participated in the event along with their families and coaches to spread holiday cheer to the PRHC. The team collaborated with the health centre a week ago to arrange a day for all the children to meet for the gift exchange.

Each Pete was given a gift request from the children at the PRHC. The team fulfilled those wishlists and returned with nine presents for the hospitalized children.

“It was a good learning curve for the U10s to give back and that’s what we wanted to teach them,” said Chad Cavanaugh, U10 Petes head coach. “We wanted to do something for the community and the kids wanted to give back.”

This act of generosity was a feeling of moral obligation that Cavanaugh wanted to instill in his players. That there is more to life than just hockey and giving back was vital, regardless of status.

“I think it’s good for kids to learn lessons outside of hockey and help kids that they may not have the skills or health that they have,” he explained.

The team participated in an exhibition of parents versus kids hockey on the same night.

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