Peterborough Petes Trade Jax Dubois and Samuel Mayer For Draft Picks In Two Separate Transactions

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The Peterborough Petes are overhauling their roster just days before the trade deadline as overage players Jax Dubois and Samuel Mayer have been traded for draft picks, announced on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Mayer was traded to the Ottawa 67’s for their second-round pick in 2024, Soo’s third-round pick in 2027 and Ottawa’s fifth-round pick in 2027.

The Petes selected the 2003-born defenceman in the first round, 15th overall in the 2020 OHL U18 Priority Selection. The L’Orignal, Ont. native has been a durable and reliable blue-line player for Peterborough, appearing in all 173 Petes games over three seasons. Mayer has scored 32 goals and added 82 assists for 114 points. A two-time Ushers Trophy winner as best Petes defenseman, Mayer played in all 23 playoff games last season, scoring twice and adding five assists en route to a 2023 OHL Championship. He also scored and added an assist in all five of the Petes 2023 Memorial Cup games.

“I’d like to thank Sam for his dedication to the Petes and the City of Peterborough over the last three seasons,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Despite being passed over in the U16 Priority Selection, we selected Sam in the U18 draft and through hard work and commitment he became two-time Ushers Trophy winner as best Petes defenceman. Sam is one of the most reliable players in the OHL, having never missed a game. He played a huge role in our OHL Championship last season and he will always be remembered as a champion in Peterborough.”

Dubois was traded to division rival Kingston Frontenacs for Flint’s second-round pick in 2025, Guelph’s third-round pick in 2026 and Windsor’s fifth-round pick in 2027.

The 2003-born forward was selected by the Petes in the 14th round, 273rd overall, in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. In three seasons with the team, he has played in 152 games, scoring 32 goals and adding 55 assists for 87 points. The Ottawa native played in all 23 of the Petes playoff games in 2023, scoring once and adding two assists, helping Peterborough to win an OHL Championship. In the 2023 Memorial Cup, Dubois appeared in all five Petes games, picking up two assists.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Jax for his commitment to the Organization over the last three seasons,” csaid Oke. “He was a huge part of our 2023 OHL Championship last season, and we really appreciate the attitude that he brought to the rink every day. Despite being a 14th-round pick, Jax has shown that hard work and dedication can make you a champion and Jax will always be known as a champion in Peterborough.”

Dubois could be making his return tour to Peterborough very soon as the Petes host the Frontenacs on Thursday for Harry Potter night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Brennan Othmann Has Memorable NHL Debut With the New York Rangers

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It was a birthday that Peterborough Petes alumnus and OHL champion Brennan Othmann will not forget in his NHL debut with the New York Rangers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason to help the team win an OHL Championship. Photo by David Tuan Bui

During warmups, Othmann got a solo lap around the Rangers’s side of the ice and got a few shots in before the rest of the team joined him. The game was on the eve of his 21st birthday.

The Rangers defeated the visiting Blackhawks 4-1. While Othmann did not register a point, the Pickering native had five shots on net, three hits and one blocked shot for 12:26 time on ice. It was the most shots on goal by a debuting Rangers player since Mario Marois had seven in 1977.

“I just wanted to have fun and just play my game, I think,” said Othmann. “My game is physicality and shooting and just kind of bringing a presence on the ice.”

Othmann had a few shifts on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider when Blake Wheeler had a five-minute fighting major penalty.

After the game, Rangers forward Artemi Panarin gave Othmann a hat and had him give a speech. The former Pete had few words but drew applause from his teammates.

“Thanks for the welcome, boys. Good two points, see you on the plane,” said Othmann.

The Rangers are likely to continue using Othmann as the team has several injuries such as Tyler Pitlick (lower body) is week-to-week while Kaapo Kakko (lower body) and Filip Chytil (upper body) are on injured reserve.

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Peterborough County Launches Blankets for People 2024 Campaign

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Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) is launching the second annual 'Blankets for People' campaign from Jan. 8 until March 15 announced on Friday morning.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) KERRI KIGHTLEY, FOURCAST; CRAIG JONES, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY CITY PARAMEDICS COMMANDER OF OPERATIONS AND BRUCE THOMPSON, WINDSOR’S DRYCLEANIGN CENTRE CO-OWNER WRAPPED IN A BLANKET TO KICK OFF THE INAUGURAL ‘BLANKETS FOR PEOPLE’ campaign from last year. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

This initiative supplies essential blankets and sleeping bags to those in need during winter.

The campaign partners with the County of Peterborough, the City of Peterborough, One City Peterborough and Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre.

The County encourages residents in the greater Peterborough area to contribute new or gently used blankets and sleeping bags. Drop-off is available starting on Monday at Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre (655 Parkhill Rd. W.) in Peterborough. Donated items will be professionally cleaned by Windsor’s at no cost and delivered to the Trinity Community Centre at 360 Reid St. in Downtown Peterborough. Donations will be accepted until March 15.

Individuals seeking a blanket or sleeping bag can visit the Trinity Community Centre and approach the helpful staff without formalities. They will receive a clean blanket or sleeping bag without questions. Blankets will be available for pick up until March 15.

New this year is 'pop-up' drop-off and pick-up locations throughout Peterborough County throughout this campaign. Peterborough Paramedics and Peterborough County staff members will attend one Public Skate session in each township, where residents can ‘Fill the Ambulance’ with blanket donations. This 'popup' location will also be a chance for any individual in need to pick up a freshly cleaned blanket.

  • Township of Cavan Monaghan Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, Jan. 14 from 1 - 2 p.m.

  • Township of Selwyn Ennismore Community Centre, Jan. 28th from 1 - 2 p.m.

  • Township of Havelock-Belmont Methuen Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Community Centre, Feb. 4 from 1 - 2 p.m.

  • Township of North Kawartha North Kawartha Community Centre, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

  • Township of Douro-Dummer Douro Community Centre, Feb. 11 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan Otonabee Memorial Community Centre, Feb. 18 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • Township of Asphodel-Norwood Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. - noon

  • Municipality of Trent Lakes date and time to be determined

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Peterborough Police Make Three Arrests From Two Housing Unit Takeovers

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The Peterborough Police Service has made three arrests concerning two housing unit takeover incidents this week.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Tuesday, officers were made aware that an unwanted 39-year-old male had refused to leave an apartment in the Dublin Street and Aylmer Street area, struck the homeowner in the face and verbally threatened him. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) attended and entered the apartment, taking a male into custody.  Police learned the man was wanted on a warrant for break and enter, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats. 

A 39-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and further charged with:

  • Assault causing bodily harm

  • Utter Threats - to cause death

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

On Thursday, officers received information about three unwanted people in an apartment on Hilliard Street and Marina Boulevard. The victim also reported being punched in the face and verbally threatened. ERT attended and entered the residence. Two people were taken into custody.  During a search after the arrest, officers located:

  • 8.8 grams of cocaine

  • 17 hydromorphone pills

As a result of the investigation:

A 39-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

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

A 35-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance - Opioid (other than heroin)

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 23.

A housing unit takeover is when the legitimate tenant or homeowner finds themselves manipulated and endangered physically, financially, and/or psychologically by people who have moved into their home.

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Lineup For 2024 ReFrame Film Festival Announced

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The ReFrame Film Festival has released its 2024 film lineup on Jan. 25 to 28 and online streaming from Jan. 29 through Feb. 4.

More than 60 social and environmental justice documentary films will be screened during the festival.

The following is a list of some featured films for the event:

  1. The Engine Inside

  2. North Circular

  3. Allihopa

  4. Detroit Will Breathe

  5. A Human Picture

  6. Curve Lake Storytelling

  7. Underlying (Installation at Artspace)

  8. Feeling The Apocalypse

  9. Mr. Dressup

A full list and program schedule can be found online.

In-person, hybrid and virtual passes on sale with pay-what-you-can tickets for individual virtual films will be available online mid-month and at the door at festival venues for in-person screenings.

Screening venues for ReFrame 2024 include Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N.), Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St.) and the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.).

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Peterborough County Accepting Nominations For 2024 Community Recognition Awards

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Nominations are open for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

  • Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

  • Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

  • Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

  • Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

  • Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

  • Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

    • Developed innovative green technologies or

    • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

    • Donated conservation lands or easements or

    • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

    • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

    • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

  • Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

  • Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

  • Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

  • Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 1 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

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Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Brennan Othmann to Make NHL Debut With New York Rangers Thursday Night

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Peterborough Petes alumnus and OHL champion Brennan Othmann is making his NHL debut with the New York Rangers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason to help the team win an OHL Championship. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The Pete alumnus is being placed on the third line with Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. The two were on his line in Hartford before he was recalled to New York on Nov. 28.

Othmann replacing Tyler Pitlick who is out week to week with a lower-body injury.

He was acquired from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, 2022. The Petes traded Artem Guryev, Peterborough’s third-round priority selections in 2023 and 2026 and Hamilton’s second-round selection in 2024 for Othmann.

The Scarborough native, in 40 regular-season games, scored 18 goals and 25 assists with the Petes. Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason.

The New York Rangers drafted him in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 16th overall. In 28 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, he recorded nine goals (tied for seventh in the league) and 14 assists this season before getting called up. His goal and assist totals are tied for seventh and eighth among rookies league-wide, respectively.

Othmann is a two-time IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal winner with Team Canada back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 with the latter as a Peterborough Pete.

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Capitol Taxi and Call-A-Cab To Merge Operations

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After competing for over 60 years, the two local cab companies Capitol Taxi Ltd. and Call-A-Cab Ltd. are merging operations announced on Thursday morning.

Both cab companies have operated in Peterborough since the 1940s. Photo courtesy of Capital Taxi.

The driver and dispatch operations are being combined according to a press release. The dispatch centre is running out of the Capitol offices at 728 Rye St.

“At this time, in the interests of our customers, our employees and management we have decided to now join together the two taxi operations under the Capitol banner for better service and efficiency,” said Daryl Bennett, Capitol Taxi owner and former Peterborough mayor.

The phone lines remain the same (705 742-4242 and 705-745 2424) and are being answered as ‘Taxi Service.’

“The Donnellys, in exiting the daily taxi service, will continue their school van services and the public garage operations on Bensfort Rd.,” said Bennett.

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Toronto Man Wanted On a Warrant From Peterborough Police Arrested at Pearson International Airport

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A 30-year-old Toronto man wanted on a warrant has been arrested, announced by the Peterborough Police Services on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Wednesday, Peterborough Police were notified that Canadian Border Services Agency officers arrested the wanted male at Pearson International Airport.

Peterborough Police returned the accused to Peterborough on charges of:

  • Fail to Comply with Probation x 2

  • Fraud Over $5000

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing on Wednesday.

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