Peterborough Petes Captain Donovan McCoy Gets Traded to the Sudbury Wolves For Caden Taylor and a Draft Pick

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Peterborough’s transactions keep going as Petes captain and defenceman Donovan McCoy has been traded to the Sudbury Wolves to get forward Caden Taylor and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2027, announced on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Taylor, a 2007-born forward, was a first-round pick, ninth overall, by the Wolves in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In 27 OHL games, he scored one goal and added four assists for five points. Last season, Taylor played for the Mississauga Senators U16, leading the GTHL in scoring with 37 goals and 39 assists for 76 points in 36 games. The Shanty Bay, Ont. native led the Senators to the 2023 OHL Cup, leading the team in scoring with six goals and four assists for 10 points in four games.

“We’re very excited to add Caden to the lineup,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Caden is a big, young forward with a lot of potential who led the GTHL in scoring last season.” 

McCoy, a 2004-born defenceman, was originally selected by the Petes in the first round, 15th overall, in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. The Belleville native has played in 163 games over four years with the Petes, scoring eight times and adding 42 assists for 50 points. Last postseason, McCoy appeared in 22 games for the Petes, scoring twice and picking up eight assists for ten points, helping Peterborough to an OHL Championship. This season, McCoy was named the 62nd Captain in Peterborough Petes history.

“I’d like to say thank you to Donovan for everything he’s done for the Petes and the City of Peterborough over the past four years,” said Oke. “From being selected as a 15-year-old, to becoming the 62nd Captain in Peterborough Petes history, Donovan has been a consummate professional during his time with the organization. He has been an amazing role model on and off the ice and we can’t thank him enough for that. Donovan’s hard work and dedication was a huge part of our 2023 OHL Championship, and he will always be a champion in Peterborough.”

The Petes are going to Hogwarts to host the Frontenacs on Thursday for Harry Potter night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Ship Owen Beck to the Saginaw Spirit For Forward Aiden Young and Three Draft Picks

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The Peterborough Petes are continuing to make deals prior to Wednesday’s trade deadline as Montréal Canadiens prospect and OHL Champion Owen Beck is headed to the Saginaw Spirit for three draft picks and forward Aiden Young, announced on Monday night.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Young, a 2007-born forward, was selected by the Saginaw Spirit in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In 27 OHL games, he scored one goal and added seven assists for eight points. The London native played in 34 games for his hometown London Jr. Knights U16 last season, scoring 30 goals and adding 29 assists for 59 points. Young helped the Jr. Knights to the 2023 OHL Cup, where he led the team in scoring with six goals and two assists in five games.

“We’re looking forward to having Aiden join the roster,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Aiden is a skilled, young forward who led his team in scoring in the 2023 OHL Cup.” 

Beck was originally selected by the Mississauga Steelheads 29th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He has played in 153 OHL games in his three-year career, scoring 61 goals and adding 86 assists for 147 points. In October 2022, he was signed by the Montréal Canadiens to a three-year entry-level deal, making his NHL debut for the Canadiens on Jan. 28 last year against the Ottawa Senators.

During the last postseason, Beck played in 22 games for the Petes, picking up 16 points and helping them to an OHL Championship. He also appeared in all five of Peterborough’s games in the 2023 Memorial Cup, scoring once and adding two assists.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to say thank you to Owen for his commitment to the Petes over the last two seasons,”said Oke. “Since being acquired at the deadline last season, Owen’s attitude, hard work, and dedication has been on display throughout his time as a Pete. From making his NHL debut, to winning a 2023 OHL Championship, we’ve had the pleasure of watching Owen hit some of the biggest milestones in his career so far. We wish Owen the best as he plays in another Memorial Cup in Saginaw. He will always be remembered as a champion in Peterborough.”

The Petes are going to Hogwarts to host the Frontenacs on Thursday for Harry Potter night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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CMHA to Welcome New CEO On Feb. 10 After Current CEO to Retire After 32-Year Tenure

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Ellen Watkins has been appointed the newest CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR’s) by their Board of Directors to be welcomed on Feb. 10, announced on Monday.

Watkins completed her Executive MBA at Queen’s University in 2021 and in October of 2023 completed the Advanced Leadership for Social Impact Fellowship at the Smith School of Business. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

Watkins steps into the role after Mark Graham’s retirement on Jan. 31 with the latter assisting in the transition through April 2024.

Graham announced his retirement in June after a 32-year tenure while the Board of Directors began the search for his successor. There were more than 100 initial conversations and applications during their nationwide search.

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow and develop our team from the solid foundation built by Mark Graham over the past 32 years,” said Watkins. “I appreciate each member of our CMHA HKPR community, who demonstrate daily the capacity to think about our system in new ways, with the courage to shift to maximize our potential.”

Watkins has been with CMHA HKPR since April 2021 as Director of Corporate Services. She has been involved with the agency’s engagement with the Strategic Plan Art project, Restructuring the Crisis Program and launching 9-8-8, Reevaluating and Renewing the Finance Processes in the Agency.

Prior to CMHA HKPR, Watkins worked at PRHC in Quality and Process Improvement, designing and launching the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic and Assessment Centre and various other quality projects. Watkins has lots of experience in the private sector, working in managerial roles at Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Frito Lay and Quaker, according to a press release.

“Ellen is a collaborative, empathetic, visionary leader who will utilize accountability, intentionality, and bravery every day in the CEO role,” said John Lyons, CMHA HKPR Board President.

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Man Arrested After Alleged Murder Attempt By Choking and Knife Threat

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A 69-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges including an attempt to murder from an incident on Saturday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At approximately 11:05 p.m., officers were called to a Sophia Street and Burnham Street area residence. A 70-year-old female victim was being treated by EMS after officers learned that she had been allegedly attacked by her partner several times. This includes being choked, verbally threatened and threatened with a knife. The man fled the residence but was located at his residence in the Reid Street and Parkhill Road area shortly after and taken into custody. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Attempt to Commit Murder

  • Uttering threats to cause death

  • Assault with a Weapon - Spousal

  • Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke, Suffocate or Strangle another Person

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

To protect the victim’s identity, police are not releasing the accused's name.

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Peterborough to Face Significant Snowfall With Possible Risk of Freezing Rain Starting Tuesday

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Significant snowfall of 10 to 15 cm or higher with a risk of freezing rain could hit Peterborough beginning Tuesday and into the night, according to Environment Canada.

File Photo.

Tuesday is expected to be cloudy with snow beginning around noon in the forecast. The risk of freezing rain could start late afternoon with a wind chill of -10 in the morning, blowing southeast at 30 kph.

A major winter storm is expected to move into portions of southern Ontario, as snow could be heavy at times with a risk of freezing rain. The snow is expected to change to rain Tuesday night as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.

Environment Canada says difficult travel conditions are likely with the risk. Snowfall warnings or winter weather travel advisories may be issued for some regions as this event draws nearer.

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David Tuan Bui


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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