History Repeats Itself As Peterborough U16 AAA Petes Get Eliminated In OHL Cup Semifinals For a Second Consecutive Year

For the second straight year, the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes were eliminated in the semifinals of the OHL Cup by the same opponent, the Vaughan Kings, in a 3-0 loss at the Scotiabank Pond in Toronto on Thursday night.

The Petes lost to the Vaughan Kings in last year’s OHL Cup, 4-2, on April Fools Day. pHOTO courtesy of Peterborough U16 AAA Petes.

It was a battle of the undefeated as both teams boasted a 5-0 record heading into the semifinal. The winner would take on the Oakville Rangers, who narrowly defeated the North York Rangers, 6-5, earlier that day.

Peterborough struggled to muster any offense in the first period as they registered three shots on net. The Kings had 13 shots, one of which was courtesy of Cole Emerton. With just over four minutes left in the stanza, the Petes turned the puck over in the defensive zone; Emerton intercepted the pass and was uncontested in his shot to make it 1-0 Kings.

Vaughan extended their lead with a one-timer at point-blank range from Caleb Malhotra, was seemingly stopped by Petes Morgan Hyndman but the puck was sitting at the line. Peterborough tried to clear the puck but the referee deemed the puck had crossed and it was 2-0, Kings over Petes.

Things would not improve for the Petes as one of their top prospects, Colin Fitzgerald, took a tripping penalty, putting the Kings on the powerplay. It only took 10 seconds for Vaughan to capitalize, as Alessandro Di Iorio took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle and ripped it through traffic for a 3-0 lead.

It was all or nothing for the Petes in the period to try and erase a three-goal deficit. Fitzgerald had an opportunity to get Peterborough on the board with a breakaway. He tried the five-hold of Kings goaltender Justin Young but he closed the door on any chance of a comeback and made the save. The Petes outshot the Kings for the first time in any period with 6-4 but none found the back of the net. Peterborough was eliminated from the OHL Cup by a 3-0 score.

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Hospice Peterborough Celebrates 35 Years of Service

Hospice Peterborough celebrates a milestone of 35 years of serving the community announced on Thursday.

Hospice Peterborough p[lanting its roots at its groundbreaking ceremony in 1988. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The organizations was officially founded on April 1, 1989.

“Reflecting on our history, we are profoundly grateful for the immense support we've received. This is the result of a community banding together to support each other – this is Your Community Hospice,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

The following is a sample of the Hospice’s timeline with significant milestones:

• 1988 - 1989: Hospice Peterborough becomes a registered charitable organization, starting with an annual revenue of $50,049 and a caseload of 37 active clients

• 1991 - 1992: Euthanasia enters mainstream conversation, as Hospice Peterborough advocates for proper palliative care and pain management

• 2014 - 2015: The ‘Every Moment Matters’ capital campaign is launched, aiming to raise $6.5 million. The campaign cabinet, led by Betty Morris, works tirelessly towards this goal

• 2016 - 2017: Despite being in the middle of a capital campaign, Hospice still tracks 21,613 client interactions, 12 events, 684 group sessions, and 734 new referrals, the 305 active volunteers along with staff were kept very busy

• 2018 - 2019: Hospice Peterborough moves to its new location at 325 London Street. On April 8, 2019, the organization admits its first end-of-life residents, marking a pivotal moment in its history

• 2021 - 2022: Hospice Peterborough proudly became a fully accredited healthcare organization with the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) following a vigorous 18-month process ultimately achieving an outstanding score of 98.67 per cent

• 2022 - 2023: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became an option for clients receiving care in the Hospice Residence who have requested it, and for those who meet the required criteria, aligning with Hospice’s vision of client-centered care. Founder Dr. John Beamish, Hospice Peterborough’s Medical Director, announced his retirement after 36 years of service to HP

“We've come a long way since our humble beginnings, and today, we stand as a trusted healthcare facility providing 24/7 palliative care,” said Hős.

As part of the journey’s celebration, a small exhibit has been set up in the building where guests can explore memorabilia, view collected photos and gain insights into its history

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Hometown PTBO: Cooper Brown Highlighting Peterborough's Golf Scene As the Season Approaches

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with professional golfer and instructor Cooper Brown about the golf atmosphere in Peterborough, pupil success stories and his Toronto Maple Leafs fandom.

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2023 Civic Awards Nominations Remain Open Until April 5

Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m., announced on Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts, and culture who had outstanding achievements in 2023. 

Nominations are being accepted for the following categories: 

• Community Betterment 

• Cultural Betterment 

• Environmental Stewardship 

• Holnbeck Award 

• Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Athletic Award of Merit 

• Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Mayor's Youth Award 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Youth Volunteer of the Year 

• Lifetime Achievement Award 

Nomination packages are available using the interactive form online and paper copies are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

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Local Online Radio Station to Stream Throwback Peterborough Petes Broadcasts

Following last season’s run to an OHL Championship for the Peterborough Petes, the Kawartha Time Machine online radio station makes up for the Petes’ absence in the post-season by streaming several full throwback games beginning this Thursday at 7 p.m.

The Kawartha Time Machine was founded in 2015 by retired broadcaster Gordon Gibb to curate and preserve regional broadcast archives through a music-based, online nostalgia station. Gibb has served as the in-house public address announcer for the Peterborough Petes since the 1996-1997 season. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Time Machine.

Running each Thursday for seven straight weeks, several games streamed include a reprise of the 1974 exhibition game between The Peterborough Petes representing the Canadian entry in The World Junior Invitational Hockey Championship. This non-sanctioned tournament served as the precursor to the annual tournament enjoyed in the modern day.

The pivotal game for the Petes was played on Jan. 6th, 1974, against Russia. The game—as well as the tournament and the events leading up to it—is the subject of ‘The First Ones,’ a book by Ed Arnold released in the fall.

The game between the Petes and Team Russia was originally broadcast live from Leningrad on 1420 CKPT with Bill Bennett on the morning of Jan. 6th.

With a copy of the broadcast loaned to us from Pete Pearson, The Kawartha Time Machine originally streamed the broadcast archive on the morning of Jan. on the exact 50th anniversary of the game. The Petes vs. Russia game will be the first game of a multi-week series.

The full schedule is as follows:

• March 28: Petes @ Russia Jan. 6 1974 (1420 CKPT, Bill Bennett)

• April 4: Petes @ Niagara Falls Flyers, Game 2 of the OMJHL Finals (Cable, 1979. The Petes would go on to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup that year and later, bring home The Memorial Cup for the first, and only time in franchise history).

• April 11: Petes v Marlies Jan. 2, 1986 (Gary Hahn, Kevin Varrin, Cable 6)

• April 18: Petes @ Oshawa Dec. 1, 2002.

• April 25: Petes v Plymouth Whalers, Dec. 15, 2005 (Bob Eakins Your TV)

• May 6: Petes v London Knights (Game 2) May 7, 2006

• May 13: Petes @ Kingston March 13, 2013

Several games will feature several NHL alumni and current players such as Eric and Jordan Staal, Dallas Eakins, Ron Tugnutt, Doug Jarvis, Stan Jonathan and John Druce, the latter also serving as colour commentator in later games. Neilson served as a coach for the 1974 Russia game.

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Two Peterborough Men Arrested On Possession of Weapon Charges

Two Peterborough men are facing possession of weapon charges after an incident on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 6:55 p.m., officers were called about two men with a firearm carrying a duffle bag in the area of Olive Street and Rink Street. 

Officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T Unit arrived in the area and spotted two men matching the description given to police. A gun point arrest was conducted and the men were taken into custody without incident.

During a search of the suspects, officers located and seized two replica firearms (one loaded) and an extendable baton. 

A 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

• Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

The accused is currently bound by a lifetime prohibition order with the following condition to not possess any firearm, cross bow, restricted weapon, ammunition and explosive substance.

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following condition to not possess a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance.

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

A 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

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

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Peterborough Petes Draw Third Overall Pick In 2024 OHL Priority Selection

Following the OHL Priority Selection Lottery, the Peterborough Petes have drawn the third-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection on Wednesday evening.

Screenshot.

Full Lottery Results:

1. Windsor Spitfires

2. Sarnia Sting

3. Peterborough Petes

4. Niagara IceDogs

The Petes entered the evening with a 20 per cent chance of receiving the first overall pick. The Niagara IceDogs had the odds of 40 per cent, followed by the Windsor Spitfires at 30 per cent and the Sarnia Sting at 10 per cent.

The 2024 OHL Priority Selection will begin on April 12th at 7 p.m. with the first three rounds. Picks four to 15 are selected on the 13th.

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Peterborough Petes Commemorate Staff and Players in Annual Year-End Ceremony; Head Coach Rob Wilson Signs Eight-Year Extension

To mark the end of the regular season, Peterborough Petes staff, family and friends attended the team’s annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday.

In addition to winning the Petes Executive Trophy, Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska (left) was a recipient of the Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media). pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Michael Oke, Petes general manager, made a surprise announcement that the organization has signed head coach Rob Wilson to an eight-year contract extension through the 2031-32 season.

“I’m very privileged to be head coach of the Peterborough Petes and I do feel that,” said Wilson.

Wilson was the teams’s 23rd Head Coach in May 2018. Wilson has amassed 154 wins, clinching a playoff spot in four of his five seasons in his tenure with the Petes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Following speeches from Wilson and team president Dave Lorentz, captain Johnathan Melee gave a public address in which he recognized his teammates, staff, and several others for supporting the organization throughout the season.

After the speeches, the following awards were presented:

• Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Tommy Purdeller (34 assists)

• Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Brody Partridge

• Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Jonathan Melee

• Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Carson Cameron

• Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Tracy and Chip Adamo

• Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Liam Sztuska

• Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedication to team) – Cam Gauvreau

• Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Braydon McCallum (18 goals)

• Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Braydon McCallum

• Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Carson Cameron

• Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Tommy Purdeller (47 points)

• Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Tommy Purdeller

• Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Liam Sztuska

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association presented gifts to the graduating and overage players:

• Liam Sztuska

• Quinn Binnie

• Chase Lefebvre

• Jonathan Melee

• Ryder McIntyre

• Tommy Purdeller

• Cam Gauvreau

Oke ended the night with a speech, acknowledging the players, hockey and business staff, billets, parents and fans. He then continued by marking on- and off-ice achievements this season.

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City and County Launch Two New Online Service Directories To Connect With Health and Community Services

Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough have launched two new online directories to help residents find and connect with health and community services through Ontario 2-1-1, announced on Wednesday.

pHOTO BY Samantha Bianco.

Ontario 2-1-1 is a confidential service that helps people find support in their community by searching through the directories on the website, using online chat, texting, emailing or calling. The two new directories provide simple, quick ways to find services based on topic, location and keyword. They can be found at:

• poht.search211.ca for health services

• peterborough.search211.ca for community services

Ontario 2-1-1 operates the directories and is available 24/7 phone or text at 2-1-1.

Through the Online Directory of Health Services, residents can find services for matters such as:

• Non-urgent medical care

• Chronic illness

• Mental health and addictions

• End of life care

• Memory loss and dementia

Under Community Services, residents can find and connect with services related to areas such as:

• Government

• Employment

• Older adults

• Housing

• Community programs and groups

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