Lakers Add Two Defensemen In Free Agency; Team Set to Honour 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champions On June 25

The Peterborough Lakers have signed defensemen Joey Cupido and Taylor Jensen to the team in free agency.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The team also honours the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champions on June 25 at home against the Owen Sound North Stars.

Cupido spent time with the Cobourg Kodiaks and Six Nations Chiefs. He spent last MSL season injured and as an assistant coach with the Chiefs during their Mann Cup run before being released.

“Being an older guy and a veteran will help,” said Cupido. “Every year I learn a little bit more of the game and having an opportunity to step behind the bench I got to see things from a different vantage point. That’s certainly going to help my game and hopefully I can pass on some of those things to the younger guys as well.”

This winter, Jensen made his professional debut for Lakers’s head coach Mike Hasen and his Rochester Knighthawks and is in his rookie MSL season.

The New Westminster, B.C. 25-year-old played junior A lacrosse for the Salmonbellies. He is the younger brother of NLL MVP Josh Byrne.

The Lakers are on the road this Thursday in Brampton. Cupido, Jensen and newly acquired Rob Hellyer are expected to be in the lineup.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 team’s national senior lacrosse championship win and the 40th anniversary of the 1984 team's Mann Cup victory.

The organization is commemorating the milestones and is teaming with the Lakers Alumni to host two special events.

The festivities start with the Alumni Golf Tournament on June 21 at Keystone Links. Each participant will receive a commemorative Peterborough Lakers Alumni hat featuring the 1984 and 2004 teams courtesy of Imprinted Apparel.

On June 25, the Lakers will host both teams for a special ceremony, during which they will be honoured for their achievements at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“We are thrilled to recognize the achievements of these two legendary teams,” said Dean Porter, Lakers Alumni president. “Their contributions to the sport of lacrosse and the Peterborough community are immeasurable, and we are honoured to celebrate their success.”.

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Former Peterborough Pete Akil Thomas Signs Two-Year Extension With the Los Angeles Kings

Former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas is staying in the City of Angels as he signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings through the 2025-26 season, announced on Thursday.

Akil Thomas skating with a young fan prior to a game. Photo courtesy of the PEterborough Petes.

The contract is worth an average annual value of $775,000. 

The Petes acquired him in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in January 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022), and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists, before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 15 last year, Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans.

Thomas is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

The Toronto native was drafted by the Kings in 2018 in the second round, 51st overall. Following his OHL career, Thomas spent time with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, since the 2020-21 season.

On July 8, he signed a one-year deal with the Kings after his entry-level contract had expired.

He played 64 games with the Reign last season, scoring 22 goals and 24 assists.

Thomas debuted with the Kings on April 1 against the Winnipeg Jets after an upper-body injury to centreman Philip Danault.

In his seven games with Los Angeles, he scored three goals and an assist including a game-winner against the San Jose Sharks on April 4.

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Hometown PTBO: Susan Tung and Her Restaurant Experience Timeline From Golden Wheel, Hanoi House to Naka Japanese

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Hanoi House/NAKA Japanese owner Susan Tung about growing up with her family owning the Golden Wheel Restaurant, her path to entrepreneurship and starting her own businesses in Peterborough.

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Trent University to Expect Largest Graduating Class In School's History For 2024 Convocation

Degrees are being handed out more than ever as Trent University expects over 3,100 graduates during its 2024 convocation, the largest graduating class in school history across its Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area campuses from June 4 to 14.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

A record 2,664 undergraduates and the largest class of graduate students, including 504 Ph.D., masters and diploma graduates, will be celebrated over 13 ceremonies, according to Trent. Peterborough ceremonies will occur June 4 to 7 and June 10 to 11 on the Symons Campus.

Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremonies will occur on June 14, at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. The ceremonies will celebrate the accomplishments of 765 graduates, the largest graduating class in Trent Durham history. 

A record number of convocation ambassador volunteers will support ceremonies including 195 staff, students, faculty, retirees, and alumni from both campuses who will be on-site to direct students and greet and assist guests. 

This year’s ceremonies give honorary degrees to four social changemakers recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society.  

In Peterborough, honorary degrees will/have be bestowed upon:  

• Dr. Audrey Kobayashi (June 5 – 2 p.m. ceremony) Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, globally recognized scholar of feminist geography, and human rights advocate  

• Harvey McCue (Waubegeshig) C.M. (June 6 – 2 p.m. ceremony) member of the Order of Canada, celebrated scholar, co-founder of Trent’s Indigenous Studies department, and expert on Indigenous self-government 

International children’s rights activist and member of the Order of Ontario Cheryl Perera will be presented with an honorary degree at the Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremony on June 14 at 2 p.m. 
 
Dr. Leo Groarke will deliver the convocation address during the afternoon ceremony on Monday in Peterborough and the morning ceremony on June 14 in Durham.

These will be his last convocation ceremonies as Trent’s eighth president and vice-chancellor when his second term as president concludes at the end of June.

Dr. Stephen Stohn ‘66, chancellor of Trent University, will also address graduates at the convocation. 

During the 2024 Peterborough convocation ceremonies, Trent will honour several of its most accomplished students with special awards:

• The Governor General’s Academic Medal to reward scholastic merit was established in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The Silver Medal, presented to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing, is awarded to Tovan Lew, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science. The Gold Medal for highest academic standing in graduate programs is awarded to Amanda Orr, Ph.D. Environmental & Life Sciences. 

• The President's Medal, established in 2009 to reward academic excellence and achievement at the graduate studies level, will be awarded to three graduate students who achieved academic excellence: Helen Knibb, Ph.D. Canadian Studies; Andrew Hoyt, M.A. History; and Justin Lockhart, M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences. 

• The Symons Medal, established in 1972 in honour of Trent’s founding president T.H.B. Symons, will be awarded to four undergraduate students in the honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Khubaib Khan, B.Sc. Honours Biology; Maggie Chalk, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science; Shannon Harrison, B.Sc. Honours Mathematics; and Alexis Laplante, B.Sc. Honours Anthropology. 

• The Bagnani Medal, established in 1986 to honour the late founding faculty member Professor Gilbert Bagnani, will be awarded to two students in the general program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Claire Johnston, B.Sc. Biology; and Carolyn King, B.A. Indigenous Studies. 

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving Stolen Vehicle As Prohibited Driver and Fleeing Police

A 26-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after an incident Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:20 p.m., officers at Beavermead Park noticed a suspicious vehicle. As the vehicle left the parking lot it failed to stop for a red light according to a police report.

Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle took off. They did not pursue it and learned that it had been reported stolen in Lindsay. 

Shortly after, officers spotted the vehicle again heading west on Lansdowne Street when it ran a second red light at Lock Street. The vehicle turned onto Morrow Street and then Sherburne Street, where the driver jumped out of the vehicle and started running through backyards before surrendering to police. The man was taken into custody without incident. During the arrest, it was further learned that the man was a prohibited driver.

The man arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada

• Flight from peace officer

• Dangerous operation

• Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code

• Red light - fail to stop X2

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

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Peterborough Petes Sign Second-Round Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes has signed 2024 second-round pick Blake Gowan to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s an honour to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Gowan. “I can’t wait to get to Peterborough and get started.”

The Petes selected the Kingston-born defenceman in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and 25 assists for 27 points.

In 10 playoff games, he scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points en route to an OMHA Championship and a spot in the OHL Cup.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to welcome Blake to the team,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Blake is a solid, hard-hitting defenceman who makes good decisions in his own end. We had the opportunity to watch Blake a lot this season with Barrie and were very impressed with his play, especially in the playoffs and the OMHA Championship.”

Gowan is the second Petes pick from the 2024 Priority Selection to commit to the team after the team signed third-overall pick Colin Fitzgerald to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on May 4.

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Two High School Student-Athletes Receive $500 Scholarship From Peterborough Petes Education Fund

High school student-athletes Lilly Legault and Nikolas Pawlowski are named the recipients of the Peterborough Petes Education Fund, each receiving a $500 scholarship, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday morning.

Rod McGills, Peterborough Petes vice president (left); Nikolas Pawlowski, Petes U18 AAA captain and Laura Kennedy, Petes Fund board member (right) presenting the $500 cheque to Pawlowski for his efforts. Legault was absent during the press conference. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Legault and Pawlowski were selected by their coaches as outstanding players from the U18 AA Peterborough IceKats and U18 AAA Peterborough Petes respectively.

Legault is a left winger, graduating from St. Peter’s Secondary School this summer. The high school senior plans to continue her hockey career at the collegiate level in the United States.

“I feel so much gratitude for being chosen to receive this year’s Peterborough Petes Education Award,” explained Legault. “Thank you to my coaches and thank you to the Peterborough Petes for establishing these scholarships for students.”

“Our coaching staff unanimously chose Lilly for this generous award. She is committed to her studies just as much as her athletics and overall enjoys learning,” said Jay Legault, U18 AA IceKats head coach. “She worked at getting ahead all through high school by enrolling in summer courses. She never missed practices due to over-scheduling or upcoming tests. Lilly is committed and organized in balancing both hockey and her studies. That’s a trait a coach notices and wants in their players.”

Lilly is the daughter of NHL and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Jay Legault. The latter was drafted in the third round, 72nd overall by the Ducks in 1997. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Pawlowski was captain of the U18 AAA Petes as a defenseman. He moved from the Durham area to Peterborough when he was 16 and was with the team for two seasons. This year, he logged two goals and 16 assists in 33 games.

”I'm very grateful. It doesn't happen without a great team around me,” said Pawlowski. “Just to have this opportunity, I feel very thankful to my coaches and to everybody to the whole organization.”

“Nik was a dedicated leader all year,” said Colin Sharpe, U18 AAA Petes head coach. “His work ethic and commitment to improving was an example for everyone on the team. We know he will carry these qualities into his next steps for both hockey and education.”

Pawlowski was a member of the Ajax/Pickering Raiders prior to moving to Peterborough with the Petes Minor Hockey system. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Durham region native is graduating from Norwood District High School this summer, and like Legault, he wants to continue his hockey career in the collegiate ranks in the United States.

“I'm going to keep pursuing hockey and hopefully pursue a scholarship in the States.,” he explained. “I'm interested in science (kinesiology) and the human body so we'll see where that takes me.”

He won the ‘Most Dedicated’ award during the Minor AAA Petes Banquet held last month.

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New Canadians Centre Launch Canadian Multicultural Festival For June

In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing the Canadian Multicultural Festival for the month, announced at Fresh Dreams on Tuesday.

Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA vibrancy manager (left); Ty Nguyen, NCC community engagement assist (middle) and Andy Cragg, NCC executive director enjoying food from Fresh Dreams as part of the Multicultural Food Crawl. Last year, the NCC supported over 2,000 newcomers from more than 100 countries around the world. This is the highest number of clients ever and a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre.

The festival is a series of programs and events celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough.

A Multicultural Food Crawl, with 10 participating restaurants, was announced at the event to let the public experience culturally diverse flavours in Downtown Peterborough.

The locations are as follows:

• Ariyana

• Bhojan

• Cork & Bean

• Curry Village

• Fresh Dreams

• La Mesita Restaurante

• Levantine Grill

• Milk + Tea Shop

• Oasis Mediterranean Grill (OMG)

• Village of Thai

For every $10 spent during June, festival goers receive a stamp in your Multicultural Food Passport. Six stamps enter them into a draw to win one of three $100 Boro Gift Cards.

Passports are available at the NCC or any of the participating 10 restaurants.

“In Spain, our culture, our unity, and our love starts from the table where we spend hours talking with families and friends while sharing family-style meals, said Monica Silva, Fresh Dreams owner. Through my dishes and Fresh Dreams, I want to show the community a part of Europe and my culture.”

NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party will give samples from each participating restaurant at 221 Romaine St. on June 28 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (while supplies last).

The public can vote for their favourite restaurant of the crawl for a chance to win a $25 Boro Gift Card. Tag @newcanadianscentre #multiculturalfoodcrawlptbo on social media with your experience to be entered.

The NCC has several other Canadian Multicultural Festival events throughout June:

• June 19: Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace at Millennium Park

• June 20: “Our Home” – World Refugee Day Community Conversation in collaboration with the Peterborough Public Library

• June 22: Zumba Party at Quaker Foods City Square

• June 23: Jollof Rice Cooking Class at New Canadians Centre

• June 24: Language Exchange (Arabic, French, Spanish, Hindi) at New Canadians Centre

• June 25: Coffee and Tea Tasting – Sip Around the World at the New Canadians Centre

• June 28: NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party at 221 Romaine Street

“Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism is at the heart of community-building,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “We may be one small organization in one part of a huge country, but in celebrations like these and in the work that the New Canadians does every day, we are on the front lines of building an inclusive and prosperous multicultural society.”

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Voice of Business: We Need Urgent Action to Tackle Our Substance Abuse Crisis

An average of eight people die every day in Ontario from drug poisoning, that’s 3,000 people every year.

It’s an issue affecting communities across Ontario.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is echoing the comments of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) in its latest policy primer Beyond Emergency Declarations: Charting Ontario’s Course Through the Substance Use and Overdose Crisis.

In fact, our local chamber is leading a new Chamber working group under the OCC involving chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the province to share best practices and find meaningful solutions to one of the biggest issues we’re dealing with.

In a press release about the new policy primer, OCC President and CEO Daniel Tisch says:

“Businesses across Ontario find themselves near the frontlines of an evolving social crisis that they are ill-equipped to manage. With rising security costs and dwindling customer traffic, they see risk to their employees, their customers, and their future. Our report also highlights high fatality rates in some sectors, such as construction. Without urgent action, our province faces devastating, long-term socio-economic harm.”

The goal as stated in the report is to frame the ongoing conversation about addiction management by simplifying the complex narrative surrounding substance use, bridging the knowledge gap among stakeholders and emphasizing the need for evidence-based, community-informed solutions that prioritize public health principles, prevent mortality, and improve recovery outcomes.

The report itself is only seven pages and packed with good information. It’s well worth a read, but I’ll pull out a few key points.

Peterborough is well above average in our number of opioid deaths. While Ontario averages 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Peterborough sits at 53.2. All of those with higher rates are in Northern Ontario in places like Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sudbury. The report notes that addictions issues are hitting northern, rural and First Nations communities particularly hard.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Trent University Reappoints Dr. Michael Khan As Provost and Vice-President Academic

Trent University has reappointed Dr. Michael Khan to a second five-year term as provost and vice-president Academic, effective Aug. 1, 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Khan grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University.  Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Michael has been instrumental in steering Trent University towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “His leadership has been pivotal in developing a robust Academic Plan, launching new interdisciplinary programs, and fostering a collaborative environment that has significantly contributed to our enrolment growth and institutional reputation. We are thrilled to have him continue in this key role as we navigate future opportunities and challenges.” 

Since joining Trent in August 2020, Dr. Khan has overseen the planning, budgeting, development, administration, quality assurance and integrity of the University's academic affairs according to a press release.

During Khan's Trent tenure, he led the development of an integrative Academic Plan, guided by 12 overarching academic guiding principles central to the University's strategic growth and academic priorities.  

The University says it has introduced numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and paid co-op opportunities under Khan.

HE has also played a crucial role in strategic growth and expansion at Trent's Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area, as stated in a press release. He has ensured a steady increase in the number of domestic and international students through developing professional master’s, postgraduate certificates, and innovative undergraduate degree programs at Trent Durham. 

“I am honoured to continue my role as provost and vice-president Academic at Trent University,” said Khan. “Trent’s collegial and proactive approaches to academic programming and student success has enabled us to make remarkable strides in enhancing our academic offerings, supporting our faculty and students, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. I am excited to build on this foundation and continue working with our exceptional team to drive further innovation and excellence at Trent.”

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