Peterborough Petes Announce 2025 Education Fund Award Winners

The 2025 winners of the Peterborough Petes Education Fund Scholarships have been announced, which are awarded annually to a player from the Petes U18 AAA and the Peterborough IceKats U18 AA, as selected by their coaches.

(From left to right) Mike Martone, Cameron Meek, Hannah McInnes and Rod McGillis. Each year, the Peterborough Petes Education Fund also awards six $500 scholarships to local high schools, to be presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated self-improvement through hard work during their high school years. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“The Peterborough Petes Education fund was established by former Petes Board of Directors member Pat Casey in the late 1970s,” said Rod McGillis, Petes Vice President. “We are proud to continue to give out these scholarships each year to deserving athletes and students. Pat always knew that education was a critical part of the Peterborough Petes program and his work has allowed for these scholarships to continue to current students and athletes.”

This year’s winner from the Peterborough Petes U18AAA is Cameron Meek. Meek, a forward from Port Perry, attends Port Perry High School and served as Captain of the team this season.

“I’m honoured to receive this award,” said Meek. “I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity to lead this team. Your support and belief helped me to be better every single day both on and off the ice. I also want to thank the boys for an amazing season and wish them the best with whatever they do next year.”

“Cameron Meek spent two impressive years with the U18 Petes, earning the captaincy in his second season,” said Scott Roche, Petes U18 Coach. “Known for his exceptional leadership, Cameron consistently led by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic both on and off the ice. His infectious attitude helped elevate the team's morale, making him a key motivator and a great teammate. Always putting in the effort and displaying a high level of commitment, he quickly became someone others looked up to, not just for his skill, but for his character and dedication to the game.”

This year’s winner from the Peterborough IceKats U18AA is Hannah McInnes. McInnes, a Peterborough native, plays defence for the IceKats and attends St. Peter Secondary.

“I feel very fortunate and grateful to receive this award,” said McInnes. “I want to thank the entire IceKats organization and all of my coaches over the years who have helped develop me as a player and a person along the way. As I have just graduated from  my last season of minor hockey; I will always remember all of my teammates and the memories we made over the years. I’m so lucky to have been part of such an amazing sport with awesome people. I’m looking forward to going away in the fall to university and putting this Peterborough Petes Education Fund scholarship towards my education. Lastly, I want to give a huge ‘thank you’ to the Peterborough Petes organization for this generous award.”

“Hannah McInnes has been a dedicated and inspiring IceKat,” said Cameron Mann, IceKats U18AA Head Coach. “She is an outstanding student, leader and teammate who always puts the team first. Her hard work, coachability and commitment, on and off the ice, make her a true role model. The University of Guelph is lucky to have her this fall.”

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Peterborough Petes Release Full 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule

The Peterborough Petes have officially released their full schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 regular season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes have their home opener on Sept. 18 against the Brampton Steelheads and finish out their 68-game season in Oshawa on March 22.

Key dates for the 2025-26 Petes season are as follows:

• Sept. 18 - Home opener against the Brampton Steelheads

• Oct.16 - Oct. 19 - Rivalry Week, featuring a home and home with the Oshawa Generals and a visit from the Ottawa 67’s

• Oct. 30 - Petes host the defending OHL and Memorial Cup Champion London Knights

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Four Draft Picks In Trade With Brantford Bulldogs

The Peterborough Petes have acquired three OHL Priority Selection picks and one Import pick from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for Peterborough’s first-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“We are excited about the roster that we are building for the upcoming season,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “This move falls in line with some exciting announcements that we will be making in the coming days and weeks as we continue to strengthen our team for this year and beyond.”

The following is the full trade:

To Peterborough

• 2025 second-round Import pick (Brantford)

• 2026 second-round pick (Owen Sound)

• 2027 third-round pick (Brantford)

• 2028 third-round pick (Brantford)

To Brantford

• 2025 first-round Import pick (Peterborough)

The CHL Import Draft takes place on July 2 at 11 a.m.

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Another Second-Round Pick Signs OHL Standard Player Agreement With the Peterborough Petes

The Peterborough Petes have signed another 2025 second-round pick, Kieran Raynor, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re very happy to announce that Kieran has signed with the Peterborough Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations.. “He’s a hard-working forward who had a solid season last year, leading the Niagara North Stars in scoring. He also had an opportunity to play some games in GOJHL last season, showing us that he can play against older competition.”

The St. Catharines native was initially selected by the Petes in the second round, 27th overall, in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. He featured in 27 games for the Niagara North Stars U16 team last season, scoring 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points. In eight playoff games, he had five goals and eight assists for 13 points to help the North Stars to a place in the OMHA Championships and the OHL Cup. Raynor also skated in three games last season for the GOJHL’s St. Catharines Falcons, picking up one assist.

“It’s a privilege to get to sign with such a storied franchise like the Peterborough Petes,” said Raynor. “I’m still unable to process this feeling. I’m looking forward to getting to Peterborough and helping this team win.”

In the official 2025 OHL Draft Guide, OHL Director of Hockey Development Darrell Woodley wrote the following:

“Kieran is a skilled centre that drives the offense for his team and is a leader by how hard he plays the game. He is a great skater with excellent top end speed, great edge control and balance that make him hard to handle. He makes plays at high speed in all three zones and plays a very unselfish game as he moves the puck efficiently. His hockey sense is very high as he plays in every situation and knows what to do in each game situation. He is fearless in his play and plays a lot bigger than he actually is, not shying away from anyone. Kieran is a fun player to watch as he makes things happen every shift.”

Raynor is the third player from the Petes 2025 draft class to sign an OHL Standard Player Agreement after third-round pick Gerry DiCunzolo and second-round selection Matthew Perreault.

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Peterborough Petes Sign Second-Round Pick to OHL Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed their 2025 second-round pick, Matthew Perreault, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Matthew is a smooth-skating defenceman who can move the puck,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He was a big part of a very strong Toronto Titans team last year. We’re excited to be able to add him to our group as we get ready for next season.”

The right-handed defenceman from Ottawa was initially selected by the Petes in the second round, 31st overall, in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 25 games for the Toronto Titans U16’s in the GTHL last season, scoring once and picking up nine assists for 10 points. Perreault also featured in five games in the 2025 OHL Cup, picking up four assists.

“I’m incredibly honoured to sign with Peterborough,” said Perreault. “The Petes are an organization with such a rich and storied history and I’m excited to contribute to the team’s future success. I’ll give everything I have to make the fans and the city proud.”

Perreault is the second player from the Petes' 2025 draft class to sign an OHL Standard Player Agreement after third-round pick Gerry DiCunzolo signed on May 27.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Overage Forward From Kingston For Three Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes have traded for overage forward Matthew Soto from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Sarnia’s third-round pick in 2027, Oshawa’s fifth-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2029, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Robert Lefebvre and the OHL.

The St. Paul, Minn. native was originally selected by the Frontenacs in the first round, fifth overall, in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Over four seasons with Kingston, Soto has played in 231 games, scoring 64 goals and adding 93 assists for 157 points. During his career, Soto has also appeared in 27 playoff games for the Frontenacs, scoring five goals and adding five assists for 10 points.

“We’re very excited to add Matthew Soto to our group as we prepare for the new season,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Matthew is a player who will bring a lot of experience to our team, having played in over 230 games during his career in Kingston. We’re looking forward to seeing him take the ice at training camp later this year.”

In 2023, Soto attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp after leading the Frontenacs in scoring with 42 points in 54 games. During the 2023-24 season, Soto hit a career high in three offensive categories, scoring 25 goals and adding 31 assists for 56 points.

“I’m excited and grateful to get an opportunity to play for the Peterborough Petes,” said Soto. “I look forward to connecting with my teammates and getting to play in front of the amazing fans at the PMC next season.”

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Peterborough Petes Sign 2025 Third-Round Pick to OHL Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed their 2025 third-round pick, Gerry DiCunzolo, to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re very excited to announce that Gerry DiCunzolo has signed with the Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. . “He had a very strong season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s last year and caught the attention of our scouts. He showed very well at development camp earlier in May and we’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at training camp later this year.”

The Buffalo, N.Y. forward was originally selected by the Petes 61st overall, in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The left-handed centreman played 62 games for Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15O last season, leading the team in scoring with 57 goals and 90 assists for 147 points. He also played in four games with Shattuck at the USA 15-only National Championships, leading his team in scoring with three goals and three assists for six points.

“It feels amazing to sign with the Petes,” said DiCunzolo. “It’s a dream come true to advance to the next level and be a part of such an amazing organization like the Petes. I’m looking forward to getting started and making an impact.”

In the official 2025 OHL Draft Guide, OHL Director of Hockey Development Darrell Woodley wrote the following:

“Gerry is a highly skilled centre that the puck seems to follow around the ice when he is out there. He is a very good skater with the ability to change gears in full flight and has that top gear that many players just don’t have. He plays the game at a high pace and has the ability to make highly skilled plays while moving his feet and constantly putting pressure on the opposition,” said Darrell Woodley, OHL director of hockey development. “Although he isn’t the biggest player, he rarely backs down or turns away from going into the high-traffic/contact areas. He is an exceptional playmaker and sees the play developing well before most others do. Gerry has all the talent and skill to be a very dynamic player at the next level.”

In the 2022-23 season, DiCunzolo was coached by former Pete and Buffalo Sabre Patrick Kaleta while playing for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 13U.

This signing makes DiCunzolo the first player from the Petes 2025 draft class to sign an OHL Standard Player Agreement.

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Peterborough Petes Release 2025 Development Camp Schedule

The Peterborough Petes have officially announced the details regarding their annual Development Camp in a three-day event from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Roughly 60 players are expected to attend camp. They will be split into three teams for the on-ice scrimmage portion of the weekend.

On Friday, the camp will begin with off-ice fitness testing at Hybrid FHP (not open to the public) before transitioning to on-ice scrimmages on Saturday and Sunday morning.

All scrimmages will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) and are open to the public. Scrimmages will also be streamed on the Petes Facebook page with commentary.

Full scrimmage Schedule:

Saturday

• 9:00 a.m.  - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black) 

• 9:50 a.m. - Team Sign-A-Fied (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)

• 10:40 a.m. - Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team East Side Mario’s (White)

  BREAK

• 2:30 p.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)

• 3:20 p.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)

• 4:10 p.m. - Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)

Sunday

• 8:30 a.m. - Team Sign-A-Fied (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)

• 9:20 a.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Sign-A-Fied (Black)

• 10:10 a.m. - Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)

A full camp roster will be released on Friday afternoon.

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Peterborough Petes Hold Number One Pick In 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection; Team Takes Two Players

The Peterborough Petes selected two players in the 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection that included first-overall pick Sebastian Dzieciol on Wednesday.

Sebastian Dzieciol. Photo courtesy of Jordan MacDonald and the Peterborough Petes.

The 6’, 182 lbs centre from Ottawa, featured in 28 games for the Ottawa Myers Automotive U18’s this season, scoring 13 goals and adding 15 assists for 28 points. In the playoffs, he played in 13 games, scoring three goals and recording six assists for nine points, which helped Myers win the HEO U18 Championship. In the U18 AAA Ontario Championships, Dzieciol played in five games, picking up an assist. 

“Sebastian is a big, strong forward who isn’t afraid to play physical and battle for the puck,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He was a big part of Myers HEO Championship this season, leading the team in scoring during the season and in the playoffs.” 

“I am very honoured and excited to be selected by the Petes,” said Dzieciol. “I am looking forward to being a part of the team and learning and contributing as best I can.”

With the 21st overall pick in the second round, Peterborough selected forward Jayden Mercier from the Upper Canada Cyclones U18.

Jayden Mercier. Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling and the Peterborough Petes.

“Jayden is a strong forward who uses his size well,” said Oke. “He’s a good skater who plays hard and isn’t afraid to go into the corners.”

Mercier, a left winger from Rockland, played in 30 games for the Upper Canada Cyclones U18’s this season, scoring 15 goals and adding eight assists for 23 points. In 11 playoff games for the Cyclones, he scored four goals and added six assists for 10 points, helping his team to the HEO Championship Series.

“It’s literally a dream come true,” exclaimed Mercier. “I can’t believe it. I have been working hard my whole life for this and it hasn’t been easy. It’s a dream come true to be drafted by the Petes.”

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"The All-Time Goal is to Win An OHL Championship" Peterborough Petes Number Overall Pick Kaden McGregor Brings Championship Aspirations to the Team

Less than 24 hours after being selected first overall by the Peterborough Petes, forward Kaden McGregor wants to ultimately bring an OHL Championship back to the Electric City as he was introduced to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

This is the first time the Petes have been able to introduce McGregor to Peterborough as a member of the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Petes introduced McGregor to the media and public at a press conference a day after he was in Burlington for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA to a league title this past season and says he will work diligently to give Peterborough a similar result.

“I want to work as hard this summer and earn the right to play, earn my ice time,” explained McGregor. “I want to play whatever role this team needs me to play and the all-time goal is to win an OHL Championship.”

The right-handed shot is the franchise’s first-ever number one overall pick in its 69-year tenure, an honour McGregor plans to hold with pride.

“I'm humbled and honoured to be that first overall selection for the Peterborough Petes,” he said. “I think it shows a lot about how great this organization is and how well the coaching staff and Board of Directors is. I just want to thank them again for putting their faith in me and I won't let them down.”

(From left to right) Easton Rye, Petes goaltender; Carson Cameron, Petes defenceman; Kaden McGregor and Colin Fitzgerald; Petes forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the press conference, McGregor showed his gratitude for not only the Petes staff but the rest of his family, claiming he would not be where he was without their love, help and support.

“My parents… Every practice, every game, they're there for me. After the games, when they don't go to well, they're always there for me,” he said. “My siblings, I come home, they're always so friendly, they have just pushed me to become the player that I am and I'm so thankful for all of these people.”

father Stacey McGregor (left), Kaden (middle) and mother Lisa McGegor (right) all pose for a family photo for the first time with the son as a Pete in Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a newcomer to town, McGregor has already embraced and appreciated the inclusive atmosphere Peterborough has shown to him and his family.

“I've heard about the sellouts that this crowd had and how great this atmosphere and fans are and I'm so thankful to be a part of Peterborough and I'm just thankful for the fans for welcoming me,” concluded McGregor.

The following is a list of this year’s draft picks for the Peterborough Petes:

• First round (1) - Kaden McGregor - Forward - Ottawa Valley Titans U16

• Second round (27) - Kieran Raynor - Forward - Niagara North Stars U16

• Second round (31) - Matthew Perreault - Defence - Toronto Titans U16

• Third round (61) - Gerry DiCunzolo - Forward - Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15s

• Sixth round (104) - Daniel Tout - Defence - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• Seventh round (124) - Brody Robertson - Forward - Toronto Titans U16

• Eighth round (144) - Luke Schairer - Defence - USA U17

• Ninth round (164) - Eric Wood - Defence - Sun County Panthers U16

• 10th round (184) - Pacey Adduono - Forward - Oakmoor Academy 16U

• 11th round (204) - Ty Gendron - Forward - Barrie Jr. Colts U16

• 12th round (224) - Joseph Szarka - Defence - Brantford 99ers U16

• 13th round (244) - Brandt Rooyakkers - Forward - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• 14th round (264) - Chase MacKay - Forward - North Central Predators U16

• 15th round (284) - Tyson Cartier - Defence - Waterloo Wolves U16

• 15th round (301) - Joshua Goodwin - Defence - North Shore Whitecaps

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