Trent Excalibur Men’s Soccer Player Named U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian

Trent University business administration student, John Moncada of the Excalibur men’s varsity soccer team, has earned U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status which is awarded to the top-performing student-athletes across Canadian universities. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This is a historic milestone for John and for our men’s soccer program to be recognized on the national stage,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “Earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status is a testament not only to John’s high-end skill and work ethic, but also to the strong belief head coach Grant Purdy has in his players to showcase their talent early in their career. We’re proud of John’s remarkable first campaign, the program’s best season ever, and what it signals for the future of Excalibur soccer.” 

Moncada led the Ontario University Athletics Association with 14 goals in 11 games, the most ever by an Excalibur men's soccer player in their first season. He is also first nationally in goals and tied for first in total points across all of U SPORTS men's soccer.

His rookie season placed him second on Trent’s all-time goals list, tying Aaron Chia (‘15). His teammate, Leo Frans, holds the top honour with 18 career goals in three years with the Excalibur.

“What stands out about John is just how humble he is. He never lets ego dominate what he wants for the team and is supportive of every player,” said Grant Purdy, head coach of Excalibur men’s soccer. “On the field, he has a special gift; a sense of where the ball is going to be, which allows him to beat defenders and score. This recognition is a reflection of what John is capable of and how far the men’s soccer program has come. I believe the best is yet to come.” 

Moncada’s accomplishment marks the first time a Trent Excalibur men's soccer player has received the national honour and the fourth All-Canadian selection in Trent Athletics history. Earlier this fall, he was also named the OUA East Division Most Valuable Player and an OUA First Team All-Star.  

“Being named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian means everything to me.  I came into the season with a bit of a chip on my shoulder, ready to turn some heads and the environment here at Trent made it all possible,” said Moncada. “The coaches giving me the opportunity and my teammates believing in me made it fun to play and pushed me to succeed. To know my name will be in the Trent history books is a special feeling. Looking ahead, my goal is to help the team make a playoff run and win a championship.” 

He joins an exclusive list that includes Kristine Boyles from women's rugby, who earned First Team All-Canadian honours in both 2007 and 2009 and Thaddeus Bolton from men's soccer, who was named a Second Team All-Canadian in 2009.

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City of Peterborough's Winter Parking Restrictions to Take Effect Dec. 1

The City of Peterborough’s winter parking restrictions begins on Dec. 1 to support snow-clearing operations throughout the season. 

File Photo.

Winter parking restrictions: 

• From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The penalty is $35. 

• During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any city street. The penalty is $80, and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m. 

The City has placed these restrictions to help crews clear roads safely and efficiently, especially during overnight snow operations.

Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, including the King Street Parkade, 202 King St. and the Simcoe Parking Garage, 190 Simcoe St. If customers are using either parking garage overnight due to a snowstorm, they can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry, which can be used for a free transit trip home.

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Peterborough Petes Netminder Named OHL Goaltender of the Week For Nov. 17 to 23

Peterborough Petes netminder Easton Rye has been named the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Goaltender of the Week, announced on Monday.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 14-8-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Rye went 2-0 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .952 save percentage.

The hometown native turned aside 34-of-35 shots on Thursday night as the Petes were victorious with a 7-1 score over the Brampton Steelheads. He stopped 26 more shots on Saturday as Peterborough defeated the visiting Kingston 6-2, improving to 14-8-1-1 for fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The 19-year-old Rye sits tied for the OHL lead with 13 wins, owning a 2.77 goals-against average and .914 save percentage over 19 games. The 6-foot, 196 lb. goaltender owns a career mark of 24-22-3-2 with a 3.63 goals-against average and .898 save percentage through 57 career regular season games since the Petes selected him in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

The Petes play again on Thursday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre when they host the North Bay Battalion. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Peterborough Petes Sweep Home-and-Home Series With Kingston Frontenacs

The Peterborough Petes add to their winning streak by defeating the Kingston Frontenacs in a home-and-home series on Friday and Saturday.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 14-8-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The series began on the road on Friday at the Slush Puppie Place as the Petes defeated the Frontenacs in overtime, 3-2. Adam Novotný scored his second goal of the game 23 seconds into overtime to win the game for Peterborough, to go with his one assist.

Adam Levac scored and had an assist. Yanis Lutz, Kaden McGregor and Carson Cameron each had a helper. Masen Johnston stopped 25 of 27 for his first career OHL win.

On Saturday, the Petes hosted Kingston at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in. Peterborough was victorious, winning 6-2 to extend their winning streak to three on back-to-back-to-back nights.

Brennan Faulkner led the way for the Petes with two goals, totalling 11. Matthew Soto scored and had an assist against his former team, while Grayden Strohack and Blake Gowan each had two assists. Matthew Perreault scored his first OHL caree goal while Braydon McCallum and Adam Levac added a tally. Kaden McGregor, Novotný and Carson Cameron each picked up an assist. Easton Rye stopped 26 of 28 to get his league-leading 13th win.

The Petes play again on Thursday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre when they host the North Bay Battalion. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Bancroft Man Arrested For Impaired Driving that Resulted In a Hydro Pole Collision

A 20-year-old Bancroft man is facing impaired charges after a single-vehicle collision into a hydro pole early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:10 a.m., officers were called to a vehicle that had struck a hydro pole at Water Street and Langton Street. Officers located the driver and conducted a roadside test.

The arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Careless Driving (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment. 

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 30.

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Peterborough Police Warn Public of Surfacing Scam With Fraudulent Government Officials or Law Enforcement Officers

The Peterborough Police Service is warning residents after learning of a scam in which people pretend to be government officials or law enforcement officers demanding money.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Earlier this week, officers with the Fraud Unit learned of a scam in which a Peterborough resident lost over $43,000. 

It started off with a phone call from someone claiming to be a government official with the High Commission of India in Canada and that the victim was a suspect in a money laundering investigation in India. The victim was told not to tell anyone, or they would be charged. As the scam continued, the victim was asked to answer a phone call every day at 8:00 a.m. for a month and engaged in several other communications in which the person on the other end of the phone appeared to be wearing a police uniform.  The victim was eventually persuaded to send money in cryptocurrency to clear their name. 

Earlier this year, another resident was scammed out of over $15,000 after being contacted similarly and being told they were a suspect in a money laundering investigation. In this case the victim was asked to purchase gift cards.

Officers with the Fraud Unit remind residents that fraud and scams are constant and often encourage secrecy, pressure to act and requests for money to avoid charges or jail time.  

Government and law enforcement agencies do not accept cryptocurrencies and do not request payment. 

The Peterborough Police have released these tips to stay scam safe:

• Talk to trusted individuals about what is going on

• Do your own research

• Don’t give in to urgency

• Don’t give any money

• Be extra cautious

• Think it might be a scam? Report it to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

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PTBOSpotlight: Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles

Welcome to PTBOSpotlight! Every Friday, this segment showcases a business or organization in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the organization and the work they do for our community.

This week, we are featuring Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles. It is owned and operated by Ross Elson.

Located on 182 Charlotte St. in Downtown Peterborough, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles has autographed memorabilia, jerseys, collectible sports cards and more.

“We look forward to building a community of collectors right here in Peterborough, offering an extensive inventory of sports cards, autographed memorabilia, jerseys and more,” said Elson. “Our team offer their experience and knowledge to help you find what you are looking for. Whether you are collecting your favourite team, completing your checklist or on the hunt for rare cards or memorabilia.”

Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles have joined forces with MNT Grading Inc. and is now also an Authorized PSA Dealer. They provide a full-service drop-off for your collectible sports cards to be graded. Grading your cards protects your investment and has been proven to increase the value of cards in the secondary market.

“As far as services go, being an authorized PSA Dealer is a very big deal for a shop, we are the only one in our area and it took us the better part of a year to go through the process of becoming authorized,” explained Elson.

Elson's passion for collecting hockey cards started when he was a kid, starting with the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee set. After having children, his interest was reinvigorated and he collected cards with them. After years of collecting and visiting expos, the hobby quickly grew into a business which launched in 2019.

While you can collect from your favourite major sports teams, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles also adds in the local flavour as a spot to collect Peterborough Petes apparel, memorabilia and more.

“We have an excellent relationship with the Peterborough Petes and after each game we sponsor and Autograph Signing Table,” explained Elson. “Kids, Families, and Fans line up after the game for a different payer each night who comes out to sign autographs. With the Petes we provide co-branded Peterborough Petes Hockey Cards free of charge to the fans for the specific player that participates each night. In addition, fans can bring their own memorabilia; such as a jersey or puck for the player to sign, also free of charge.”

Want to get together with other collectors to find that special something? Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles regularly host trade nights at the shop for those to get together during the NHL season and share in the hobby.

To learn more about Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles, find it online:

Website: www.sportcollectibles.ca
Facebook: Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Name 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients

The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha recognized local community members for their leadership and service contributions with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, presented at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday night.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Named after Paul Harris, the Rotary International founder, the recognition is for locals who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area or the world at large.

”Presenting the Paul Harris recognition together allows our clubs to honour these recipients as part of a wider Rotary family,” said Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president. “It reinforces that our achievements in service aren’t confined to individual clubs—they’re part of a larger, collective effort to create lasting change.

The following local community members were awarded Paul Harris Fellows:

Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions towards youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Linda Calverley: Having spent the past 25 years shaping the lives of girls through the Girl Guides of Canada. Linda has mentored girls from ages 9 to 17 across multiple units. She’s supported fellow leaders, organized camps and events, and inspired generations of girls to be confident, capable, and compassionate. Linda has lead adventure trips to Scotland and the UK, organizing national camps, and creating experiences that have broadened young minds and built lifelong friendships.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

• Ashley Bonner: As the founder of the East City Community Hub, a grassroots network that began by helping vulnerable neighbours with errands and groceries, Ashley has supported local businesses, organized neighbourhood events, and rallied volunteers in times of need. Her signature project the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale, created in honour of her late mother, has grown to over 100 participating homes.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

• Lorne M. Hamilton: When the Kawartha Woodturners Guild lost their meeting space at St. Peter’s High School, Lorne reached out to potters, weavers, gourders, and other craftspeople, and together they formed what became The Artisan’s Centre Peterborough. With Lorne’s leadership, they found a home in Peterborough Square, a space that still buzzes today with creativity, learning, and community spirit. From children’s programs to accessible workstations for those in wheelchairs, Lorne’s vision has made art more inclusive and inspiring for everyone.

Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent with Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Marcus Ferguson: Through his work with YourTV, Marcus has become the unseen historian of Peterborough. From city council meetings and charity fundraisers to sporting events and Rotary gatherings, he’s been there with his video camera, capturing the people and moments that shape who we are. Comparable to the Trent Valley Archives or the Roy Studio Collection, one could say the digital video archive Marcus has built will hold that same importance, telling the story of our community.

Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Steve Paul: As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, a small grassroots effort to keep our parks, trails, and neighbourhoods clean, Steve Paul has grown his endeavour into community-wide movement focused not just on picking up litter, but on rethinking how our city reduces waste, recycles, and reuses materials. Among his many initiatives is organizing the collection of used writing instruments and used pill bottles diverting hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste from our landfills.

Club Service for the Rotary Club of Peterborough: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

• Eric Steinmiller: As the co-chair of the club’s international service committee, Eric is a world traveller and a leader in developing and funding Rotary’s humanitarian projects in Nepal and Honduras.

Club Service the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

• Len Lifchus: A dedicated Rotarian for over 26 years, Len has faithfully served his club in many capacities most notably serving as club Secretary, President, and leading the club’s major funding projects. He has also served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits in the community.

On behalf of each recipient, the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha said they will donate the equivalent of $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

The Nine Ships 1825 Inc. project also received a certificate of appreciation for their work and the community engagement created, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Owner of Lost Urn and Photo

The Peterborough Police Service is turning to the public for help after an urn was turned in on Oct. 7.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The urn and a photo were brought to the Peterborough Police Service after they were found in a dumpster. The dumpster's location is unknown. 

The Peterborough Police Service Forensic Identification Unit has completed several searches in an attempt to locate and return the urn to the family. 

The urn is described as:

• Gold-coloured with an engraved pattern encircling the lid, middle, and base

• About 15cm in height

• Found in a black velvet bag

The photo:

• Female, white

• Medium build

• Wearing a grey sweater

• In a gold frame

• Photo found in a black velvet bag

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Petes Thrash Brampton Steelheads In 7-1 Rout

The Peterborough Petes made a statement against the visiting Brampton Steelheads, routing them 7-1 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 12-8-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The first goal went to the Petes. Adam Novotný swatted at the puck on his backhand, saw it ricochet off a Steelhead’s skate and found the back of the net for a 1-0 game. Just over two minutes later, Aiden Young fought for the puck off the faceoff draw. He won the battle and immediately ripped it point-blank to score 2-0.

Jakub Fibigr helped Brampton get on the board during the power play with a one-timer to beat Petes goaltender Easton Rye to cut the deficit in half. Peterborough sunck in one more goal as Brennan Faulkner chased down a cleared puck from the Petes zone. He corralled it, shot it from a wide angle and scored to give the Petes a two-goal lead headed into the second.

The score remained the same after the middle frame as Brampton had 11 shots to Peterborough’s nine.

The third period was all Peterborough. With the man advantage, the Petes and their number one overall pick, Kaden McGregor, pounced on a rebound from a point shot. He got the puck at a near-impossible angle and fired it in for a 4-1 lead. The Petes were not done scoring just yet as Adam Levac had the puck but was caught between two defenders and fell down. Faulkner helped guide the puck across the crease and Braydon McCallum planted it home for a 5-1 game.

Brampton mishandled a pass in their own zone and after it hit the wall, it came on Levac’s stick. He wristed it past former Petes goaltender Zach Bowen to make it 6-1. The Petes wanted to add one last tally as Colin Fitzgerald won the faceoff and the puck went back to the point with Matthew Perreault. He fired a shot and Matthew Soto deflected the shot and in for a 7-1 game and the eventual final for the Petes winning handily.

The win gives Rye the OHL lead in wins (12) after stopping 34 of 35 shots.

The Petes back at it when they travel to Kingston to take on the Frontenacs at the Slush Puppie Place for 7:05 p.m.

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