Dual-Sport Standout and Record-Setting Soccer Player Named Trent University Athletes of the Year

Women’s lacrosse and volleyball standout Natalie Fournier and men’s soccer student athlete John Moncada have been named Trent University’s 2025 to 2026 Female and Male Athletes of the Year, with other student athletes also receiving recognitions at the 57th Annual Trent Athletics Awards Banquet.

(from left to right): Nathan McFadden, Natalie Fournier and John Moncada. phioto courtesy of trent university.

“The Athlete of the Year award recognizes Excalibur student athletes who have made an exceptional impact on their teams through performance, leadership and consistency throughout the season,” said Nathan McFadden, director of Athletics and Recreation. “Natalie and John are outstanding examples of what it means to compete and excel at the highest level, while representing Trent with passion and pride. Natalie's ability to shine in two sports while setting program records speaks to her work ethic, competitiveness and commitment, and John’s first season with the men’s soccer program was nothing short of remarkable in helping lead them to their best season ever. Both student-athletes have left a lasting impact on their teams and on Trent Athletics.” 

Natalie Fournier (from Georgetown, ON) is a dominant dual-sport athlete, competing with women’s volleyball and lacrosse. On the court, she recorded 126 kills, 95 digs, 17 aces and 151 points this season, finishing her career as the program’s all-time leader in both kills (542) and points (646). On the field, Fournier (Gzowski College) continued to excel as a midfielder, helping lead the Excalibur to OUA women’s lacrosse gold while earning OUA All-Star honours. She recorded 31 goals and 9 assists for 40 points in just 11 games, averaging 3.64 points per game. 

John Moncada (from Scarborough, ON), a first-year Business Administration student (Lady Eaton College) with the men’s soccer team, delivered a remarkable first season with the Excalibur. He led both the OUA and U SPORTS in goals with 14, while also tying for the national lead in points with 15. His performance earned him OUA East MVP and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours, while his 14 goals set a new record for the most goals in a single season in Excalibur men’s soccer history. His scoring prowess helped lead the men’s soccer team to their best season in program history. 

The Athletics Awards Banquet brought together student athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, family members and supporters to celebrate a year defined by perseverance, competitive success and strong academic performance.  

“Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar in every sense,” said McFadden. “They compete with integrity, support one another as teammates and represent Trent with pride in the classroom and in the community. The Excalibur spirit is about more than wins and losses. It’s about resilience, leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Tonight was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals who embody those values every day.” 

In addition to Athlete of the Year, awards were presented across all varsity programs, highlighting individual excellence, leadership and contributions to team culture, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Arthur Cup to one graduating female and one graduating male student athlete. 

The Arthur Cup recognizes one male and one female athlete who have made exceptional contributions to varsity athletics through ability, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership during their time at Trent. The 2025 to 2026 recipients are Kieran Gerow and Aly Saydam. 

Kieran Gerow (from Brighton, ON) has been a defining leader for the Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse program throughout her entire career with the Excalibur. A consistent presence and role model for her teammates, Gerow (Traill College) has helped shape the culture of the program through her leadership, commitment and sportsmanship. On the field, she established herself as one of the top goalies in the OUA, earning Excalibur Female Athlete of the Year and OUA Most Valuable Defensive Player honours in 2023 to 2024, followed by Team MVP recognition the next season. This season, Gerow helped lead the Excalibur to an OUA Championship and was named OUA Goalie of the Year. Beyond competition, Gerow is involved in the local sport and volunteer community. She coaches youth lacrosse with Lady Blue Knights Lacrosse across multiple age groups, contributes to Team Ontario as a lacrosse evaluator and regularly supports local sport through roles such as umpiring in a slow-pitch league and scorekeeping hockey games. She also volunteers with several community initiatives, including the Peterborough Petes Teddy Bear Toss in support of the Salvation Army, Porch Pirate and Polar Plunge fundraisers for Kawartha Food Share, and other local outreach efforts. Her dedication to both sport and service has made a meaningful impact on the Excalibur community and the broader Peterborough region.

A cornerstone of the Trent Excalibur men’s volleyball program, Aly Saydam (from Ottawa, ON) leaves behind a legacy defined not only by record-breaking performance, but by leadership, commitment, and community involvement. Saydam (Gzowski College) served as a key member of the team’s leadership group throughout his career, mentoring younger athletes and setting the standard through his work ethic in both the classroom and the gym. Off the court, he played an active role in the broader Trent community through the 1EX Leadership Council, the Kinesiology Society, and Campus Recreation, while helping grow the popularity of Trent volleyball through his positive presence and engagement with fans. On the court, the fourth year setter led the Excalibur through one of the most successful periods in program history, helping the team achieve its best record and start ever, while becoming Trent’s all-time leader in assists and digs and surpassing 1,000 career assists. A three-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Saydam exemplifies the balance of excellence in athletics, academics and leadership that defines the Arthur Cup. 

The recipients of the 2025 to 2026 Rookie of the Year award are Kymora Chung (women’s soccer) and William Jewell (men’s curling). 

Chung (from Markham, ON), an Honours Science student in the Trent Education Stream, made an immediate impact as goalie for the Excalibur women’s soccer team during her first season. Appearing in 10 games with nine starts, Chung (Gzowski College) posted a .759 save percentage ranking ninth in the OUA and recorded 54 saves, the third-highest total in the league. Her fearlessness, composure, and consistency quickly established her as a key part of the team’s defence. 

Jewell (from Acton, ON) stepped into the role of skip for the Trent men’s curling team in his rookie season and quickly proved himself among the province’s best. One of only two rookie skips at the 16-team OUA Championship, Jewell’s calm leadership and confident shot-making stood out throughout the competition, earning the Conservation Biology student Male OUA Rookie of the Year honours. 

The Gary Wolff Leadership award was presented to Isabelle Pellerine (women’s volleyball) and Aidan Hartley (rowing), in recognition of their courage, determination, and leadership in sport. 

A true leader throughout her five-year career with women’s volleyball, Pellerine (from Halifax, NS) a Kinesiology student, is the program’s all-time assists leader, served as team captain for four seasons and played a central role in shaping the culture of the program. Known for her competitiveness, fearless play and leading by example, she helped establish high standards of accountability and commitment while mentoring younger student-athletes and welcoming recruits to the team. Beyond competition, Pellerine (Gzowski College) is deeply involved in the volleyball community. She contributes to recruiting camps, works closely with Peterborough Thunder through clinics and training sessions, and helps organize events such as the team’s annual high school tournament and community initiatives like food drives and fundraisers. Through her leadership on and off the court, she has made a lasting impact on both the program and the broader volleyball community. 

Hartley (from Ajax, ON) has been a key component of the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his five years with the program. A varsity student-athlete for four seasons, he served on the club’s executive team before stepping into the role of president, where he led the strategic, operational, and financial management of the student-run organization while representing athletes within the broader university community. Hartley has played a key role in organizing major events, such as Head of the Trent and the Rowing Alumni Social, while also spearheading fundraising initiatives, including ‘Movember’ campaigns and rowing marathons. Known for his positivity, dedication and ability to bring people together, Hartley (Traill College) has been a unifying presence within the team, helping guide more than 50 athletes while maintaining strong academic standing in his Psychology program. 

The Community Betterment award is given to individuals who have given back to their community whilst also achieving success in sport and academics. The 2025-26 recipients of the Community Betterment Award are Megan Tapanja (women’s fencing) and Dylan Billes (rowing). 

Tapanja (from Hamilton, ON) is a dedicated leader within both the fencing and Trent campus communities. She has served as Women’s Sabre Captain since 2023 while also taking on leadership roles with the Biology Undergraduate Society and the Biology Department Communications Committee. Beyond Trent, she volunteers with local initiatives such as the North Star Industries Kids Triathlon and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Through community outreach initiatives with Trent Fencing and her work as a French tutor, Tapanja (Gzowski College) consistently uses her skills to support and connect with others. 

Billes (from Barrie, ON) has been a key leader within the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his varsity career. Serving as the club’s treasurer for the past three years, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the team’s financial position and supporting equipment upgrades that benefit future student-athletes. The fifth-year Business Administration student-athlete (Gzowski College) has also volunteered extensively within the rowing community, coaching high school athletes, helping run a para-rowing program with the Peterborough Rowing Club and supporting major events such as Head of the Trent. His commitment to both sport and community has had a lasting impact on rowing at Trent and in Peterborough. 

Visit trentexcalibur.ca for the complete list of award recipients. 

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Splish, Riverview Park & Zoo's North American River Otter Passes Away at 19 Years Old

Splish, a North American river otter from Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away at 19 years of age, announced on Friday morning.

The life expectancy of a North American river otter is typically around 12 years in the wild and about 20 years in captivity.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Splish passed away from natural, age-related causes. An autopsy showed the cause of death to be heart-related. 

He arrived at the Riverview Park and Zoo in 2007 and spent many years interacting with visitors and staff.

The otter was known for his curious and energetic nature. Visitors watched him swim, engage in enrichment activities, and participate in daily feedings. 

Splish shared the habitat with two other North American river otters, Meadow and Violet, who remain on exhibit at the zoo. 

North American river otters are known for their intelligence, agility, and playful behaviour, often spending much of their time swimming and exploring their surroundings.

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Peterborough Petes Cannot Climb Out of Early Third Period Deficit For 3-2 Loss to Oshawa Generals

The Peterborough Petes allowed a few early scores in the third period and could not catch up as they lost, 3-2, to the Oshawa Generals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 36-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes put the offensive pressure early, making 16 shots on net for the period. One of them went in thanks to Brennan Faulkner as he broke up a pass and retrieved the puck. The overage forward cut through the defenceman and scored on the backhand for the period’s lone goal and a 1-0 Petes lead.

Oshawa had tied the game in the second period as they had an odd-man rush. Brooks Rogowski opted to take the shot and got it past Petes goaltender Easton Rye for a 1-1 game going into the final frame.

The visitors struck hard and fast to open the third period. Luke Posthumus scored just 2:07 into the period on the power play with a one-timer to give the Generals the first lead of the night. Matthew Wang added to the pile after a failed clear from the Petes in the defensive zone. Anthony Figliomeni corraled it, fed Wong, who initially fanned on his first shot attempt but a second effort beat Rye for a 3-1 lead.

Peterborough would not leave quietly as Kieran Walton took a shot but got deflected wide. It went off the half-wall and Matthew Soto tried to get it through but could not. A mad scramble for the puck led to Adam Levac barely getting the puck across the line for a 3-2 game. The Petes did all they could to score, including another mad scramble in front of the net and extended offensive zone time but failed to find the back of the net a third time and fell to the Generals, 3-2.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes allowed a few early scores in the third period and could not catch up as they lost, 3-2, to the Oshawa Generals. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes are on the road to North Bay to take on Battalion this Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.

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Paul Rellinger Returns to the Roof as United Way Nears $1.6 Million Community Campaign Goal

The United Way Peterborough and District’s Campaign Chair Paul Rellinger announces from the roof of the Twohey Home and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments building that they are 4 per cent away from the $1.6 million campaign goal.

photo courtesy of the united way peterborough and district.

Rellinger addressed the community from the roof of Twohey Home and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, reviving a visual many in Peterborough will remember from his past “Relly on the Roof” fundraiser.

Fifteen years ago, in the spring of 2011, Rellinger launched the first “Relly on the Roof” fundraiser, a rooftop campaign that supported United Way Peterborough & District and quickly became a memorable local tradition.

With just weeks remaining in the campaign, United Way announced it is now 4 per cent away from its $1.6 million goal, with $61,000 left to raise before March 31.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this community has already accomplished,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “This campaign reflects the generosity and commitment of people across Peterborough and the county. When we come together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Throughout the campaign year, volunteers, workplaces and individual donors have supported the campaign, helping raise critical funds for programs that address poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, mental health and social isolation across the region.

“Many people in this community will remember when I spent time on rooftops raising money for local causes,” said Rellinger. “I never expected to be back up here again, but when you’re this close to your goal, you are willing to go to great heights to finish the job. We’re just $61,000 away from our goal. That final 4 percent represents real support for people in our community who need it most. If you’ve been thinking about giving, now is the time to help us cross the finish line.”

With the campaign deadline approaching on March 31, United Way is encouraging community members to help raise the final funds needed to complete what has already been a remarkable year of collective giving.

Community members can learn more or make a donation by visiting the website.

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Brampton Man Arrested On Theft Charge From Lansdowne Street

A 25-year-old Brampton man is facing a theft charge stemming from an incident on Thursday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:40 p.m., Community F.I.R.S.T Unit officers responded to a call for service about a theft in progress at a business in the Lansdowne Street and Park Street area. Officers located a man matching the description given to police walking eastbound on Lansdowne Street. They took him into custody and recovered an item from the business. Officers further learned that the man was wanted in another jurisdiction for failing to comply with an undertaking.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5,000

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

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LiveBarn Broadcasting Subscription Service to Launch For Hockey at Miskin Law Community Complex

Sports fans can connect with hockey in the City of Peterborough through the introduction of the streaming service LiveBarn at the Miskin Law Community Complex. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The third-party subscription-based video streaming service broadcasts practices and games at the Complex. Events can be watched live or streamed later. Coaches can download games for future analysis while family and friends can share clips on social media.  

Hockey fans can use the service to stream the upcoming Ontario Minor Hockey Association U16 and U18 championships taking place at the Miskin Law Community Complex from Friday to Sunday.

According to the City, the addition of LiveBarn further supports the City’s ability to showcase local and tournament hockey as Peterborough prepares to welcome major events such as the TELUS Cup. 

Featuring some of Canada’s most prominent young hockey talent, the TELUS Cup is bringing the nation’s top six U18 men’s club teams to the Memorial Centre from April 20 to April 26.   

New subscribers can use the discount code ‘ptbo-live’ when registering to receive a 10 per cent discount off a monthly subscription price.  

LiveBarn is already available at the Healthy Planet and Kinsmen arenas. 

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Easter Seals Ontario Score With Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic Fundraiser

Six teams filled with NHL greats, Petes alumni and more hit the ice for the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic fundraiser in support of Easter Seals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday.

The Peterborough Petes and The Ultimate Keggers squared off at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic For Easter Seals Ontario. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The two-day fundraiser opened with a VIP Draft Party, giving registered teams a chance to select an NHL alumnus to join their team at The Venue on Wednesday night. Among the NHL alumni who attended the event were Brad May, Kris King, Keith Acton, Troy Crowder and André Roy. Also playing in the tournament was former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour, who is no stranger to the PMC from his Ontario Hockey League tenure.

“It's a little different being back in the dressing room where I coached for three years and the GM side but coming back to Peterborough is always great,” he said. “Growing up in Kingston, our league consists of Oshawa, Peterborough, Belleville, Trenton and Kingston so it's always nice to come back.”

The two-day tournament proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario to help children and youth with physical disabilities across the province.

“It's all about having fun out here and everybody works hard on raising money,” explained Gilmour. “There are no losers out here today; the winners are Easter Seals.”

@ptbo_canada Doug Gilmour was one of several NHL legends at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals Ontario. Proceeds go towards children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #fyp #easterseals ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Each team was guaranteed two games. An All-Star game was held following the event, where the top eight fundraisers were eligible to participate. Every player was asked to raise a minimum of $500 for Easter Seals.

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Two Trent Excalibur Student Athletes Honoured with 2025 to 2026 Bonnie M. Patterson Award

Trent University Excalibur student athletes Natalie Fournier and Aly Saydam are being recognized with the 2025 to 2026 Bonnie M. Patterson Award for distinguishing themselves in competition, the classroom and the community.

photo courtesy of trent university, facebook.

Natalie Fournier, a dual-sport athlete in women’s volleyball and lacrosse, and Aly Saydam, a veteran setter on the men’s volleyball team, have each received the $2,500 award, which recognizes returning student athletes who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement and excellence in varsity sport.

Named in honour of former Trent president and vice-chancellor Bonnie M. Patterson (1998–2009), the award celebrates student athletes who reflect the values of commitment, teamwork and community contribution.

Psychology student Natalie Fournier (from Georgetown, ON.) has distinguished herself as one of Trent’s most accomplished dual-sport student-athletes, excelling at the varsity level in both volleyball and lacrosse while maintaining a strong academic standing.

A program leader and offensive force for the Excalibur women’s volleyball team, Fournier (Gzowski College) cemented her place in the record books this season, becoming the program’s all-time leader in both kills (542) and points (646). In 2025 to 2026 alone, the outside hitter recorded 126 kills, 151 points, 95 digs, 36 assists, eight blocks and 17 service aces, continuing to drive the team’s success with her dynamic and consistent play.

As a midfielder/defender with the women’s lacrosse team, Fournier played a key role in securing the 2025 OUA Championship, the program’s fourth championship title, and was recognized as an OUA All-Star, highlighting her versatility and ability to excel across two varsity sports in different seasons.

Off the field, Fournier is equally committed to serving her community. During the summer of 2025, she volunteered with Compass Community Services, supporting their Tele-Connect program, a phone outreach service that provides social connection and medication reminders for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She also gives back to the next generation of athletes by running youth secondary school clinics in both volleyball and lacrosse and volunteering at Trent-hosted high school tournaments for both programs.

Aly Saydam (from Ottawa, ON.), a fourth-year Kinesiology student, has been the steady hand guiding the Excalibur men’s volleyball program from the setter position while maintaining his academic standing on the honour roll and a renewable scholarship, earning him the title of OUA Academic All-Canadian.

During the 2025 to 2026 season, Aly recorded 405 assists, orchestrating the offence with poise and precision. He added 79 digs, 28 kills, 15 blocks, seven aces and 46 points, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and willingness to contribute in every facet of the game.

Saydam is a member of the team’s Leadership Group, fostering a positive culture within the program. He also served as Tournament Convenor for Trent’s Boys High School Volleyball Tournament, helping deliver opportunities for young athletes to compete at the university level.

In addition to his contribution to the volleyball community, Saydam is a Gzowski College ambassador, helping students navigate campus life and supporting college programming and events. He is also a member of the 1EX Council and the Trent Kinesiology Society, serving as the fourth-year representative. This year he volunteered for the East vs. West Charity Hockey Game, contributing to one of Trent’s long-standing campus fundraising initiatives through the Colleges.

Off campus, Saydam has extended his passion for kinesiology and community health through a placement with On the Move, a Peterborough-based program that offers community exercise classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease throughout the Kawartha region.

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The City of Peterborough Invites Community Input on Proposed Pilot Windrow Program

Residents are invited to provide input as planning begins for a proposed Pilot Windrow Program in the City of Peterborough, intended to help maintain access to driveways after municipal snow clearing on roads. 

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

On Feb. 2, City Council approved a motion for staff to investigate options for a Windrow Clearing Support Program, including possible windrow assistance for eligible seniors and people with disabilities.

A windrow is the ridge of snow left behind after municipal plows clear the roadway. The proposed pilot program would assist eligible participants by clearing the windrow at the end of residential driveways. The goal is to support safety, accessibility and aging at home for residents who may find windrows difficult to manage. 

If implemented, the pilot program could: 

• Address windrow removal, not full driveway clearing 

• Establish eligibility criteria through the program design process 

• Consider a user fee to offset costs  

• Operate with limited enrollment to test demand and service delivery 

Input gathered through the public survey will help determine demand, community priorities and how the service can be structured in a fair and practical way. 

The survey is now open online. For a paper copy of the survey, contact the City via email. The survey closes at 4 p.m. on April 10.

Following the feedback period, survey results will be reviewed to inform the development of detailed program options. 

These options will outline: 

• Proposed eligibility criteria 

• Service scope and limitations 

• Fee structure 

• Participant capacity 

• Service standards, including response timing after plowing 

Findings and recommended program details will be presented to Council for consideration. If approved, registration is anticipated to open in Fall 2026, with the pilot operating during the 2026 to 2027 winter season. 

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Peterborough Tourism Strategy Community Feedback Survey Now Open

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft direction of the Peterborough Tourism Strategy through a Community Feedback Loop Survey.

File photo.

The survey is open until March 22 at 11:59 p.m. It is an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft vision, goals, and strategic priorities developed based on the input received so far.

To date, the Peterborough community has been engaged through a survey, key informant interviews, in-person community cafés, and virtual focus groups according to the City. Insight and input gathered through these methods have served to inform the strategic direction for tourism, which will be presented to City Council for approval in spring 2026.

Work on developing the Peterborough Tourism Strategy began in the summer last year, with community engagement activities taking place over the fall months. The City has engaged Bannikin, an Ontario-based tourism consultancy with strong experience in facilitating the development of tourism strategies for communities and destination marketing organizations.

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