Peterborough Petes Unveil Full Regular Season Schedule For 2026-27 Season

The Peterborough Petes have released their full Ontario Hockey League schedule for the 2026-27 season.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes will open the 2026–27 season at home on Sept. 17 against the Kingston Frontenacs and wrap up the campaign on March 21 in Ottawa.

The full team schedule can be found online. Theme and community nights will be announced in the coming weeks.

Key Home Games:

• Thursday, Sept. 17 - 7:05 p.m. (Kingston Frontenacs) - Home Opener

• Saturday, Sept. 26 - 7:05 p.m. (Ottawa 67’s) - First Saturday game of the season

• Thursday, Oct. 22 - 7:05 p.m. (Oshawa Generals) - Rivalry Week game one

• Sunday, Nov. 8 - 2:05 p.m. (Niagara IceDogs) - First of two Sunday afternoon games

• Wednesday, Nov. 18 - 7:05 p.m. (Brantford Bulldogs) - Only Wednesday game

• Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026 - 2:05 p.m. (Brampton Steelheads) - Final Sunday afternoon game

• Thursday, Dec. 31 - 2:05 p.m. (Oshawa Generals) - New Years Eve Afternoon game

• Monday, Feb. 15 - 2:05 p.m. (Kitchener Rangers) - Family Day game against the reigning OHL and Memorial Cup Champions

• Saturday, March 6 - 7:05 p.m. (Kingston Frontenacs) - Final Saturday home game

• Thursday, March 18 - 7:05 p.m. (Brantford Bulldogs) - Final home game of the season

Peterborough Native Shawn Evans Among Finalists for NLL Hall of Fame Induction

By Scott Arnold

One of the most accomplished players in National Lacrosse League history could soon add another major achievement to his résumé.

peterborough’s shawn evans is one of the nominees for induction into the nll hall of fame (photo via instagram @evy1588)

Peterborough native Shawn Evans has been named one of 18 nominees for the National Lacrosse League's Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The league announced its nominees this week, with Evans among five offensive players being considered for three induction spots.

the nll will induct three offensive players into their hall of fame this year, with peterborough’s shawn evans among the five nominees in that category (photo via National LAcrosse LEague)

Evans is joined in the offensive player category by Dan Dawson, Jordan Hall, Jeff Shattler and Mark Steenhuis. The defensive player nominees are Sandy Chapman, Billy Dee Smith and Geoff Snider, while the veteran category features Mike Accursi, Jake Bergey, Glenn Clark, Duane Jacobs, Gavin Prout, Brian Voelker and Cam Woods. The media builder nominees are Leif Elsmo, John Gurtler and Craig Rybcznski.

shawn evans started his nll career after being drafted by the Rochester Knighthawks second overall in the 2005 draft (photo via facebook @NLL)

Few players on the ballot can match the numbers Evans put up during his 17-season NLL career.

The former Rochester, Calgary, New England, Buffalo, Halifax and Vancouver star finished with 1,358 regular-season points, the sixth-highest total in league history. His 879 assists rank fifth all-time, while his 479 goals place him as the league's top 10 highest scorer. He also appeared in 270 regular-season games, which ranks as the 10th most ever played in the NLL.

Evans captured an NLL championship with the Rochester Knighthawks in 2007 and was named the league's Most Valuable Player twice, earning the award in 2013 and 2015. His 130-point season in 2015 set a new league record at the time and remains one of the highest single-season totals in NLL history.

Selected second overall by Rochester in the 2005 NLL Draft, Evans quickly established himself as one of the league's most dynamic offensive players. The Peterborough product retired from the NLL following the 2023 season after amassing 1,481 combined regular-season and playoff points.

shawn Evans and his niece christie when he was captain of the new england black wolves (photo via instagram @evy1588)

Hall of Fame voting is scheduled to take place in early July, with the National Lacrosse League expected to announce its Class of 2026 shortly afterward. Eight inductees will be selected this year, including three players from the offensive category, one defensive, three veterans and one builder from the media category.

If elected, Evans would become the third Peterborough native inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame, joining Tracey Kelusky and John Grant Jr., who were inducted in 2016 and 2021 respectively.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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CMHA HKPR's Fourth-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Hits Paths This Saturday

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) fourth-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event is hitting the trails at Nicholls Oval this Saturday.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left), Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (middle) and Presley Overgoor, The Wolf 101.5’s promotions coordinator durign the initial event’s launch on APril 10. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

New this year is a theme song created by Lindsay-based grunge band, ‘Soup,’ to showcase their hit, ‘Let’s Go For a Ride.’ The band was formed by Lindsay resident Simon Ward, the founder of Strumbellas.

Proceeds from the event will support unfunded and non‑annualized mental health programs at CMHA HKPR, helping fill critical gaps so individuals and families can access the services they need according to Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education.

“Proceeds this year will be going towards unfunded mental health programs for the CMHA,” he said. “(It’s) All the services that will best support those in the community that need it the most.”

This year’s 2026 Agents of Change are: Michelle Mackey, Linda Kash, Phil Jolicoeur and Peterborough Petes mascot Roger.

This year’s goal is to raise at least $25,000. Last year’s event raised $30,537.08; 2024 raised $25,500; and the inaugural event raised over $40,000, all totalling over $100,000 for mental health initiatives.

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Sage & Soul Collective Set to Celebrate Grand Opening in Millbrook

By Scott Arnold

A new wellness and lifestyle space in Millbrook is inviting the community to stop by, explore, and connect during a day-long grand opening celebration this week.

Missy gurley and amanda willett are invited the public to the Grand opening of sage & Soul collective on thursday

Sage & Soul Collective will officially mark its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community open house on Thursday, June 18 at its location at 4 Union Street in Millbrook.

The wellness and lifestyle collective opened in May and was founded by Missy Gurley and Amanda Willett. The space brings together yoga and movement classes, wellness experiences, a curated retail collection, and a micro café featuring local food and beverage offerings.

sage & soul collective will be officially open in millbrook on june 18th

The day begins with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 am. Guests are welcome to arrive starting at 9:30 am for refreshments, networking, and photos ahead of the ceremony.

The opening program will include remarks from community leaders, a land acknowledgement, an opening meditation led by Laura Kennedy, and comments from Mayor Matthew Graham, Peterborough County Community Development Manager Sarah Budd, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Whitehead, and Community Futures Peterborough Loan Manager Braden Clark. Gurley and Willett will also share remarks before the official ribbon cutting, group photos, and media opportunities.

Following the ceremony, a complimentary Morning Nourishment Experience will run from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, featuring wellness shots, smoothie tastings, bakery samples, and other light refreshments.

a full day has been planned for the public during the grand opening of sage and soul collective

Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities throughout the day, including studio tours, a sauna preview, the Sage Path Passport Challenge, the Sage Tree of Blessings, a hidden treasure hunt, and opportunities to meet the Sage & Soul team. A curated retail collection will also be available to browse, while the first 30 guests who make a purchase of $10 or more will receive a swag bag.

the ribbon cutting ceremony for the sage & soul collective grand opening will take place at 10am on thursday, june 18th

A complimentary Midday Gathering is scheduled from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm and will feature a selection of savoury tastings and local offerings.

The celebration continues with Golden Hour Grazing from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. The experience will include tastings from The Millbrook, sweet and savoury pairings, a "What's Your Soul Drink?" beverage experience, and treats for children.

the public is being invited to check out millbrook’s newest business, sage & soul collective

The day wraps up with a complimentary Healing Arts Experience at 7 pm, focused on movement, mindfulness, and connection. Advance registration is required.

Parking will be available behind the building and in the Foodland overflow lot adjacent to Sage & Soul Collective.

thursday will be a special day in millbrook with the grand opening of sage & soul collective

For Missy Gurley and Amanda Willett, the grand opening marks the beginning of what they hope will become a gathering place where people can slow down, connect, and feel at home in the community.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Ontario Government Invests Over $260,000 to Support Rural Economic Development In Peterborough-Kawartha

To help protect rural Ontario, the provincial government has invested $260,305.50 to support economic growth and long-term prosperity in Peterborough-Kawartha, announced at the Innovation Cluster on Monday.

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is investing over $5.5 million in 116 projects across rural Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, a $20 million investment by the province to strengthen local economies, support rural workers, and assist communities in planning for long-term growth according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our rural communities are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and this investment ensures that Peterborough-Kawartha has the resources to thrive for generations to come,” he said. “By backing localized initiatives like transportation studies, business plans, and innovation hubs, we are breaking down barriers to growth and equipping our fantastic local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete on a wider scale.”

Through the first intake of the ROD program, the province is supporting the following projects in Peterborough-Kawartha:

• $145,000 for the Innovation Cluster for their Rural Innovation Centre Project

• $50,000 to the City of Peterborough for the Future Ready Peterborough: Economic Development Strategy

• $30,000 for Community Care Peterborough for the Rural Peterborough County Transportation Feasibility Study

• $20,000 for the County of Peterborough for the Trade-Ready: Equipping Rural Entrepreneurs to compete Beyond the Region project

• $15,308.50 for Farms at Work for the Peterborough Community Farm Business Plan

“The Rural Ontario Development program demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting small, rural and northern communities across Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “Through investments that support local priorities and economic development opportunities, we are helping rural communities build strong foundations for long-term success.”

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Golf Tournament Fundraiser Gets Two New E-Bikes For Peterborough Police Service

The Peterborough Police Service has two new e-bikes on the road thanks to a donation from the organizers of the second-annual Mimosas and Mulligans Golf Tournament.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Hosted by Shelby Leonard-Watt, S.O.S. Save Our Soles owner, the tournament took place in August of last year. For the second year in a row, the Peterborough Police Service Community F.I.R.S.T Unit was one of the designated donation recipients.  

“Community First plays an important role in our downtown, and we’re proud that our tournament helped fund two new e-bikes that will allow officers to be more visible, mobile, and engaged throughout the community,” said Leonard-Watt. “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, players, and everyone who came out to support the event and help make this contribution possible.”

The donated funds were accepted by the Police Service Board, which allowed the Peterborough Police Service to purchase two e-bikes from 171 E-bike Co. in Huntsville.  The e-bikes arrived in May, when officers received training on the maintenance and instructional use. They have decals identifying them as police property, as well as blue and red lights that can be activated. 

They will be used by Community F.I.R.S.T throughout the City to support public safety and community engagement initiatives.

“We are very thankful for this donation and applaud the community spirit all of our local businesses and residents who supported the golf tournament,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “It was important to us to consider equipment that would have an immediate impact on officer visibility in the downtown core, the ability to respond in areas of the city more easily accessible by two wheels and have the option to access electric speed was very appealing.”

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Paralympic Gold Medalist Jon Thurston to Headline Five Counties’ 50th Anniversary Meeting

By Scott Arnold

A golden anniversary milestone will be marked in fitting style as Five Counties Children’s Centre welcomes a Paralympic champion as its keynote speaker.

jon thurston will headline five counties 50th anniversary meeting. also pictured, pete dalliday (left) and Scott arnold (right).

Five Counties Children’s Centre will host its 50th Annual Meeting on June 22 at 3 pm in Peterborough, with Paralympic wheelchair curler Jon Thurston set to deliver the keynote address.

Thurston, a Dunsford resident who recently captured gold at the Paralympic Games in Italy, will speak as the organization closes out its 50th anniversary year. His remarks will focus on lived experience, resilience and perseverance, continuing a tradition of inspirational keynote speakers at the annual gathering.

The meeting also serves as a capstone to the Centre’s milestone year, which began in 1975 when Five Counties first opened its doors as a children’s treatment centre in Peterborough.

Alongside Thurston’s address, the event will include an update from CEO Scott Pepin on the Centre’s activities and achievements over the past year, as well as the release of the 2025/26 annual report.

Several recognitions will also be presented, including the 2026 High-Five Community Awards, which honour individuals, groups and partners supporting inclusion across the region. Long-serving staff members will also be recognized.

The event will also feature the presentation of the second annual Dave Adams Legacy Award. Named in honour of a former Executive Director of the Centre’s Foundation, the award recognizes individuals who reflect the leadership and commitment demonstrated during Dave Adams’ 27-year career with the organization.

Five Counties says the Annual Meeting brings together staff, community partners and supporters to reflect on the past year while marking a significant milestone in the Centre’s history.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre Appoints New Executive Director

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) Board of Directors has appointed Melinda Wall as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Melinda Wall, during her tenure as the Peterborough Regional Centre PRHC director of mental health services in 2021. LinkedIn.

Wall is a registered nurse and senior health-care leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, health-care administration and executive leadership. Her career has spanned acute care, mental health and addictions, community health, and population-based initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity.

Wall has held progressive leadership roles in hospitals and community organizations, including 10 years as a senior leader at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and most recently, as Vice President at Durham Community Health Centre, where she oversaw integrated care, strategic operations and interdisciplinary teams supporting equity-based populations.

“Melinda’s work is grounded in a commitment to equitable, person-centred care and strengthening the conditions in which individuals and communities can thrive,” said Kerianne Sidler, KSAC Board Chair. “She brings extensive experience in governance, organizational performance, workforce planning, and cross-sector collaboration, and is known for fostering transparent, respectful, and values-driven work environments.”

The Peterborough native has completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Trent University, following two years of study in Women’s Studies and Indigenous Studies—a foundation that has deeply influenced her approach to health care and community engagement.

“I entered the nursing profession with a goal of working in women’s counselling, specifically with women who have been subjected to sexual assault or abuse,” said Wall. “When the KSAC Executive Director position became available, it felt like the right time to fully realize that vision.”

Wall assumes the role with the departure of Brittany McMillan, former executive director and Lindsay Haacke, who held the title in an interim capacity.

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Peterborough Man Arrested and Charged With Assault For Punching Older Man In the Face

A 39-year-old Peterborough man is facing an assault charge after punching an older man on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 8:30 a.m., a general patrol officer in the Reid Street and Simcoe Street area spotted a group of people gathered around an older man. The officer further learned that the man had been punched in the face by another man known to him. The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Officers located a man matching the description given to police, who was located a short distance away, and took him into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on June 15.

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It’s Official: Bobby Allan’s Name Set to Become Part of Peterborough History

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough City Council has approved a motion to rename the newly renovated bowl at Knights of Columbus Park in honour of lacrosse legend Bobby Allan.

lacrosse legend bobby allan will have his name etched in peterborough history with the bobby allan bowl at knight of columbus park (image courtesy of the lake show podcast, via cogeco yourtv ptbo)

The decision comes as major renovations continue at the Park Street facility, including upgrades to the bowl's floor and boards.

Allan grew up just a few blocks from Knights of Columbus Park and spent countless hours playing lacrosse there before building one of the most accomplished careers in the sport's history.

He won four Mann Cup championships as a player in 1954, 1956, 1962 and 1966, and was later inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the first lacrosse player to receive that honour.

Allan also found success behind the bench, coaching teams in Peterborough and Philadelphia, leading Canada's national field lacrosse team to a world championship in 1970, and guiding the Peterborough Lakers to a Mann Cup title in 1973.

Council's approval directs that the newly renovated facility be renamed the Bobby Allan Bowl, recognizing his lasting impact on lacrosse in Peterborough and across Canada.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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