Lakers Advance to MSL Final After Finishing Off Oakville in Four Games

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are headed back to the MSL final after beating the Oakville Rock 14-8 Tuesday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre to win their semifinal series in four games.

Thomas Hoggarth comes over to help up teammate Ryan Lanchbury who was knocked down after scoring a goal last night in the lakers 14-8 Game 4 win over the rock (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via David Pickering)

Alex Simmons opened the scoring for Oakville, but Ryan Lanchbury answered for Peterborough less than three minutes later on the power play. Justin Lee then put the Rock back in front before Lanchbury scored again to tie it at 2-2. Thomas Hoggarth and Lanchbury added the next two Lakers goals before Rob Hellyer scored with 4:43 left in the period to make it 5-4 after one.

The Lakers added four more goals in the second. Brad McCulley, Mike Robinson, Alex Pace and Hellyer all scored for Peterborough, while Oakville got goals from Jake Darlison and Alex Simmons to leave the Lakers with a 9-7 lead heading into the third.

Peterborough then put the game away with five goals in the final period. Hellyer scored again, followed by Colton Armitage, Justin Sykes, Thomas Hoggarth and Jordan Stouros. Simmons scored his fourth of the night for Oakville.

Drew Hutchison stopped 48 of 56 shots to earn the win.

Lanchbury led the way offensively with 11 points, scoring twice and adding nine assists. Hellyer had four goals and three assists, while Hoggarth (2g 2a) and Sykes (1g 3a) each finished with four points. Robinson added three points, while Stouros, Pace, McCulley and Armitage also found the net.

The win sends Peterborough into the MSL final against the Six Nations Chiefs, who swept the Cobourg Kodiaks in the other semifinal. The Chiefs are making their sixth straight final appearance and are looking for their fourth straight championship.

The Lakers have been a constant in the MSL championship picture as well. They have appeared in every final since 2014 and have reached 20 finals since 2004, missing only the 2013 final outside of the two COVID-cancelled seasons. Peterborough has won 11 of those championships.

This will be the 11th time the Lakers and Chiefs have met in the MSL final since their first meeting in 2012, with the two teams splitting their previous 10 series. The exceptions in that stretch came in 2013, when the Chiefs faced Brooklin, and 2018, when Peterborough faced Oakville.

Now, the Lakers and Chiefs are set to write another chapter in what has become one of the league’s most familiar championship rivalries.

The championship series schedule has not yet been announced.

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

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract With Vancouver Canucks

Less than two months after being drafted to the NHL, Peterborough Petes alumnus Adam Novotný has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Novotný was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on June 26 in Buffalo, N.Y. He was the first Pete to be taken in this year’s draft.

“Character, compete and a winning mentality, those are three of the things we really appreciate about Adam’s DNA,” said Ryan Johnson, Canucks general manager. “It was a small sample size, but he showed us a lot at our development camp last month in Abbotsford. Besides his strong skating, puck control, and quick release, Adam was relentless in his pursuit of the puck and battled very hard in each drill.  A coachable and honest player, his leadership qualities were also noticeable, and you could tell right away how committed he is to try to do thigs the right way. We are very excited to have Adam sign his ELC and we look forward to working with him in the years to come.” 

A native of Kobylice, Czechia, he was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft.

Since 2002, he has been one of four Petes to record 30+ goals and 65+ points in a draft-eligible season, joining Nick Ritchie (2013-2014), Matt Puempel (2010-11) and Eric Staal (2002-03).

In his last season with Peterborough, he scored 34 goals, the second-best behind Kieron Walton. He was fourth on the team with 31 assists and second with 65 points in 58 games. He tallied one assist in six playoff games.

Two seasons ago, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points.

He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023-24, Novotný played in 48 games for Mountfield HK U20, scoring 32 goals and adding 27 assists for 59 points. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga with Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score in the league at 15.

Novotný has also represented his home country of Czechia on the international stage, including the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (silver), the 2025 U18 World Championships and the 2025 (bronze) and 2026 (silver) World Junior Hockey Championships.  

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Heather Watson to Run For Re-Election As Douro-Dummer Mayor

Mayor Heather Watson will seek another term as Mayor of the Township of Douro-Dummer, announcing her re-election bid at Warsaw Town Hall on Monday evening.

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson.

She was first elected as Douro Ward Councillor in 2018. Watson’s served her first term as Mayor in 2022.

“In 2020, I ran on the campaign theme Building on Tradition; that is, proudly moving forward while honouring the traditions of our shared rural values. I believe that approach has served us extremely well and I will continue to advance it going forward,” said Watson. I firmly believe that politicians should be publicly accountable for the things they say and do, and I want to thank the Members of Council and Township staff for their respective roles in helping to successfully bring the Action Plan to life.”

Watson has outlined her proposed agenda for the upcoming term, focused on six priorities: engaging with the community; supporting businesses and farmers; improving affordability for residents; investing in infrastructure; modernizing operations and ensuring public safety.

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City Reminds Public That Nomination Period For Council and School Board Trustees Ends Aug. 21

The nomination period to file to run for City Council or school board trustee in the Oct. 26 municipal election closes at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

File Photo.

Candidate packages and resources are available online at PeterboroughVotes.ca. 

Nomination filings are accepted by appointment through the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. To schedule an appointment, email elections@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-7777 ext. 1619. 

The nomination period opened May 1.

To file for office, candidates must submit a completed nomination form, the applicable filing fee and endorsement signatures from at least 25 eligible electors in the municipality. An elector is a person who is eligible to vote in the City of Peterborough. Electors may endorse more than one candidate. The endorsement requirement does not apply to school board trustee candidates. 

The filing fee is $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for councillor or school board trustee candidates. A valid photo ID showing proof of a qualifying address in the City of Peterborough is required. 

In the City of Peterborough, positions for election are Mayor and two ward Councillors for each of the five wards (Otonabee, Monaghan, Town, Ashburnham and Northcrest), as well as trustee positions for the following school boards: 

• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board 

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board 

• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir 

• Conseil scolaire Viamonde 

The City of Peterborough’s Municipal and School Board Election will take place on Oct. 26.

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Kawartha Gymnastics Expanding to Bancroft with New KG North Location

By Scott Arnold

Kawartha Gymnastics is expanding beyond Peterborough, with a new second location set to open in Bancroft this fall.

After more than five decades in the Peterborough community, kawartha gymnastics is expanding and starting a new chapter with KG North in bancroft

The organization has announced the launch of KG North, which has been in the works for several months and will create new opportunities for athletes, coaches and families in both communities.

Kawartha Gymnastics was founded in 1971 by a group of local parents and is celebrating more than 55 years serving the Peterborough community. The non-profit organization now welcomes thousands of local athletes to its programs and events each year, with a focus on fun, fitness and fundamentals through excellent coaching and individual attention in a safe and caring environment.

The new Bancroft location will also allow Kawartha Gymnastics to share coaching resources, offer new training opportunities and provide additional options for athlete development between Peterborough and Bancroft.

Work is now underway to transform the Bancroft facility into KG North, with Kawartha Gymnastics saying the local community has already made the organization feel welcome.

Recreational class registration opens August 17th, with programming set to begin in September. More information about programs, competitive opportunities and the coaching team will be announced in the coming weeks.

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

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County Road 24 and Woodland Drive to Get All-Way Stop

An all-way stop will take effect at the intersection of County Road 24 (also known as Centre Line/Carnegie Avenue) and Woodland Drive starting on Monday, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the County, Council approved the change following a traffic engineering review that determined the intersection meets provincial warrant criteria for an all-way stop based on traffic volumes.

The new traffic control is expected to improve safety by clarifying right-of-way for all approaches, and is intended to reduce the risk of collisions.

The intersection will have new stop signs on all approaches, a flashing overhead 
beacon and updated pavement markings to help alert motorists to the change.

Peterborough County reminds motorists to:

• Reduce speed when approaching the intersection

• Come to a complete stop at all approaches

• Yield to vehicles that have entered the intersection first

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Next 100 Years Already Taking Shape at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

By Scott Arnold

After more than a century in Peterborough, the Peterborough Golf & Country Club has no shortage of history behind it. For General Manager William Mitchell, the exciting part is helping decide what comes next.

adam brown of chemong lodge celebrates after sinking a long putt on the 18th hole at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club. PGCC continues to bring people together through golf, events and community. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Mitchell is in his second season leading the club, but he admits he didn't know a great deal about the Peterborough Golf & Country Club before taking the job.

What he has discovered since arriving, however, has made him increasingly excited about the years ahead.

“There is something so wonderful here at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club,” Mitchell said. “I couldn't be more excited to help lead the team here and to help write the next few pages of the next 100 years of this club's history.”

After more than a century in Peterborough, the Peterborough Golf & Country Club has no shortage of history behind it. For General Manager William Mitchell, the exciting part is helping decide what comes next (photo by Scott Arnold)

That history is important, but the club isn't simply looking backwards.

Plans are underway to modernize the golf course and make sure it can continue to serve members and the broader community for another century. At the same time, the club continues to be a busy place throughout the year, with golf taking centre stage during the warmer months before curling carries the club into winter.

There are about 1,100 members, along with a staff of roughly 90 people who keep everything moving.

Mitchell said it takes all of them to deliver the major events that have become part of the club's calendar, from preparing the course to running the food and beverage operation and everything in between.

“It takes an army for sure,” he said.

The memory of Gary Dalliday continues to bring people together, with golfers gathering at the peterborough golf & country club Monday for the annual memorial tournament in his honour. left to right: Pete Dalliday, Jack Dalliday, Lincoln Dalliday and Gary’s brother, John Esford (Photo by Scott Arnold)

One of those major events was taking place when Mitchell sat down to talk about the club, with the Gary Dalliday Memorial Caring For Our Community Golf Tournament bringing about 100 participants together in support of Community Care Peterborough.

The tournament was particularly meaningful this year, taking place exactly eight years to the day after Dalliday passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

For Mitchell, events carrying that kind of community significance are a reflection of the responsibility that comes with operating a club so closely connected to Peterborough.

“We realize the weight of the event,” he said. “We realize the weight of the individual that is honouring and the foundation and the community care that is supporting.”

Eight years after his passing, Gary Dalliday’s legacy of community involvement was remembered on the golf course Monday. left to right: Peter guerin, tim dalliday, dan jewell and craig field (Photo by Scott Arnold)

But while major events are an important part of the club's role, Mitchell said it is the people he has met that have made the biggest impression on him.

He came to the club from Oshawa and has spent much of the past two years getting to know its members and the wider Peterborough community.

He said he quickly noticed something familiar about the area.

“I know when I would travel to cottage countries and stuff before, people walk a little slower,” Mitchell said. “They hold eye contact a little bit longer. They ask questions that they care for the answers to.”

He has found that same sense of connection in Peterborough.

“I just find a level of care and welcome to the community that I could see myself here for a long time,” he said.

That may be one of the reasons the club feels like such a natural fit for him.

Mitchell still gets out to play when he can, managing about 10 to 15 rounds a year. He used to compete and admits he still has the competitive itch, although staff and younger members have been happy to remind him that he isn't quite as competitive as he used to be.

Golfers with the gary dalliday caring for our community golf tournament make their way around the Peterborough Golf & Country Club during a busy day on the course. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

His favourite hole is the 18th, where the clubhouse comes into view and the design forces golfers to make a decision off the tee.

It is a fitting choice for someone thinking about what comes next.

The course carries the influence of Stanley Thompson, the clubhouse and property carry more than 100 years of history, and the club continues to build on both while looking toward the future.

founded in 1897, The Peterborough Golf and Country Club is looking toward its next century while continuing to welcome golfers to its historic course. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

There is plenty on the immediate horizon, too.

About 94 competitors will take part in the club championships this weekend, with men, women, juniors and seniors competing for their names on the club's hardware. The winners will also earn reserved parking spots for the year, giving them a little extra bragging rights long after the trophies have been handed out.

The Robert Abbott Senior Invitational follows on September 3rd, continuing a tournament tradition that dates back to the 1950s.

Then comes curling and another season of club life.

For Mitchell, it is all part of the same picture.

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club isn't simply preserving what it has built over the past century, it is figuring out how to carry the best of it forward, and after two seasons, Mitchell is proud to be part of the team writing that next chapter.

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

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Lakers Look to Finish Off Oakville in Game 4 Tonight at the PMC

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are back at the Peterborough Memorial Centre tonight with a chance to finish off the Oakville Rock and advance to the MSL final.

Drew Hutchison and the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers hold a 2-1 series lead over the Oakville Rock heading into tonight’s Game 4 of their MSL semifinal series at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. A win would send the Lakers to the league final (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via ryan mccullough)

Peterborough leads the best-of-five semifinal series 2-1 after winning Games 1 and 3 in Oakville, while the Rock took Game 2 in Peterborough.

The Lakers have received plenty of offensive contributions throughout the series, with Thomas Hoggarth, Rob Hellyer and Ryan Lanchbury all having nine points through three games.

Drew Hutchison has also been a big part of the Lakers’ success in net, making 141 saves through the first three games.

The situation is simple tonight: a Lakers win sends Peterborough to the MSL final, while an Oakville victory forces a deciding Game 5 in Oakville on Wednesday.

The Six Nations Chiefs are already waiting in the final after sweeping the Cobourg Kodiaks in the other semifinal.

Game time is 8pm tonight at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, A River of Yarn and Applewood Retirement Residence

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough is accepting applications for its 2026 Event Sponsorship Grant Program.

Local registered charities can apply for grants of $300 to $2,000 to support public arts and cultural events that bring the community together. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 4, and organizations planning multiple events are encouraged to submit a single application covering them all. For more information and to apply, you can go to: cfgp.ca/event-sponsorship-program

Tracy Minnema, founder & owner of A River of Yarn, has partnered with Elmhirst Resort as an ideal spot for the Riversong Fibre Retreat 2026.

Gather your friends, book a cottage and give yourself the exclusive experience of creative immersion, a restorative escape, and the chance to laugh, learn, and make beautiful things alongside people who understand why fibre arts matter. Registrations are now open; go to ariverofyarn.ca for more information.

Applewood Retirement Residence is hosting a Morning Mingle business networking breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 9 to 10 a.m.

Connect with local professionals who support seniors in the Peterborough community while enjoying a complimentary buffet breakfast and opportunities to build new partnerships and referral connections. RSVP to reserve your spot and help grow this valuable local network. Please RSVP by calling 705-749-1500

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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Audrey Martone Earns Shot to Represent Canada on U18 National Team

By Scott Arnold

A Peterborough hockey family has another reason to be proud as Audrey Martone earns a spot with Canada’s U18 team for a three-game series against the United States.

Peterborough native Audrey Martone has earned a shot to represent Canada with the U18 National Team in a three-game series against the United States (photo via Instagram @cyghaofficial)

Martone has been named to Hockey Canada’s 22-player U18 National Select roster following a national selection process that brought together 40 players at camp.

The Peterborough native is one of 22 young players who will now get the chance to represent Canada against the United States in Richmond, British Columbia.

The three-game series begins Wednesday, August 12th, followed by games Thursday, August 13th and Saturday, August 15th at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

For Martone, the selection is another milestone in a hockey family that has already produced some memorable moments.

She is the younger sister of Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone and the daughter of former Peterborough Petes captain Mike Martone. Porter has also represented Canada on the international stage multiple times, including at the World Junior Championship and World Hockey Championship.

Audrey is entering the 2026-27 season with the Central York Panthers, who celebrated having three of their players, Martone, Demi Lazarou and goaltender Claire Hicks, earn spots on Canada’s U18 roster following the selection camp.

The players went through provincial camps before arriving at the six-day national selection camp, where they competed for a place on the final roster.

Now, Martone gets to take that next step onto the international stage, with the opportunity to represent her country and make her own mark wearing the Maple Leaf.

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

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