Erica Evans Set to Represent Canada Again as Pan American Sixes Championship Comes to Oshawa

By Scott Arnold

Following her silver medal performance at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan last month, Peterborough’s Erica Evans will be back in a Team Canada uniform later this month. This time she’ll be closer to home though.

peterborough native erica evans was a fan favourite at the world lacrosse women’s championship in tokyo japan, notching 17 points in six games for canada (photo via instagram @lacrossecanada)

Lacrosse Canada has named Evans to its 12-player women’s roster for the 2026 Pan American Sixes Lacrosse Championship, taking place from September 29th to October 4th at the Civic Centre in Oshawa.

The tournament will bring national teams from across the Americas to the region as they compete in the fast-paced sixes format, which is part of the qualification pathway toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

peterborough native erica evans was the featured player on the roster release image that lacrosse canada put out to announce the team for the upcoming pan america sixes championship in oshawa (image courtesy of lacrosse canada)

Evans will be joined on the Canadian roster by Maddy Baxter and Nicole Perroni, who were members of the WMSL Lakers team that captured its first-ever provincial championship this summer.

With three players with local connections named to Canada’s roster, the upcoming tournament offers another opportunity to watch some of the region’s top lacrosse talent compete on the international stage.

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

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Petes Outshoot Kingston 47-25 But Fall 6-3 In Season Opener

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes couldn't turn a strong offensive night into a win Thursday, dropping their 2026-27 season opener 6-3 to the Kingston Frontenacs at the Memorial Centre.

Peterborough petes first round pick Landon Roulston celebrates after scoring his first career ohl goal in his debut against Kingston. (Photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via david pickering)

The Petes generated plenty of chances, putting 47 shots on Kingston's net, but Frontenacs goaltender Royden Smith turned aside 44 of them to earn first-star honours.

For Peterborough, the night included a memorable moment for first-round pick Landon Roulston, who scored his first career OHL goal just 8:37 into his first game.

Roulston wasted little time making an impression in his first regular-season game.

The Petes' first-round selection opened the scoring at 8:37 of the first period, converting a setup from Leon Kolarik and Yanis Lutz.

It was the first career OHL goal for Roulston, giving the home crowd an early reason to celebrate.

Peterborough outshot Kingston 15-4 in the opening period but carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

After going 16:30 without a shot on net, the Frontenacs found their offence late in the second period, scoring three times to take a 3-1 lead.

Nolan Snyder tied the game at 12:22 before Alex McLean and Dante D'Andrea scored in the final two minutes of the period, 52 seconds apart, with D'Andrea's goal coming with just 1:04 remaining.

Despite putting 18 shots on goal in the period, the Petes couldn't find a way past Smith.

Kingston extended its lead just 46 seconds into the third period when Aleks Kulemin scored on the power play.

Peterborough responded at 8:45, with Adam Levac scoring his first of the season on a power play, assisted by Lutz and Cooper Dennis.

The Frontenacs answered just 45 seconds later through Landon Wright, restoring their three-goal advantage.

Kolarik brought the Petes back within two at 11:47, scoring with Dennis and Matthew Perreault earning assists.

But McLean added his second goal of the night at 14:37 to complete the scoring.

Kingston goaltender Royden Smith makes one of his 44 saves against the Petes during Thursday night’s season opener at the Memorial Centre. (Photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via kenneth anderson)

The Petes finished the night with 47 shots on goal, including 14 in the third period, but Smith's performance between the pipes kept Kingston ahead.

Smith was the difference-maker for Kingston, stopping 44 of Peterborough's 47 shots.

The Frontenacs entered the game without Gavin Betts, who was injured, and Matthew Minchak, who is attending Vegas Golden Knights training camp. Smith, signed by Kingston earlier this month, stepped into the crease and delivered a 44-save performance.

Masen Johnston made 19 saves for Peterborough.

The Petes also went 2-for-7 on the power play, while Kingston converted once on four opportunities.

Peterborough won't have long to dwell on the season-opening loss as they’re back in action tomorrow night, Friday, September 18th, when they travel to Sudbury to take on the former Petes captain Scott Barney and his Wolves.

After generating 47 shots in their opener, the Petes will look to turn that offensive pressure into their first win of the season.

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

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With New Faces Leading the Charge, United Way Announces Goal to Raise $1.585 Million For 2026 Campaign

Under new leadership, United Way of Peterborough & District unveiled its 2026 campaign goal of $1.585 million, announced at the Healthy Planet Arena on Thursday afternoon.

United Way supports a network of 20 local partner agencies that work across a range of community needs, from housing and homelessness to food security, youth and family support, mental health, community connection, and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 85th Community Campaign for United Way’s goal is a slight decrease from last year’s $1.6 million

Tiffany Arcari, Community Manager at Gauvreau Accounting & Tax Law, is chairing the campaign. She says it encourages individuals, workplaces and organizations across the region to find their own way to contribute to the community.

“We’re all carrying something, and sometimes a little kindness, a little support, or someone showing up can make a world of difference. And our community is facing some very real social challenges right now. The United Way is already doing the work to help address those challenges, and if we want to see change in our community, this is one of the most meaningful ways we can be part of it,” said Arcari. “That’s what I want to see this year... in our community, in our workplaces, and in our businesses. More people feeling connected to the campaign, more workplaces finding their own way to get involved, and all of us coming together to reach that $1.58 million goal. Because when we look out for each other, we don’t just raise money. We help build the kind of community we want to live in.”

This is the first campaign under new United Way CEO Jason Seguya. He joined United Way Peterborough & District earlier this summer after former CEO Jim Russell retired after a 15-year tenure.

“A campaign goal gives us a number to reach. Our neighbours, and our collective care for the future gives us a reason to reach it,” said Seguya. “While I hold the privilege of leading this organization, it belongs to this community and every person in this room has a part in this future.”

New this year is United Way’s launch of its Certified Neighbour clothing collection.

The collection shows your community spirit while helping spread the message that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger Peterborough and District.

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Voice of Peterborough Leads Broadcast For Ninth Year In One of North America's Largest Lacrosse Tournaments

Since 2016, Peterborough’s Stephen Stamp has been the voice of one of the continent’s largest annual lacrosse tournaments, the North American Invitational (LAXNAI), as he gears up for the event’s ninth season, starting Thursday and running until Sunday.

Stamp (left) as a play-by-play commentator for Laxnai 2025 in Utica, N.Y. Photo courtesy of Shutterlax (Marek Stor Photography).

The tournament runs for four days at the Utica University Nexus Center in Utica, N.Y., showcasing lacrosse talent from around the world.

Stamp has been the tournament’s main play-by-play broadcaster since its inception.

“It’s a lot of fun. I loved the idea when they started it and the execution of the tournament has been a blast,” said Stamp.

The tournament started as the Lacrosse All-Stars North American Invitational with only a men’s division. Over the years, the event rebranded as LAXNAI and has expanded both its competition and eligibility.

“It’s been really fun to see it grow in terms of quality of competition and size of the tournament,” said Stamp. “We’ve added a women’s division and a youth division. It’s always been a fun tournament to call.”

Peterborough (and surrounding area) lacrosse players have been on stage for numerous LAXNAI tournaments including Adam Perroni, Drew Hutchinson, Curve Lake’s Deacon Knott and Erica Evans. She won the championship with BP Lawyers and was named tournament most valuable player in the inaugural women’s tournament.

“It’s cool from Peterborough to be a part of it and have the tournament host Peterborough players,” explained Stamp. “Peterborough’s such an important nexus of the sport. They put out amazing lacrosse talent but its approach to the game is pretty gritty and competitive which helps the drive of the competitiveness of the tournament and the fun to LAXNAI.”

Whether he is seeing fellow Peterborough residents or anyone involved in lacrosse, Stamp says the sport’s community helps keep him coming back.

“Part of it is seeing so many friends from the game; it’s such a gathering of great people who are there having fun, doing something we all love,” he said. “You walk around the building and you know so many people and it’s great. It’s great to be part of a community that’s so diverse and welcoming.”

Stamp writes for Inside Lacrosse and has also worked in roles as a lacrosse analyst and play-by-play commentator for several leagues.

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Investigation Launched On Sudden Death Near Monaghan Road and Chamberlain Street; Peterborough Police On Scene Possibly Until Friday

Peterborough Police Service has been on scene near Monaghan Road and Chamberlain Street for most of the day and possibly into Friday after responding to a call for service regarding a sudden death on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The call came at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Thursday.

The Coroner is investigating the incident at this time.

Peterborough Police believe the death is not considered suspicious at this time.

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Run, Walk and Dress Like an Animal While Helping Raise Funds for Accessible Playground at Riverview Park & Zoo

By Scott Arnold

A new play space is the goal behind this year’s event at the zoo, with organizers hoping the fundraiser will help make that vision a reality for children of all abilities.

Participants can run, walk and show off their best animal costumes at the 2026 Riverview Park & Zoo Fun Run and Walk, with funds raised going toward a fully accessible playground at the zoo. (photo by scott arnold)

The Riverview Park & Zoo Fun Run and Walk returns Saturday, September 26th, with this year's event raising money toward a fully accessible playground at the zoo.

Participants can choose between a 1km or 5km route, with both distances open to walkers and runners. The family-friendly event also gives everyone an excuse to get creative, with an animal costume contest featuring prizes for the best costumes.

So whether you're showing up as a lion, lemur, lovebird or another favourite animal, the costume is entirely up to you.

There are just 500 spots available for this year's event, making registration a good idea for anyone hoping to take part.

The money raised will go toward the zoo's goal of creating a fully accessible playground, giving children of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy the play space.

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

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Lakelands Public Health Adds Doctor With Experience From North York to Sandy Lake First Nation

By Scott Arnold

Lakelands Public Health has a new Associate Medical Officer of Health whose career has taken him from family medicine and hospital care to public health work in communities across Ontario.

Dr. Maxwell Tran has joined Lakelands Public Health as the health unit’s new Associate Medical Officer of Health, bringing experience in family medicine, hospitalist medicine and public health to the role.(photo provided by lakelands public health)

Dr. Maxwell Tran has joined Lakelands Public Health as the health unit's new Associate Medical Officer of Health, adding a background that combines frontline medicine with specialized training in public health.

Alongside his public health specialization, Dr. Tran maintains an active clinical practice in family medicine and hospitalist medicine. His clinical work has included serving diverse patient populations in North York, Parry Sound, Sioux Lookout and Sandy Lake First Nation.

His path into public health began at the University of Toronto, where he completed his Doctor of Medicine as well as a combined Family Medicine and Public Health & Preventive Medicine residency. He served as Chief Resident for both programs.

During that residency, Dr. Tran also completed a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was recognized as a Sommer Scholar.

His public health training has given him experience with health organizations at both the local and provincial levels. As a senior Public Health and Preventive Medicine resident, he completed rotations with Halton Region, Peel Public Health, Toronto Public Health and York Region Public Health, as well as Public Health Ontario and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Lakelands Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott says that combination of academic, public health and clinical experience will be an asset to the health unit.

"His outstanding academic background, paired with his extensive hands-on residency experience and deep clinical understanding of both urban and remote communities, makes him an exceptional asset to our team."

For Dr. Tran, joining Lakelands Public Health means continuing that work alongside staff and partners throughout the region.

"I am thrilled to join the Lakelands Public Health team. I look forward to working closely with our amazing staff and with the Board of Health, municipalities, First Nations, and partners to improve the health of our communities."

Dr. Tran will work with the health unit as it continues delivering programs and services across the Lakelands region.

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

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Want to Leave Your Mark on Peterborough? Start With a Tree at Heritage Park

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents can get their hands dirty this month as a community tree planting event looks to add approximately 500 native trees to Heritage Park.

Volunteers plant native trees during a Trees 4 Peterborough community planting event, helping expand Peterborough’s urban forest (photo by scott arnold)

The Trees 4 Peterborough Community Tree Planting Event is taking place Saturday, September 26th at Heritage Park, where volunteers will work together to expand the city’s urban forest along Riverview Creek.

The planting gets underway at 10am at 560 Settlers Ridge, with volunteers from across the community invited to take part.

The goal is to create a more continuous stretch of tree cover along the creek while adding more native trees to the park. The project is part of the broader Trees 4 Peterborough initiative, which brings together community groups, local organizations and residents to help grow Peterborough’s urban forest.

There’s still time to register if you’d like to be part of the planting. Registration is available through peterborough.ca/trees.

The Trees 4 Peterborough initiative is bringing community members together to create more tree cover and greener neighbourhoods across the city. (photo by scott arnold)

This particular event is being supported through a partnership with Peterborough GreenUP, along with donations from RBC Wealth Management, The Excelsior Group and Fairlife. East Side Mario’s and Merrett Home Hardware are also contributing to the event through in-kind support.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply looking for a way to spend part of the morning helping out in the community, the September 26th event offers a hands-on way to contribute to a greener Peterborough.

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

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Euphoria Wellness Spa to Host Its Biggest Community Celebration To Mark Its 20-Year Anniversary

Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and has invited the whole city to join on the festivities with a Fall Beauty Event on Oct. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Kaley Graham, Spa Euphoria Manager and Inventory Controller; Simone Dobson, Spa Euphoria Owner, Tiffany Arcari and Alley Dunn counting down the 20 days until the spa’s 20th anniversary starting on Thursday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event will feature draws, giveaways, demonstrations and special surprises. The Downtown Peterborough business typically offers gift bags to commemorate its anniversary each year but wants this milestone to be the best it has ever been, with the event’s draws, demonstrations and beauty experiences.

“Twenty years is a huge milestone for us, and we wanted to celebrate it with the people who helped make it possible: our clients and our community,” said Simone Dobson, Euphoria Wellness Spa owner. “We’ve been planning some pretty special things, and we can’t wait to share them.” 

@ptbo_canada Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and has invited the whole city to join on the festivities with a Fall Beauty Evrnt on Oct. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #euphoriawellnessspa ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A special surprise for the 20th Anniversary Celebration is planned, bringing together clients, friends, supporters and the community to toast 20 years in business. 

As Spa Euphoria counts down the 20 days until its anniversary starting Thursday, it has launched a city-wide scavenger hunt with more than $1,500 in prizes up for grabs.

Residents are invited to follow Euphoria’s social media for clues that will send them out into the community in search of prizes. The first clue was released on Thursday.

Those interested in attending the anniversary celebration are encouraged to RSVP at 705-741-4772 or by email. 

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More Than a Chance to Win: How the Petes 50/50 Supports Minor Hockey and the Peterborough Community

By Scott Arnold

Every Petes 50/50 ticket offers a chance at a cash prize while helping make hockey more accessible and supporting community organizations across Peterborough.

Walter DiClementi of the Jr Petes has been involved with the Petes 50/50 since the organization took over the raffle during the 2021–22 season, helping raise funds for hockey programs and community organizations. (photo by scott arnold)

When fans arrive at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for a Petes game, the 50/50 draw is another way to get involved. But behind the tickets, prize announcements and winning numbers is a fundraising effort that has been supporting minor hockey and community organizations for years.

Walter DiClementi of the Jr. Petes organization is one of the people helping make that happen.

Through a partnership with the Peterborough Petes, DiClementi says the Jr. Petes took over the 50/50 several years ago in a move that is now benefiting many groups in the community.

"We were very fortunate to have an excellent relationship with the OHL Peterborough Petes, the Jr. Petes organization," DiClementi said. "In the 2021–22 season, they had asked us to take over the 50/50 organization or selling 50/50 tickets at the Petes home games."

Since then, the program has expanded from traditional paper tickets, giving fans more ways to participate.

"We went from just selling tickets, the paper tickets, to selling them with the handheld devices," DiClementi explained. "And then we also went to selling them where you can buy them online."

And you don't have to be inside the Memorial Centre to get involved.

How to the Petes 50/50 Works

Fans can purchase 50/50 tickets at Petes home games through ticket sellers or online at Petes5050.com.

The online option is available to anyone, including fans watching from home or those who aren't able to attend the game.

"Anyone can jump on for the online purchases," DiClementi said. "They can also purchase during the game online if they're not at the game and if they're watching at home, they can also participate in the raffle by doing that."

Tickets are available at the following prices:

• 3 for $10

• 60 for $20

• 250 for $50

Online sales open for the next game once the previous draw has concluded. Depending on the schedule, sales typically run from one game to the next, with the winning number announced during the third period of action.

"We will announce a winner every game," DiClementi said. "Usually it's within the last 10 minutes of the third period. We stop selling tickets as soon as the third period starts."

The prize can vary from game to game, with guaranteed prizes sometimes used to get the draw started.

DiClementi said some draws have started with a guaranteed $3,000 prize, while there could be additional bonuses introduced as the season goes on.

"We'll see how things start again this year and see if we're going to have some other bonuses for the draw as the season goes on," he said.

Last season, one winner took home approximately $7,000.

During the Petes' 2023 OHL championship playoff run, the 50/50 reached another level, with one winner taking home a pretty large haul.

"The playoff run that we had in 2023 when we won the OHL championship, our biggest draw was the winner took home just a little over $30,000," DiClementi said.

Those prizes are a significant part of the excitement, but the money raised through the program has a much broader impact.

Helping Keep Minor Hockey Accessible

A portion of the funds raised is used to help reduce the costs associated with minor hockey.

That includes supporting ice rentals, skills development, equipment, financial assistance for players in need and concussion education.

"We use some of the money to keep the costs of minor hockey down," DiClementi explained. "It helps pay for our ice rentals and for skills development, equipment, that type of thing."

The fundraising also extends beyond the rink.

More Than $100,000 Returned to the Community

Since taking over the Petes 50/50 in 2021–22, the funds the organization has donated to community groups and nonprofit initiatives is in the six figures.

That support has reached a range of organizations across Peterborough and the surrounding area, including:

• Kawartha Food Share

• Community Care Peterborough

• Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

• Pink in the Rink

• Peterborough Regional Health Foundation

• Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation

• Surrounding minor hockey organizations

• Petes scholarship funds for local high school athletes

These are just some of the organizations and initiatives that have benefited from the fundraising.

"We also give a substantial amount of money to other community nonprofits," DiClementi said.

"Throughout the years, since we've been doing this, we've given over $100,000 back to the community."

Get Involved This Petes Season

The Petes 50/50 is already underway for the new season, with fans able to purchase tickets online ahead of home games and during the game itself.

Whether you're at the Memorial Centre or watching from home, you can participate in the draw while helping support minor hockey and community organizations.

You can purchase tickets and find the winning numbers at Petes5050.com.

The next time the 50/50 prize appears on the video board, or on your TV screen when you’re watching the game at home, you’ll know there's a little more to the draw than the number being announced.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

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

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