Kawartha Dows Releases Schedule of Events for 2024; Harness Racing Moved to Friday Nights

Kawartha Downs (KD) has opted to get bigger and become a better hub as they released their lineup of events for 2024 including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday afternoon.

Daniel D’Ercole, Kawartha Downs general manager (left); Jim Huck, Kawartha Downs ‍Director of Horse Racing (middle) and Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs President. One major change o the harness racing is they will start on Friday nights with post time at 7 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Daniel D'Ercole, KD's general manager, and Richard Weldon, KD's president, made the announcement.

Returning events include the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and pit party, Monster Madness and Agricultural Fair. New additions include Weiner Dog Races, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, Axe Throwing, a Wedding Show and more.

“The reception from our community and township has been tremendous,” said D’Ercole. “Everybody’s excited about the events that we held last year and so our motivation to further that list and continue to build on that comes from their support.”

Harness racing moves to Fridays with post time at 7 p.m. with the first date for May 17.

The following is the 2024 event schedule:

• May 17 - Live Entertainment (Opening Night Harness Racing)

• May 18 - Live Entertainment

• May 25 - OTTPA Truck + Tractor Pull Door 5 p.m., start time 6 p.m.

• May 28 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• May 30 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 dance class

• June 8 - Yuk Yuk’s Comedy 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

• June 9 - FoxFest Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• June 4, 11 & 18 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• June 20 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• June 27 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• July 6 - Demolition Derby Pit Party 5 p.m., Start time 6:30 p.m.

• July 13 & 14 - Agricultural Fair TBD start time

• July 19 - Weiner Dog Races (Harness Racing)

• July 20 - Monster Madness

  • Show 1- 1 p.m. pit party and 2:30 p.m. show time

  • Show 2- 5 p.m. pit party and 6:30 p.m. show time

• July 24 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 1 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• August 14 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 24 & 25 - Beer + BBQ Fest TBD start time

• August 29 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 18 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• Sept. 26- Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 28 - Model Train Show TBD start time

• Nov. 10 - Wedding show TBD start time

The following are all harness racing dates on Fridays with post time scheduled for 7 p.m.:

• May 17

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 21

• June 28

• July 5

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9th

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

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The 15th Annual Berlett Cup Kicks Off Men's League Play At the Peterborough Golf & Country Club

To kick off the men’s golf season, the prestigious 15th-annual Berlett Cup began for the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (PGCC) on Tuesday afternoon.

Connor Blair (left) and Taylor Blair (right) were co-captains of the defending-champion team, ‘Team Birdie Juice’ and plan to win the title for a second-straight year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Cup is a summer league that runs from May to September. It is comprised of eight teams of 20. This year, 173 golfers including several new members participated in this year’s Cup.

Ian Armstrong, PGCC director, says the league highlights the spirit of golf and is a great way to kick off the season.

“It speaks to the culture of friendship, camaraderie, healthy competition, having fun and trying to shoot the best golf scores you can,” he explained. “The numbers demonstrate how much people love this day; it's the highlight of their week and it's the highlight of the summer golf schedule at the club.”

The tournament is named after the late Dan Berlett, who was a well-respected longtime member and former president of the PGCC.

“Dan was all about camaraderie, competitiveness, fairness and most importantly, getting men together and socializing after a round,” said Kurtis Sweeting, PGCC sport director.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The draft occurred a few weeks before the event. Last year’s defending champions were ‘Team Birdie Juice.’ Connor Blair, a member of the winning team, says the league brings out the golfers' competitiveness but in a fun and sportsmanlike way.

“It's quite competitive,” he explained. “Obviously we're out here to have fun but when strokes matter and you're playing against teams each and every week, I would say it can get heated at times and it's not out of the normal to see a two-footer be a gimmie late in the playoffs because you want to make sure everyone makes everything.”

The league marks the beginning of the golf season for everyone at PGCC. The golfers' eagerness to hit the links for the Berlett Cup is obvious according to PGCC members and staff.

“It (The Berlett Cup) speaks to number one, to the culture here at Peterborough,” said Blair. “We always get such a good showing and it's a very inclusive club. Whether you're brand new to the game or if you've played for 20 years, it's not uncommon to have a beer and meet someone for the first time or play with your buddies that you've played with for 10-plus years.”

“This event speaks to the culture and values of the club that we come together on a weekly basis to celebrate our friendship and our membership,” said Armstrong.

“This was a lot of members' home opener,” explained Sweeting. “We didn't get to open the men's officially due to weather but this is basically our official opening and the guys are excited.”

The PGCC hosted its Ladies Open tournament on Tuesday.

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Peterborough Golf & Country Club Growing Women's Golf As Longstanding Ladies Open Sees 65 Golfers Tee Off

With golf season back in full swing, 65 women hit the links for the annual Ladies Open at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (PGCC) on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The tournament has been with the PGCC for several decades spanning over 125 years of being in town. It has been a long-standing tradition to the course the continues to grow women’s golf each year.

“The ladies are really the lifeblood of this club,” said Jermaine Brissett, PGCC general manager. “They are involved in absolutely everything and they contribute to the club in so many ways. Having them kick off this year is absolutely perfect.”

“We're working on growing the sport and trying to bring in all age levels especially younger people,” said Michele Cavanagh, ladies golf director.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Women’s golf in Peterborough has grown in Peterborough as the club has seen more ladies hitting the links more than ever.

“If you see what we've been able to accomplish this season, our leagues are up 35 per cent,” said Kurtis Sweeting, PGCC sport director. “We've had 15 to 20 percent more play in years past. Golf is an accommodation sport.”

The club has several events catered specifically for women including League nights, tournaments, golf camps and even a wine and cheese night.

Couples evening league is a service that PGCC offers to appeal to both genders.

The tournament offered either an 18-hole or 9-hole format. Once the women have finished the first nine holes, the ladies playing half the course join in.

“The tournament actually gets bigger after nine holes which is kind of unique,” explained Brissett.

Whether teams score birdie, par or bogey, the message is that they all enjoy themselves playing the game.

“We've been working towards promoting the spirit of fun, friendship and golf,” said Cavanagh.

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Peterborough Petes Draft a Forward and Defenceman In the 2024 OHL U18 Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes have selected forward Dylan Turcotte and defenceman Cameron Martin in the 2024 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Turcotte was taken in the first round, third overall from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s U18s. The Orleans native was featured in 30 games for the Jr. 67’s this season, leading the HEO U18 league in scoring with 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points.

He added another 15 points in 10 playoff games, leading his team to an HEO Championship and a spot in the 2024 Ontario U18 AAA Championships. In the tournament, Dylan finished tied for third in scoring with 11 points in seven games.

The 6’ forward played in four games for the Ottawa Jr. Canadians (EOJHL) this year, picking up six points, while also appearing in two games with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL.

“Dylan is a power forward with good size who can score,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s a proven winner, leading his team to an HEO Championship this season. We’re looking forward to seeing him on the ice at Development Camp in the coming weeks.”

Martin was taken in the second round, 23rd overall. The Minesing-born defenceman stands at 6’3 and played 32 games for the Barrie Colts U18s this season. He scored four goals and adding 13 assists for 17 points. He also played in 13 playoff games, picking up four assists.

“Cameron is a huge defenceman who moves the puck well,” said Oke. “We had an opportunity to watch him a lot this season as he played in Barrie alongside Petes prospect Francis Parish. We were very impressed with his game and are excited to see him on the ice at Development Camp.”

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What You Need to Know About the Petes 2024 OHL Priority Selection

With a third-overall pick in hand, the Peterborough Petes will begin their quest to draft future young stars in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection that kicks off Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first three rounds will be drafted on Friday at 7 p.m. Rounds 4-15 will occur on Saturday at 9 a.m. The Petes have 15 selections in the draft, two on day one and 13 on day two.

With the Petes drafting third, it is the fifth time Peterborough has attained the spot in franchise history. They have drafted names like Jordan Staal and Matt Spencer at three.

A full list of Peterborough’s selections can be found below:

• Round 1 (3)

• Round 2 (32) - From Ottawa

• Round 5 (85)

• Round 5 (99) - From Oshawa

• Round 6 (105)

• Round 7 (125)

• Round 8 (145)

• Round 9 (165)

• Round 10 (185)

• Round 11 (205)

• Round 12 (225)

• Round 13 (245)

• Round 14 (265)

• Round 15 (283) - From Niagara

• Round 15 (285)

In last year’s OHL Priority Selection, the Petes made 14 selections. They included Bobcaygeon native and 2024 Ushers Trophy winner Carson Cameron, forward Joseph Cadorin and defenceman Liam Ladds.

The following is a last from last year’s selection:

First round, 13th overall: Carson Cameron, D, Central Ontario Wolves

• Fourth round, 76th overall: Joseph Cadorin, F, Toronto Marlboros

• Fifth round, 88th overall: Liam Ladds, D, Elgin-Middlesex Canucks

• Sixth round, 112th overall: Masen Johnston, G, Peterborough Petes

• Seventh round, 133rd overall: Chase Del Colombo, F, Toronto Nationals

• Eighth round, 153rd overall: Gavin Lock, F, Detroit Little Caesars

• Ninth round, 173rd overall: Easton Lynds, F, Mississauga Senators

• 10th round, 193rd overall: Calum Hartnell, D, Ottawa Jr. Senators

• 10th round, 196th overall: Thanasi Marentette, D, Toronto Nationals

• 11th round, 213th overall: Francis Parish, F, Central Ontario Wolves

• 12th round, 234th overall: Aiden Lee, F, Markham Majors

• 13th round, 253rd overall: Brody Leet, F, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs

• 14th round, 273rd overall: Joshua Kaufman, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers

• 15th round, 293rd overall: Kaiden Thatcher, D, Ajax-Pickering Raiders

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Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet

Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.

More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.

The following awards were presented:

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.

• Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball

• Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports

• Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.

• Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award

• Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.

• Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby

• Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby

• Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling

• Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling

• Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country

• Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country

• Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer

• Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer

• Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer

• Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer

• Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports

• Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports

• Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports

• Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports

• Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball

• Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball

• Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball

• Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball

• Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball

• Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball

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Peterborough Swim Club to Host 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships

Swim Ontario has chosen the Peterborough Swim Club to host the 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships.

The Peterborough Swim Club is the third oldest swim club in Ontario. starting in 1939, this year marks 85 consecutive years that the club has been providing competitive and recreational swimming opportunities in Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The provincial championships are four days long and they are held from June 13 to 16 at the Markham Pan Am Center in Markham, Ontario.

The Championships will host between 600 to 700+ qualified swimmers, representing 65 to 85+ clubs from across Ontario. This event showcases young swimmers aged 13 - 18 as they compete in various categories and events.

There is no 50-meter pool within the Peterborough area to host this provincial meet; the Peterborough Swim Club says they see this as a unique opportunity to showcase its spirit and promote the region of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Peterborough Swim Club is actively seeking local sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor can contact David Jonkers at communications@ptboswimclub.com for more information.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Second-Annual 'Change the Cycle' to Raise $25,000 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the second-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 15.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right) after the latter kickstarted the fundraiser with a $7,000 donation. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This year's funds support Youth and Family Mental Health programming.

“By supporting Change the Cycle, you are supporting youth and family mental health services in our region and ensuring that the mental health needs of our youth and caregivers are met," said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Youth and caregiver supports are an important factor in fostering a healthier and more supportive community for all.”

Last year, the funds went to CMHA’s Garden Homes Project, an initiative of their Supportive Housing program. It aims to support vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

“This year we changed our focus and we're focusing more on youth and family mental health care,” said Veitch. “Our goal being $25,000 to support the program, to support youth mental health and family caregiver mental health supports.”

While the event raised $40,000 last year, 2024’s goal is $25,000 which Veitch believes can easily be reached. To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $7,000.

“I've had a lot of friends that really seen the impacts mentally when our whole country went on lockdown,” said Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president. “Seeing that impact literally change them socially, I thought it was important to help out in some way, shape or form. I was presented with this as an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

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.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, contact Veitch by emailing him at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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First Career Goal a Game-Winner For Former Peterborough Pete

Former Peterborough Pete Akil Thomas’s first NHL goal was the game-winner for the Los Angeles Kings in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center on Thursday night.

Thomas is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic. Twitter Photo of Los Angeles Kings.

It was Thomas’s second game in the NHL with the Kings after making his debut against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night.

His goal came just over halfway through the first period. After winger Adrian Kempe scored for the Kings, Thomas scored 18 seconds later.

He joined teammates Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jordan Spence on the rush as they entered the offensive zone. After Spence left a drop pass for Thomas, the latter used the former and a Sharks defenceman as a screen to snap the puck past Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, making it 2-0 for the Kings.

“It felt amazing,” said Thomas. “I just wanted to have a good first (period) and to score in the first period just made the nerves go away. It just made me feel a little bit more comfortable.”

The Sharks scored late in the third period with 1:52 left in the game to make it 2-1 but could not score again. That made Thomas’s goal the game-winner for the Kings.

AKIL THOMAS!!! FIRST NHL GOAL!! 👑

📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/DWiaoRim2n

— NHL (@NHL) April 5, 2024

He was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022) and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans on May 15.

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Former Peterborough Pete Makes NHL Debut With Los Angeles Kings

It was a few years in the making but former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings who took on the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre on Monday night.

Akil Thomas skating with a young fan prior to a game. Photo courtesy of the PEterborough Petes.

Thomas got his opportunity after centreman and former Montréal Canadien Philip Danault is day-to-day with an upper body injury. Thomas got to play on the fourth line with former Hamilton Bulldog Arthur Kaliyev and rookie Alex Laferriere. Thomas only logged 3:42 of ice time and was on the ice for the Jets’s first goal of the game.

“It's kind of a crazy couple of days and a lot has to be taken in pretty quick but I'm very thankful to be here,” said Thomas.

Thomas’s parents were in attendance for the game and drove roughly 22 hours to see their son in his debut. They were unable to get a flight in time and opted to drive from Toronto to Winnipeg for the game.

“It means the world with the injuries and everything so I'm very thankful for the opportunity and obviously having people come out and support me means the world to me,” said Thomas.

Welcome to the National, Akil! 👏#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/lxfqqkOmIS

— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 2, 2024

Thomas has struggled with injuries in the last two years. He missed the first half of the 2021-22 season and only played 40 games. The next year, he suffered another injury on Nov. 19 that ended his year after just 13 games.

Prior to being called up to the Kings, Thomas had 22 goals and 21 assists in 61 games with the Ontario Reign (the Kings’s AHL affiliate) this season.

He was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 2020 for Cameron Butler, two second-round picks (2020, 2022), one third-round pick (2022) and a fourth-round pick (2024).

He played 22 games for the Petes, scoring nine goals and 31 assists before the Ontario Hockey League was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas was invited back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game Three of the OHL Championship against the London Knights as part of the pre-game ceremonies to pump up the fans on May 15.

Thomas is well-known for his game-winning goal for Team Canada in the gold-medal game against Russia at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

Thomas was drafted by the Kings in 2018 in the second round, 51st overall. Following his OHL career, Thomas spent time with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign since the 2020-21 season.

The Kings lost to the Jets 4-3 with a late goal from Winnipeg in the third.

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