Peterborough Petes Make History With First Woman Zamboni Driver

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Evelyn Johns becomes the first woman in history to drive a Zamboni during a Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) last Monday.

Evelyn Johns has driven Zambonis at several Peterborough ice rinks such as the Healthy Planet Arena, Kinsmen Arena and the now-demolished Northcrest Arena. Photo courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Johns drove the Zamboni during the Family Day game last Monday where the Petes defeated the visiting Barrie Colts 3-2.

“I was nervous, super nervous,” said Johns. “I’ve done lots of games at the Healthy Planet Arena but it’s a lot different at the Memorial Centre. My heart started pounding with all those people watching me.”

Johns got the gig when there was an opening through Public Works. She had been working there for the past six years when a colleague recommended that she take the job.

She was familiar with being on the ice since she played ringette for many years and intermural hockey in college but being on the PMC’s Zamboni was a different feeling for her.

“It was cool. The lights were off and I could see all the cameras flashing,” said Johns. “I told my mom and dad and they were proud of me.”

She will continue to be part of a rotation of Zamboni drivers for the duration of the season.

Johns moved to Peterborough 11 years ago as a student in biotechnology and forensics at Fleming College.

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