Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has awarded Petes GM and vice-president of Operations Mike Oke with the 2024 Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award.

Photo supplied by peterborough petes

The annual award recognizes an individual who has championed, critical challenges, pioneered initiatives and achieved lasting impacts in support for those who live with mental health issues.

CMHA HKPR’s Jack Veitch nominated Oke for the award, citing his dedication to the work on the OHL’s Talk Today Program as well as his commitment to the mental health of his players and staff.

The award was presented at Wednesday's CMHA HKPR Annual General Meeting.

“Mike Oke transformed the Peterborough Petes' approach to mental health and wellness,” said Veitch. “In 2013, he and the Petes partnered with the CMHA to pilot the 'Talk Today' program, which became a national movement in Canadian junior hockey.”

“We piloted the Talk Today program in 2013 after the initiative was brought to us by Dave and Heather Pogue,” Oke added. “We were the first team to implement the program with our players and staff here in Peterborough, it then became mandatory in the entire CHL, growing to involve other junior hockey leagues in Canada.”

Oke noted they know of at least one situation where the work of the team’s support staff has had direct life saving impact in the community.

“These individuals work very closely with our players and staff daily to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Oke said.

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Peterborough Petes General Manager Michael Oke Signs Two-Year Contract Extension

The Peterborough Petes have signed General Manager Michael Oke to to a two-year contract extension, through the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. His current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Under Oke, the Petes currently sit in first place in the Ontario Hockey League, and have been listed in the Kia CHL Top 10 rankings for three consecutive weeks. The team has compiled a record of 197-191-10-24, including three playoff series wins, five playoff appearances, and the team’s first division title since 2006 with Oke at the helm.

Petes GM Mike Oke with Petes President Dave Pogue

“The Board of Directors is pleased to extend Mike’s contract in recognition of the steady progress the organization has made under his leadership,” says President Dave Pogue.

“This extension adds stability to our organization in the midst of a season of high expectations, and current players and prospects can have continued confidence in the Hockey Operations department moving forward. Mike has done a great deal to improve the operations of the Peterborough Petes, and the Board felt this was the right time to show our appreciation for his hard work.” 

Mike Oke signing the contract

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue in this role, and for the confidence that the Board of Directors has shown in me by offering this extension,” says Oke.

“I’m very pleased with the group we have assembled and the growth we are continuing to experience on and off the ice. Our coaches have done a good job of working with and developing players individually and collectively as a team, while our scouting staff has been diligent in identifying players—through drafts, trades, and free agency—who have and will become key pieces of our team.”

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