Peterborough Petes Hold Number One Pick In 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection; Team Takes Two Players

The Peterborough Petes selected two players in the 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection that included first-overall pick Sebastian Dzieciol on Wednesday.

Sebastian Dzieciol. Photo courtesy of Jordan MacDonald and the Peterborough Petes.

The 6’, 182 lbs centre from Ottawa, featured in 28 games for the Ottawa Myers Automotive U18’s this season, scoring 13 goals and adding 15 assists for 28 points. In the playoffs, he played in 13 games, scoring three goals and recording six assists for nine points, which helped Myers win the HEO U18 Championship. In the U18 AAA Ontario Championships, Dzieciol played in five games, picking up an assist. 

“Sebastian is a big, strong forward who isn’t afraid to play physical and battle for the puck,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He was a big part of Myers HEO Championship this season, leading the team in scoring during the season and in the playoffs.” 

“I am very honoured and excited to be selected by the Petes,” said Dzieciol. “I am looking forward to being a part of the team and learning and contributing as best I can.”

With the 21st overall pick in the second round, Peterborough selected forward Jayden Mercier from the Upper Canada Cyclones U18.

Jayden Mercier. Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling and the Peterborough Petes.

“Jayden is a strong forward who uses his size well,” said Oke. “He’s a good skater who plays hard and isn’t afraid to go into the corners.”

Mercier, a left winger from Rockland, played in 30 games for the Upper Canada Cyclones U18’s this season, scoring 15 goals and adding eight assists for 23 points. In 11 playoff games for the Cyclones, he scored four goals and added six assists for 10 points, helping his team to the HEO Championship Series.

“It’s literally a dream come true,” exclaimed Mercier. “I can’t believe it. I have been working hard my whole life for this and it hasn’t been easy. It’s a dream come true to be drafted by the Petes.”

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Registration Open Community Care Peterborough's For Fourth Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament

Registration for the fourth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial charity golf tournament is open with the event set for Aug. 18 at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club in support of Community Care Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation. Last year’s tournament raised $18,000.

The event is named after Gary 'The Diller’ Dalliday for his contributions to the Peterborough community. He was a CHEX-TV sportscaster, the radio voice of the Peterborough Petes and a longtime supporter of local sports. He was an avid volunteer with Community Care Peterborough and its Meals on Wheels program

Gary’s grandson, Nick Bozec, inspired the event to honour his grandfather’s legacy.

“Our family is proud and thankful for this opportunity,” said Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships and son of Gary. “My dad would be very pleased with the proceeds of this event helping Community Care.”

The day begins with a BBQ lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, two meals, prizes, and more—capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony. Registration is available online.

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"The All-Time Goal is to Win An OHL Championship" Peterborough Petes Number Overall Pick Kaden McGregor Brings Championship Aspirations to the Team

Less than 24 hours after being selected first overall by the Peterborough Petes, forward Kaden McGregor wants to ultimately bring an OHL Championship back to the Electric City as he was introduced to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

This is the first time the Petes have been able to introduce McGregor to Peterborough as a member of the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Petes introduced McGregor to the media and public at a press conference a day after he was in Burlington for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA to a league title this past season and says he will work diligently to give Peterborough a similar result.

“I want to work as hard this summer and earn the right to play, earn my ice time,” explained McGregor. “I want to play whatever role this team needs me to play and the all-time goal is to win an OHL Championship.”

The right-handed shot is the franchise’s first-ever number one overall pick in its 69-year tenure, an honour McGregor plans to hold with pride.

“I'm humbled and honoured to be that first overall selection for the Peterborough Petes,” he said. “I think it shows a lot about how great this organization is and how well the coaching staff and Board of Directors is. I just want to thank them again for putting their faith in me and I won't let them down.”

(From left to right) Easton Rye, Petes goaltender; Carson Cameron, Petes defenceman; Kaden McGregor and Colin Fitzgerald; Petes forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the press conference, McGregor showed his gratitude for not only the Petes staff but the rest of his family, claiming he would not be where he was without their love, help and support.

“My parents… Every practice, every game, they're there for me. After the games, when they don't go to well, they're always there for me,” he said. “My siblings, I come home, they're always so friendly, they have just pushed me to become the player that I am and I'm so thankful for all of these people.”

father Stacey McGregor (left), Kaden (middle) and mother Lisa McGegor (right) all pose for a family photo for the first time with the son as a Pete in Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a newcomer to town, McGregor has already embraced and appreciated the inclusive atmosphere Peterborough has shown to him and his family.

“I've heard about the sellouts that this crowd had and how great this atmosphere and fans are and I'm so thankful to be a part of Peterborough and I'm just thankful for the fans for welcoming me,” concluded McGregor.

The following is a list of this year’s draft picks for the Peterborough Petes:

• First round (1) - Kaden McGregor - Forward - Ottawa Valley Titans U16

• Second round (27) - Kieran Raynor - Forward - Niagara North Stars U16

• Second round (31) - Matthew Perreault - Defence - Toronto Titans U16

• Third round (61) - Gerry DiCunzolo - Forward - Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15s

• Sixth round (104) - Daniel Tout - Defence - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• Seventh round (124) - Brody Robertson - Forward - Toronto Titans U16

• Eighth round (144) - Luke Schairer - Defence - USA U17

• Ninth round (164) - Eric Wood - Defence - Sun County Panthers U16

• 10th round (184) - Pacey Adduono - Forward - Oakmoor Academy 16U

• 11th round (204) - Ty Gendron - Forward - Barrie Jr. Colts U16

• 12th round (224) - Joseph Szarka - Defence - Brantford 99ers U16

• 13th round (244) - Brandt Rooyakkers - Forward - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• 14th round (264) - Chase MacKay - Forward - North Central Predators U16

• 15th round (284) - Tyson Cartier - Defence - Waterloo Wolves U16

• 15th round (301) - Joshua Goodwin - Defence - North Shore Whitecaps

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Peterborough Petes Select Kaden McGregor As Franchise's First Number One Overall Pick

It is official for the Peterborough Petes as Kaden McGregor becomes the club’s first number one overall pick in franchise history at the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, announced on Friday night.

Screenshot.

“I’m speechless,” said McGregor. “This has been a dream of mine, ever since I was a little kid. To hear it finally get called, it’s a surreal moment for me and my family.”

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA club this past season with a 29-2-1 record. McGregor led his team to a league title with 38 goals and 44 assists for 82 points in 29 regular-season games. He also tacked on 24 points in nine playoff contests en route to a championship.

He was named the Hockey Eastern Ontario AAA League U16 Player of the Year, joining former Petes first-round pick and Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, who won the award in 2019.

“We’re very excited to select Kaden with the first overall pick in the 2025 Priority Selection,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Kaden is a right-handed centre who plays a solid two-way game. He had an excellent season with the Ottawa Valley Titans, captaining them to an HEO Championship and being named HEO player of the year. He followed that up with a solid showing in the OHL Cup, finishing third in points and being named to the tournament all-star team.”

The right-handed shot says Petes fans can expect a lot out of him as a number one priority selection.

“They can expect a tenacious forward, someone who can play both ends of the game,” explained McGregor. I prioritize compete level. Every shift, I go out there, I compete as hard as I can. I have high IQ and I like to use my size and speed to set up plays in the offensive zone and make my teammates around me better.”

With McGregor as the first overall pick, he is named the recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award. The award is named after Jack Ferguson, a long-time OHL’s central scouting director. McGregor joins NHL stars such as Eric Lindros, John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid and Quinton Byfield to receive the honour.

In the OHL Cup, McGregor was the third-highest scorer with three goals and eight assists for 11 points in five games. His performance led the Titans to a quarter-final finish, losing in overtime to the eventual champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He was named to the tournament All-Star team, becoming the only player on this year’s All-Star team to not make the finals. This year, McGregor also played in OFSAA for St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew. McGregor dominated the tournament, scoring 21 goals in six games.

The Petes will introduce McGregor in a press conference on Saturday at 8:45 a.m., which will be live-streamed on their Facebook Page.

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Celebration of Life For Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Held Next Week Thursday

A celebration of life for Peterborough Petes alumnus, sports broadcaster and longtime local resident Gregory (Greg) Hearst Millen will be held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre next Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. for family, friends and colleagues.

Photo courtesy of Reynolds Funeral Home.

Millen passed away at 67 unexpectedly from a cardiovascular event on Monday.

He played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

Millen married his high school sweetheart, Ann. This summer would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, the couple had four children: Allie (Mike Mason), Emily (Garrett Kean), Caroline (Mike Tobin), and Charlie (Marissa DiNardo). He and Ann also had eight grandchildren (Beau, Pippa, Beatrice, Oscar, Louie, June, Wallace, and Penelope).

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ALS Canada or the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice.

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Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Tees Off On May 22

There will be 240 linksmen teeing off at the Jack’s 38th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 22 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson, holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. There are signed jerseys to be auctioned off at the event with athletes such as Colin Fitzgerald, Peterborough Petes forward (pictured); Porter Martone, Brampton Steelheads forward and Barrett Hayton, Utah Hockey Club Forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The sold-out tournament fundraiser's proceeds will go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and to support its bursary for exemplary high school student-athletes.

“Years ago, Steve Doyle, Bob McGillian and my dad came up with this idea for a bursary program for local high-school athletes as they were embarking on post-secondary academic and athletic careers.” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. “We're pleased that over the years, we've been able to go from initially two $500 bursaries, now we're up to four $2,000 bursaries. We're thankful that Steve, Bob and Jack had the foresight to start that program and now we're able to keep it going.

The tournament is in honour of Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 — Doug’s father — and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.

He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship in 1969.

He also managed Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.

As the tournament enters its 38th year, Doug continues the tradition of continuing his father's legacy through the golf event.

“Dad was one of the original founders to try to get things going when we first had the Hall of Fame,” he explained. “He and Bob McGillian decided to have a golf tournament and we're just continuing on hopefully the way they would have continued on had they still been with us but it's really nice for me personally to be able to do something which remembers my dad.

While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.

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Fleming Phoenix Round Out Another Athletic Season With Awards Banquet Ceremony

After another athletic season in the books, Fleming College celebrated its student-athletes at the Phoenix Varsity Awards banquet held on Friday.

ALexander Clark (left) and Zofia Boruta Right) Showcasing their newly-won plaques as the men’s and women’s all-around athlete respectively. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The 52nd annual Varsity Awards Banquet recognized and celebrated the achievements of Fleming student-athletes who participated in seven varsity sports: soccer, volleyball, logger sports, curling, men’s basketball, cross-country running and women’s rugby sevens.  

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 32 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 two athletes who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment, and dedication. Awarded to Alexander Clark (Men’s Cross Country) and Zofia Boruta (Women’s Volleyball). 

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to two athletes who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility. Awarded to Sarah D’Hondt (Loggersports) and Kyle Sarcol (Men’s Volleyball).

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication on the field. Awarded to Kaitlyn Auchterlonie (Women’s Rugby Sevens).

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to loggersports athletes who show heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport. Awarded to Kaden Bulmer (Loggersports: Kris Starr Award) and Holly Smith (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. Awarded to Sarah D’Hondt (Loggersports).

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by their passion for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience. Awarded to Josh Williams (Men’s Basketball).

OCAA Honour Awards: Presented to OCAA athletes based on athletic performance, selected, and voted on by other OCAA institutions. 

Julia Kata – Women’s Rugby Sevens – 2024 OCAA Women’s Rugby League All-Star and All-Rookie Team 
Taya Torrance – Women’s Soccer – 2024 OCAA Women’s Soccer East Division All-Rookie Team 

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

Women’s Rugby
MVP: Julia Kata 
Rookie of the Year: Sara Petersen

Men’s Curling
MVP: Matthew Murray
Rookie of the Year: Isaac Looyenga

Women’s Curling
MVP: Miranda Jensen
Rookie of the Year: Brittany Brasier

Cross Country
MVP: Alexander Clark
Rookie of the Year: Jessica Scott

Men’s Soccer 
MVP: Emmanuel Folayan
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Clarke

Women’s Soccer
MVP: Miranda DiSalvo
Rookie of the Year: Mikayla Sproule

Men’s Loggersports
MVP: Thomas Kitchen
Rookie of the Year: Sayre Hart 

Women’s Loggersports
MVP: Darian Carpenter
Rookie of the Year: Nicole Roy

Men’s Basketball
MVP: Jordan Morgan
Rookie of the Year: Mani Maynard

Men’s Volleyball
MVP: Kyle Sarcol
Rookie of the Year: Gibson Northrup

Women’s Volleyball
MVP: Zofia Boruta
Rookie of the Year: Micaiah Rojas

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Anglers Casting Their Lines For the 36th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Starting April 26

The 36th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby is back for 2025 and kicks off on April 26 at the Peterborough Lift Lock.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, holds Walter before throwing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 25th year helping the fishing derby. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The first day features the youth derby for children 15 and under, featuring goody bags, a hot dog lunch, 500 stocked trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The all-ages derby starts on April 27 and runs through May 4.

“This community partnership provides anglers more chances to win, while helping to offset the cost of stocked trout for the youth derby," said Annie Layfield, OFAH Program Support Specialist.

Top prize fish ‘Walter’ returns and $1,000 cash goes to the lucky angler who catches the big rainbow trout, estimated to weigh between five and eight pounds. A second grand prize of $500 cash is being awarded to whoever catches ‘Gordon’ in honour of longtime volunteer Gordon Bowley.

New this year is the first-annual high school derby on May 1.

“We’re excited to offer high school students a chance to try their luck at trout fishing. The day includes five hours of fishing, lunch, instant prizes and a chance to catch tagged fish for cash prizes,” said Layfield.

Registration is required for all participants and can be completed online or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. Those who register by Thursday are eligible for some of the $4,000 in early bird prizes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and new participants,” said Layfield. “The derby is a great way to bring the community together and get kids excited about fishing and the outdoors.”

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Passes Away

Peterborough Petes alumnus and longtime local resident Greg Millen has passed away at 67 years old, announced on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Millen played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

The longtime Bridgenorth resident was well known in Peterborough and beyond. He has been honoured throughout the hockey world and also had a teaching stint at Fleming College.

Millen leaves behind his wife Ann and their four children.

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health On June 26

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic, hosted by Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), will be held at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on June 26th.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

All proceeds of the event support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

The day includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, access to a private, in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities, and contests throughout the course. Lunch and supper, prizes and professional photos of your foursome will also be at the event.

New this year is a public donation campaign launch with a minimum goal of $40,000 to be split equally between YES Shelter for Youth and Families and Peterborough Youth Services. 

Donations can be made online. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

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