Peterborough Petes to Host Mental Health Awareness Game This Thursday

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The Peterborough Petes are hosting a mental health awareness game as they host the Flint Firebirds at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The game is in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch.

The game day experience will have several features to promote the importance of mental health, including: 

  • A CMHA-run kiosk on the concourse where fans can learn more about mental health and the organization’s community-based services 

  • A ceremonial puck drop with the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch

  • Videos featuring Petes players talking about the importance of mental health 

  • Public service announcements about mental health and the CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch

  • A CMHA fundraising component 

The key piece of the Talk Today program has been to educate players about mental health and suicide prevention. Each team is also linked to a CMHA mental health coach, who provides support and mental health resources to needy individuals.  

“Talk Today shines a spotlight on mental health awareness, demonstrating how sports and community agencies can unite for a common purpose,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education and Petes mental health coach. “Thursday’s game celebrates our community's commitment to mental health while reminding everyone of the support services available. Through this partnership, the Peterborough Petes continue to show exceptional leadership in fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support.”

“We’re very excited to once again be partnering with CMHA HKPR for our annual mental health awareness game,” said Eric Ebenbauer, Petes senior director of sales. “Talk Today is such an important initiative as it educates our players and staff about the importance of mental health and provides support services to those in need. Thursday night will be a great opportunity to show the community the benefits of the program, while also spreading awareness about the Canadian Mental Health Association and all the great work that they do.”

Tickets for the game are available now by going online or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office.

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Peterborough Petes Blanked In Low-Scoring Affair Against the Sudbury Wolves

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The Peterborough Petes are still searching for their first win after getting shut out by the Sudbury Wolves in a 1-0 loss at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes thought they struck first 33 seconds into the game on an odd-man rush. Colin Fitzgerald gave a pass to Brennan Faulkner who one-timed it. It hit Finn Marshall who only stopped it partially but the puck ricocheted off the bottom of the crossbar and stayed out to keep it scoreless.

The game’s lone goal came 6:55 into the first period as the Petes were on the power play. Carson Cameron played the puck in his own zone off the boards but wiped out immediately after. It allowed Sudbury’s Rowan Henderson to scoop up the loose puck and send it to Chase Coughlan who was all alone at point blank range against Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska. Coughlan was able to score through the five-hole to make it a 1-0 game.

Chase Lefebvre had a shorthanded breakaway almost halfway through the period but fired it too high and went over the net. Shots were 17-6 in favour of the visitors after one.

Peterborough had a chance to tie the game as they had a one-minute five-on-three power play but failed to solve Wolves goaltender Finn Marshall. Shortly after the failed two-man advantage, Peterborough had another minor power play opportunity but could not capitalize again. Shots were 13-11 for Sudbury over Peterborough in the second period.

The Petes did their best to tie the game up. Their best chance came with under two minutes left in regulation as Ryder McIntyre took a shot from the point and Cameron tipped the shot. Marshall was able to glove it away as part of his 40-save shutout night (his first career shutout) and the Sudbury Wolves leave town with a 1-0 win over the Petes.

The Petes play on short rest as they travel to Guelph to take on the Storm this Friday at the Sleeman Centre, with puck drop at 7:07 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award

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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 Sign Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

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The Peterborough Petes has signed forward Francis Parish to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement ahead of Friday’s preseason game in Guelph.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Francis put in a lot of work in the offseason and really showed us that he deserves this opportunity,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We’re excited to be able to add him to our group.”

The Richmond Hill native was originally selected by the Petes in the 11th round, 213th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2007-born forward played 26 games for the Barrie Jr. Colts U18’s, scoring 15 goals and adding 24 assists for 39 points. He also played in eight playoff games for the Colts, picking up nine points. Parish’s play earned him a call-up to the Leamington Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League where he played in one game according to a press release.

“I’m excited to be a Pete,” said Parish. “The journey continues and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Forward Ben Sherwin has been reassigned ahead of Friday’s game.

The Petes are back in action on Sunday when they host the Sudbury Wolves at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre in Norwood. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Ticket details can be found online. The game will also be streamed live on the Petes official YouTube page.

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Peterborough Petes Seeking U18 Program Billet Families For the 2024-25 Season

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The Peterborough Petes is recruiting Billet families for draft picks who have moved to town to play for the primary affiliate team, the Peterborough Petes U18 AAA hockey club, for the 2024-25 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Our partnership with the PMHC and U18 Petes has created a development model for our prospects to work out and practice with our OHL team,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “It’s an opportunity for them to be around the players and learn what it takes to be in the OHL. In the past week we’ve signed Masen Johnston and Thanasi Marentette, both of whom credited their time with the U18’s as a major stepping stone towards becoming a Pete.”

Johnston, Marentette, Michael Simpson, Sam McCue, Quinton Pagé, Dylan Woulds, Brody Partridge, Easton Rye, Josh Kavanagh, and Cole Patey are all players who spent time playing with the Petes U18 hockey club before making the jump to the OHL Petes.

Families participating in the Billet Family Program receive two lower bowl season tickets, a room and board stipend ($115 per week, per player), invitations to exclusive team events, flex tickets and other team perks and benefits. For more information or to apply, contact Walter Di Clemente at (705) 743-3681 or email info@gopetesgo.com.

The Petes are back in action on Sunday when they host the Sudbury Wolves at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre in Norwood. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Ticket details can be found online. The game will also be streamed live on the Petes official YouTube page.

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Peterborough Petes Single Game Tickets Available For 2024-25 Season

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Single Game tickets for Peterborough Petes 2024-25 regular season home games are on sale while supplies last at the Grant Thornton Box Office.

Photo courtesy of Cade Dunford and the Peterborough Petes.

A full Petes home schedule can be found online with the Community Big 8 schedule and details can be found here. According to the Petes, more theme nights will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561 or visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours.

Flex vouchers can be redeemed by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC). Vouchers can only be redeemed in person during box office hours (Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Fans interested in purchasing a Petes 10-Game Flex Pack can visit the Petes Store in person or online by clicking here.

The best way to guarantee tickets to every Petes home game is by purchasing a season ticket package while supplies last. Season tickets start at just $353 for the entire 34-game home schedule and include thousands of dollars in benefits and incentives. Interested parties can contact the Petes Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales and Service Tyler Hall by clicking here or by calling (705) 743-3681 ext. 209.

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Peterborough Petes Sign Defenceman 2023 Draft Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

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The Peterborough Petes make another addition as they signed defenceman Thanasi Marentette to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Thanasi is a big, strong defenceman who is solid in his own end,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We had a chance to watch him a lot last season as he developed with the U18 Petes, working out and practicing with the OHL team regularly. This is another good example of how our relationship with the U18 Petes provides players with a development model and pathway to the OHL.”

The Petes selected the Windsor native in the 10th round, 196th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2007-born, 6’0” defenceman played 31 games for the Peterborough Petes U18s, scoring four goals and adding 12 assists for 16 points. He also played in 10 playoff games, scoring once and picking up four assists for five points.

In 2022-23, Marentette had 13 points in 32 games for the Toronto Nationals U16s, adding another three in five games in the 2023 OHL Cup.

“It feels amazing,” said Marrentette. “Being with the U18s last season gave me a great opportunity to learn about what it takes to be an OHL player. I can’t wait to get started.”

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Peterborough Pete Alumnus Selected to NHLPA Rookie Showcase On Sept. 4

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Peterborough Petes alumnus and Los Angeles Kings forward Akil Thomas has been selected as one of 33 players to participate in the 14th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. on Sept. 4.

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. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough PEtes.

This event allows Upper Deck to capture photographs and videos of the selected rookies and prospects in their respectful NHL team uniforms to utilize the content for the company’s future products.

Thomas made his LA Kings debut on April Fools’ Day., in seven games, he had three goals and one assist with the team.

The Petes acquired Thomas in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in January 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 COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Ontario Hockey League for the season. 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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Peterborough Petes Sign Second-Round Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

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The Peterborough Petes has signed 2024 second-round pick Blake Gowan to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“It’s an honour to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Gowan. “I can’t wait to get to Peterborough and get started.”

The Petes selected the Kingston-born defenceman in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and 25 assists for 27 points.

In 10 playoff games, he scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points en route to an OMHA Championship and a spot in the OHL Cup.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to welcome Blake to the team,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Blake is a solid, hard-hitting defenceman who makes good decisions in his own end. We had the opportunity to watch Blake a lot this season with Barrie and were very impressed with his play, especially in the playoffs and the OMHA Championship.”

Gowan is the second Petes pick from the 2024 Priority Selection to commit to the team after the team signed third-overall pick Colin Fitzgerald to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on May 4.

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First Career Goal a Game-Winner For Former Peterborough Pete

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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.

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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