Peterborough Petes Awarded First Overall Pick In 2025 OHL Priority Selection

Fortune favoured the Peterborough Petes as they were granted the first overall pick in the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection during a livestream on Wednesday night.

Barclay Branch, OHL vice president of hockey operations, reveals the Petes winning the first-overall pick over three teams. Screenshot.

The Petes were granted the highest percentage of landing the number one overall pick at 40 per cent due to their record of 18-41-9, resulting in 20th and last place in the league.

The Guelph Storm (19th place), Sarnia Sting (18th place) and Ottawa 67’s (17th place) were in contention to get the first overall pick with 30, 20 and 10 per cent odds, respectively.

Despite being the longest continuously-running OHL franchise (since 1956), this is the first time that the Petes have owned the first overall pick. The Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2023 but have been rebuilding since the championship win. Peterborough has won 10 OHL Championships, the second-most in OHL history behind their rival Oshawa Generals with 13.

During the 2023-24 season, they finished 17th in the league with a 20-40-8 record for 48 points. They drafted third overall, taking standout forward Colin Fitzgerald, who was also given the Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) during the team’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday night.

The following is the first-round draft order for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection:

1. Peterborough Petes

2. Guelph Storm

3. Ottawa 67’s

4. Sarnia Sting

5. Owen Sound Attack

6. North Bay Battalion

7. Soo Greyhounds

8. Flint Firebirds

9. Kingston Frontenacs*

10. Niagara IceDogs

11. Sudbury Wolves

12. Erie Otters

13. Saginaw Spirit

14. Brampton Steelheads

15. Brampton Steelheads*

16. Oshawa Generals

17. Kingston Frontenacs

18. Barrie Colts

19. Soo Greyhounds*

20. Brantford Bulldogs

21. Windsor Spitfires

22. Kitchener Rangers

23. London Knights

*- indicates compensatory pick

The OHL Priority Selection is held on April 11 to 12. The first three rounds are drafted on day one, starting at 7 p.m. Rounds 4 to 15 start on day two at 9 a.m.

The Priority Selection will be produced by YourTV and streamed for free on OHL Live and across the league’s YouTube, X and Facebook accounts.

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Peterborough Petes Head to Offseason After Commemorating Staff and Players At Annual Year-End Ceremony

As the 2024-25 regular season ended for the Peterborough Petes, the organization held its annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday.

Petes captain Johnathan melee (left) after being presented the Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) by George Gillespie, Petes Board of Directors Treasuer. melee was a recipient of the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) and Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer). pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Rob Wilson, head coach; Dave Lorentz, team president; and captain Johnathan Melee made speeches. They recognized teammates, staff and several others for supporting the organization throughout the season.

After the speeches, the following awards were presented:

• Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Braydon McCallum (22 assists)

• Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Carson Cameron

• Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Aiden Young

• Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Colin Fitzgerald

• Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Dave Jones

• Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Aiden Young

• Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedication to team) – Francis Parish

• Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Jonathan Melee (21 goals)

• Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Brennan Faulkner

• Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Carson Cameron

• Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Jonathan Melee (37 points)

• Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Gavin Bryant

• Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Jonathan Melee

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association presented gifts to the graduating and overage players:

• Quinton Pagé

• Zach Bowen

• Brennan Faulkner

• Martin Matejicek

• Matthew Jenken

• Brady Stonehouse

• Gavin Bryant

• Jonathan Melee

Oke ended the night with a speech, acknowledging the players, hockey and business staff, billets, parents and fans.

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Trent University Reopens Newly Upgraded Fitness Centre

To increase accessibility, functionality and the overall training experience for its students and student-athletes, the Trent Athletics Centre unveiled its upgraded Fitness Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Isabelle Pellerine, Fourth-Year Kinesiology Trent Student and Excalibur Volleyball player demonstrates a barbell row to showcase the newly-upgraded Fitness Centre at the Trent Athletics Centre. Photo by David Tuan bui.

“This redesign is a reflection of Trent University’s commitment to promoting health, wellness, and athletic excellence,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “By investing in modern equipment and creating a space that fosters strength and functional movement, the University is ensuring access to a top-tier fitness experience, as well as high-performance training for student-athletes.”

Throughout last month, key enhancements were made including adding eight flush-mount lifting platforms, expanding free-weight and selectorized equipment areas, and specialized sound-suppressant flooring. Additional upgrades include new treadmills, updated televisions and a reorganized layout.

Trent University hosted a grand reopening event that saw Trent students, staff, faculty and community members explore the enhanced facility, experience the new layout and view demonstrations by staff and Excalibur student-athletes.

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Peterborough to Host Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championships Aug. 15-17

Peterborough has been chosen to host the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse (WMSL) Provincial Championships held Aug. 15 to 17 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Civic Centre, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

All 10 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse League teams from across the province qualify for this event. The tournament will feature round-robin games and an elimination round. The gold medal game is set for Aug. 17.

“Peterborough has a deep-rooted lacrosse culture, from minor leagues to the 18-time Mann Cup champion Peterborough Lakers,” said Victoria Clark, WMSL assistant commissioner. “We are thrilled to bring this premier event to the community, and to further showcase the talent of women’s box lacrosse.”

“Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championship is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in women’s lacrosse, including our hometown Peterborough Lakers, and highlight Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” said Peterborough City Councilors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Peterborough Tourism and the Peterborough WMSL Lakers collaborating on this event gives us a chance to showcase our top-tier facilities and vibrant summer activities, while also allowing us to celebrate women in sport.”

The WMSL rebranded from the Ontario Women’s Box Lacrosse League in 2022 and now includes teams from Kingston, Peterborough, Whitby, Mimico, Mississauga, Hamilton, Arthur, London, Grand River and Niagara.

The WMSL Lakers competed in their inaugural season last year, finishing fourth in the regular season. The team hosted a league day in July last year at the Healthy Planet Arena. According to a press release, several fans filled the venue, which sparked enough community support to spark the team’s interest in hosting Provincials during their second year in the league.

The team fell short in the Provincial Gold Medal Game, losing 2-0 in the semi-final to the reigning champion Whitby Rush. The WMSL Lakers feature two star players, Emily VanDamme and Nicole Perroni, who were named to the WMSL All-Star Team at the end of the 2024 season.

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18 Special Olympic Athletes Medal In First Swim Meet of the Season

The Peterborough Special Olympic Swim team saw 18 members medal in their first official swim meet this year in Pickering on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Special Olympics.

They competed in the Special Olympic Swim Team DIVE into the 2025 Durham Swim Meet.

Along with the 18 swimmers who finished in the top three of their respective events, several also achieved their personal bests.

The following are the medalling swimmers:

Lisa Butler:

• 1st place – 50-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 200-metre freestyle

Steve Caban:

• 1st place– 100-metre Backstroke

• 1st place - 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place - 100-metre Breast

• 1st place – 100-metre I.M.

Danielle Clarkson-Bulgar:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Crystal Cochrane:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Mark Crowder:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Jasmine Davis:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Nick Gardiner:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

Hannah Goode:

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backcrawl

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Meagan Glaeser:

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Nicole Hewitt:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Carly Hopkinson:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

Mercedes Laking:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 100-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 100-metre Breaststroke

Breanne Mackenzie:

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Gillian McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Miriam McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 100-metre Backstroke

Kacee Quinlan:

• 1st place – 25-metre Fly

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

Tessa Scates:

• 1st place – 200-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Dominic Wichmann:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

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Registration For Jr. A Lakers Release Full Schedule For 2025 Season

The Peterborough Jr. A Lakers have officially released its Ontario Junior Lacrosse League schedule for the 2025 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers.

The season starts on the road against the Whitby Warriors on May 20 at 7:30 p.m at Iroquois Park. The team’s home opener is on May 26 at 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre against the Oakville Buzz.

“We’re thrilled to get back on the floor at the PMC in front of our incredible fans,” said Robert Hope, Lakers head coach. “Facing Oakville on May 26 is a fantastic way to kick things off at home. Our guys are hungry after last year’s playoff run, and we’re building toward something special this season.”

The following is the complete 2025 schedule:

Home Games:

• May 26, 8 p.m. vs Oakville Buzz

• May 30, 8 p.m. vs Six Nations Arrows

• June 16, 8 p.m. vs Kitchener Waterloo

• June 18, 8 p.m. vs Burlington Blaze

• June 20, 8 p.m. vs Orangeville Northmen

• June 23, 8 p.m. vs Toronto Beaches

• June 27, 8 p.m. vs St Catharines Athletics

• June 30, 8 p.m. vs Mimico Mountaineers

• July 2, 8 p.m. vs Brampton Excelsiors

• July 7, 8 p.m. vs Whitby Warriors

Away Games:

• May 20, 7:30 p.m. at Whitby Warriors (Iroquois Park – Pad 1)

• May 23, 7:30 p.m. at Kitchener Waterloo (Memorial – Aud)

• May 28, 8 p.m. at St Catharines Athletics (Canada Games Park)

• June 2, 8 p.m. at Burlington Blaze (Central Arena)

• June 5, 8 p.m. at Six Nations Arrows (Iroquois Lacrosse Arena – ILA)

• June 10, 8 p.m. at Toronto Beaches (Ted Reeve Arena)

• June 13, 8 p.m. at Mimico Mountaineers (Mimico Arena)

• June 25, 8 p.m. at Oakville Buzz (Toronto Rock Athletic Centre – TRAC)

• July 4, 8 p.m. at Brampton Excelsiors (Memorial Arena)

• July 10, 8 p.m. at Orangeville Northmen (Tony Rose Arena)

The Lakers reached the semifinals before falling to the Mimico Mountaineers last season. This year, Hope says the Lakers are eager to take the next step toward capturing the OJLL title and a shot at the prestigious Minto Cup.

“We’re not just playing for wins; we’re playing to continue building the storied legacy of lacrosse in our city,” he explained. “This season, we’re going to leave everything on the floor and do our best to bring the Minto Cup home to Peterborough, where it belongs.”

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Registration For Jr. A Lakers Summer Camp Opens This Friday

Kids can pick up their lacrosse sticks and toss the ball around as registration for the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers Summer Camp opens this Friday at 8 a.m.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers

The camp is held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in a four-week multi-sport camp for athletes ages six-12 and runs through July.

“I’m grateful for the foundation Turner has built and excited to continue delivering an unforgettable experience for our campers,” said Curtis Conley, camp director.

Conley was newly appointed to the role, taking over for Turner Evans. The former is a Trent University Bachelor of Education student with both playing and coaching experience. He is an assistant coach with the Jr. A Lakers, played for the Cobourg Kodiaks in the MSL last summer and has played professionally in the National Lacrosse League with the Albany Firewolves and New York Riptide.

“I’m passionate about teaching and coaching, and I can’t wait to help young athletes grow their skills in a supportive, high-energy environment,” said Conley.

The camp offers a mix of sports and activities, focusing on daily lacrosse instruction led by Jr. A Lakers players and special guest coaches. It is suitable for children of all skill levels.

Camp Details:

• Dates & Fees:

• Week 1: June 30, July 2-4 (four-day week) – $180

• Week 2: July 7-11 – $200

• Week 3: July 14-18 – $200

• Week 4: July 21-25 – $200

• Location: Peterborough Memorial Centre

• Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Ages: 6-12

• Highlights: Multi-sport activities with daily lacrosse training, led by Jr A Lakers players and special guests

Online registration is available or through a link at PtboJrLakers.ca. Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly, so don’t miss out! Whether you’re a returning camper or a new face, the Jr A Lakers Summer Camp is ready to welcome you for a summer of growth, leadership, and fun.

Conley says he’s looking forward to seeing everyone at camp and continuing the tradition of excellence that makes this program so special.

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Peterborough Golf and Country Club Announces Winners Curling' 'Hearts n’ Hammers' Women's Bonspiel

The winners of Peterborough Golf and Country Club’s invitational women’s bonspiel ‘Hearts n’ Hammers 2025’ were announced on Friday.

The event featured sixteen teams representing eight clubs that ran on Wednesday.

The early draw saw Susan Barnard, Tracy Kennedy, Kristin Lee and Mary Frances Thompson of Team Barnard (Peterborough Curling Club) victorius.

The late draw was won by Rachel Duffus, Joanne Dowdall-Brown, Barb Westgate and Stephanie Langlois of Team Dowdall-Brown (Renfrew Curling Club).

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2025 Inductees Announced For Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors have announced the names of six people as inductees for the class of 2025.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

The following are this year’s inductees:

Paul Day (Builder: Lacrosse)

The Peterborough-born coach is well-known in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) communities. As the general manager of the Peterborough Lakers, Day assembled four consecutive Mann Cup championship teams. He won two NLL Championships with the Buffalo Bandits and four with the Rochester Knighthawks. Day played for the Minto Cup Champion Peterborough Jr. Maulers. He is currently the general manager of the NLL’s Philadelphia Wings. He has also been inducted into the Ontario and Canadian Lacosse Halls of Fame.

David Lean (Athlete: Water Skiing)

Peterborough-born and Apsley-raised, Lean competed in two World Water Ski Championships, was a North American Water Ski Champion, a three-time Canadian Champion, the 1960 Ontario Water Ski Champion – closed and open, the 1964 and 1965 Ontario Open champion and was the 1966 Canadian Invitational overall and tricks champion. He was the first Canadian to complete the ‘wake toe hold’ trick in competition. He was a regular performer at the annual Canadian National Exhibition Water Ski Show.

Frank Mazza (Athlete: Wheelchair Paralympian)

Born with cerebral palsy, Mazza started racing in 1982 and represented Canada internationally from 1983 to 1986. Known as "‘Fast Frank Mazza,’ he was a gold medal Paralympian and a gold, silver and bronze World Games Paralympic medalist among his many accomplishments. Frank raced using only his left arm to propel his wheelchair while competing against two-arm wheelers. He held national and provincial records in many events.

Bill Plager (Athlete: Hockey)

Plager came to Peterborough in 1962 to play for the TPT Petes. He spent the 1963-64 season with the Lachine Maroons before returning to play for the Petes from 1964 to 1966. With stints in the CHL and AHL, he would go on to play for the NHL's Minnesota North Stars, Atlanta Flames and St. Louis Blues. He got the rare opportunity to play for four years and teamed up with his brothers Barclay and Bob while playing for the St. Louis Blues. The 68-69 Blues were Western Division Champions and Stanley Cup finalists. Following his 294-game NHL career, Plaguer returned to Peterborough. He contributed to the community by coaching PHA boys and PGHA girl’s teams.

Andrea (Cranley) Prieur (Builder: Lacrosse)

Peterborough native and St. Peter High School graduate Prieur has travelled the world as a member of the Canadian Medical team at Olympic, Commonwealth, Pan Am and World University games over her 20+ years as an athletic therapist. She has been a head therapist for several championships in Canada, including IIHF World Women’s Hockey, Canadian Figure Skating, CPGA Golf and Varsity and Club sports. Through ongoing education and experience, Andrea has prepared to become a world-class therapist, providing medical service to high-prestige events.

Darl Sutherland (Athlete: Long-Distance Running)

Sutherland’s career started when he came to Peterborough from Bancroft to attend Sir Sandford Fleming College. He is an OCAA gold medalist and a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association cross-country silver and bronze medalist. He captained the Fleming Knights to the 2001-02 OCAA Championship. As a marathon runner, he has won numerous events and competed in the Boston, Philadelphia and New York Marathons. He is one of Peterborough’s most prolific distant runners. Running has been Darl’s life, translating into coaching high school track and field and Special Olympics. He continues to coach at Sir Sandford Fleming College and Team Ontario.

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Registration Open For Third Annual GPHSF Charity Bonspiel Closes On Sunday

Registration for the third annual Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Charity Bonspiel, held on Feb. 15 at the Peterborough Curling Club closes on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Funds raised go towards broadening healthcare and its accessibility for Peterborough, the County, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.

“We are really excited for our third Bonspiel in partnership with Imprinted Apparel Store. This event continues to grow each year. The response remains incredibly positive. We have a great time putting it on and being part of this event” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Funds raised from this event will continue our mission to broaden health equity and access to healthcare for the residents in Peterborough City and County as well as Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.  Funds will support our partnership with the Peterborough Family Health Team, along with many other community organizations we work with.”

Registration is $300, with a $60 tax receipt. The day includes two games along with breakfast and lunch. There are $2,000 prizes to be won provided by Imprinted Apparel Store and $500 in prizes provided by Goldline. Other activities such as trivia challenges, raffle draws, cornhole boards and many other opportunities to win prizes will be at the event.

Participants can register online. Only 24 teams are available. GPHSF notes that participants should have some experience with the game and their equipment. They will not be able to provide on-ice training for beginners.

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