Petes Come Out On Top In Overtime 6-5; Peterborough Leads Series Over London Knights, 2-1

The record-setting 4,000 fans at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) were roaring after the Petes scored a walk-off overtime goal to win 6-5 and take a 2-1 series lead in the OHL Championship over the London Knights on Monday night.

The Petes have only lost one playoff home game this postseason. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

London got the start that they wanted with a goal 31 seconds into the game from captain Sean McGurn, tipping in an Isaiah George point shot to make it 1-0. The Knights quickly extended their lead in the final 20 seconds of their powerplay as Ryan Winterton capitalized on a rebound in the slot to make it 2-0. The Petes finally got on the scoreboard as Owen Beck scored on a sharp-angle shot, sneaking by Knights goaltender Zach Bowen with 1:14 left in the period to make it 2-1 into the second.

It was a fireworks show for both teams in the middle frame as shortly after a penalty kill, Peterborough immediately went on the attack. Owen Beck scooped up a loose puck and fed it to J.R. Avon for a breakaway. Avon made no mistake and made a beautiful deke to beat Bowen for the 2-2 tie early in the second. London quickly countered as Gavin White turned it over in his own zone and McGurn capitalized and restored London’s lead, 3-2. Five minutes later, Chase Stillman sniped the top corner from the point for a 3-3 tie. Brennan Othmann continued his playoff dominance with the eighth goal of the playoffs (and 23rd point) for Peterborough’s first lead of the night 4-3. It was short-lived as London’s Brody Crane cashed in a rebound for a 4-4 tie. Just 1:21 later, Jackson Edward scored his first of the season, beating Petes goalie Michael Simpson through the five-hole for a one-goal lead heading into the third.

The final frame saw Stillman rip home a goal from the high slot early in the period to tie things up at 5-5, his second of the game. It was the only goal in the period as the game went into overtime.

Tucker Robertson (left) with head coach Rob Wilson (right) during the post-game press conference. Robertson scored his second consecutive game-winning goal in the series in both of Peterborough’s wins. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The game was settled quickly as Avery Hayes threw a shot on net that hit Tucker Robertson and was able to slide it through for the game-winning walk-off goal.

“I’m playing with two really good players so they make it easy out there for me out there,” said Robertson. “I get a lot of chances and I’ve been able to bury them lately but I’d say nothing’s changed too much.”

“Big players in big moments always end up in coming up with big goals,” said Rob Wilson, Petes head coach.

Robertson, Stillman and Winterton earned three stars of the game.

The Petes return to the PMC for Game Four of the OHL Championship on Wednesday night as they look to take a stranglehold on the series.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Struggle To Find the Back of the Net, Shutout In Game One of OHL Championship 3-0

The 2006 OHL Championship rematch started on the wrong foot for the Peterborough Petes as they were shutout by the London Knights in Game One, 3-0 at the Budweiser Gardens in London on Thursday night.

Peterborough won the series 4-0 during the 2006 OHL Championship against the London Knights. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes found themselves in an unfamiliar position as they were trailing in shots on goal, a stat they typically lead in. They were up 3-1 in shots then let nine consecutive shots from London after that. Petes goalie Michael Simpson stood tall and stopped all 12 in the period to keep the Knights off the board. Peterborough only registered seven shots and Zach Bowen was able to shut them all down for London for a 0-0 tie into the second.

The shots were exactly the same with London restricting Peterborough’s chances once again. Gavin White had a close one, ringing it past Bowen from the point but off the post during a powerplay to keep the game scoreless. Owen Beck received a pass to the high slot but Bowen robbed him with an incredible glove save that kept the former in disbelief. London eventually broke the deadlock as Denver Barkey gained the zone and skated to the side of the net. He dished it to Easton Cowan who had a wide-open chance and sent it home for a 1-0 lead going into the third.

Peterborough was able to register more shots in this period than the Knights, 10-8 but struggled to get one past Bowen. Jacob Julien doubled the lead as he had shot sent wide however on a fortunate rebound, it got back to his stick and took advantage of an aggressive Simpson for a 2-0 lead with under 6:30 left in the game. London added an empty netter to seal it and took Game One.

Bowen, Easton Cohen and Isaiah George, all form London were awarded the three stars of the game.

The Petes seek a series split as Game Two is on Saturday in London.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Game Three and Four OHL Championship Tickets On Sale

Tickets for Peterborough Petes’ Game Three and Game Four for the OHL Championship at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) have gone on sale to the public.

The Petes defeat3d the London Knights for the OHL Championship in 2006. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.

The tickets went on sale as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

An official watch party for Game One is being held at the PMC Pub and Grill at 6 p.m. Thursday. Food and drink are available with prizes to be won according to the Petes.

The full schedule for the OHL Final against the London Knights is as follows:

• Game One – Thursday, May 11 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Two – Saturday, May 13 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Three – Monday, May 15 at Peterborough, 7 p.m.

• Game Four – Wednesday, May 17 at Peterborough, 7:30 p.m.

• Game Five – Friday, May 19 at London, 7:30 p.m.

• Game Six – Sunday, May 21 at Peterborough, 7 p.m.

• Game Seven – Monday, May 22 at London, 7 p.m.

*If necessary

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Win Bobby Orr Trophy As Eastern Conference Champions, Defeating North Bay 3-2 in Game Seven; Will Face London Knights in OHL Championship

The Peterborough Petes are returning home with the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference Champions after a 3-2 victory over the Battalion in Game Seven at the North Bay Memorial Gardens on Monday night.

The Peterborough Petes won back-to-back games on consecutive nights to win the series against the North Bay Battalion. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

Both teams finished Game Six in Peterborough on Sunday and are on the second leg of back-to-back games.

North Bay opened the scoring 10:56 into the period as the Battalion recovered the puck in their own zone and started their rush. Josh Bloom made a cross-ice pass to Justin Ertel who took a shot. It was blocked by Gavin White and went back to the stick of Bloom who had a wide open net and scored for a 1-0 lead. That remained the score after the first with Peterborough leading in shots, 14-8.

Peterborough got in rhythm early in the second as Montréal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck started the attack from his own end. He took advantage of a Battalion player who slipped, gained the offensive zone and rifled it past North Bay goaltender Dom DiVincentiis top shelf for a 1-1 tie. Brennan Othmann continued to stay hot during the playoffs as he sniped a shot from a sharp angle to give the Petes a 2-1 lead. That was Othmann’s seventh goal of the playoffs and the eighth point of the series. He has failed to register a point in two of 17 playoff games this postseason for Peterborough. North Bay would tie the game with 7:11 left in the period as Ty Nelson made a point shot and got tipped by Battalion captain Liam Arnsby as both teams headed into the third.

The Petes made their stamp early in the third period as just under six minutes in, Selwyn’s J.R. Avon had a partial breakaway and chipped it over DiVincentiis to give Peterborough a 3-2 lead. The Petes clamped down defensively despite coughing up a penalty as the limited North Bay to five shots in the period. The Battalion pulled their goalie with under two minutes to go in desperation to tie the game. Several Petes blocked many shots to prevent a score and Peterborough held on for a 3-2 win.

Captain Shawn Spearing had taken two blocked shots to the face during the contest and was taken to a local hospital to treat his injuries. During the presentation of the Bobby Orr Trophy for the Eastern Conference Champions, the team held up Spearing’s jersey, honouring their captain’s sacrifice and effort for the win.

Avon, Brian Zanetti and Arnsby were awarded the three stars of the game.

The win gives Peterborough a spot for the franchise’s 14th OHL Championship series and will face the Wayne Gretzky Trophy-champion London Knights for the J. Ross Robertson Cup in a 2006 rematch.

This is Peterborough’s second Bobby Orr trophy since it was introduced in 1999. The Petes made 12 appearances in the OHL Final before the trophy was introduced. The team is looking to capture its 10th J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The full schedule for the OHL Final against the London Knights is as follows:

• Game One – Thursday, May 11 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Two – Saturday, May 13 at London, 7 p.m.

• Game Three – Monday, May 15 at Peterborough, 7 p.m

• Game Four – Wednesday, May 17 at Peterborough, TBD

• Game Five – Friday, May 19 at London, TBD*

• Game Six – Sunday, May 21 at Peterborough, Time TBD*

• Game Seven – Monday, May 22 at London, TBD*

*If necessary

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Connor Lockhart's Hat Trick Propels Peterborough Petes In 5-4 Win, Regular-Season Champion Ottawa 67's Eliminated

The Peterborough Petes have knocked off the regular-season champion Ottawa 67’s in a nail-biting game six with a 5-4 win and won the series 4-2 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday night.

The Petes have yet to lose two consecutive playoff games and lose at home this postseason. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes got rolling in the first as Owen Beck knocked down a puck in the offensive zone, passed to Chase Stillman who made a spinning backhand pass to Connor Lockhart for a one-timer goal to make it 1-0. Peterborough continued their offense as two minutes later, Brennan Othmann fed Avery Hayes another one-timer to make it 2-0. Ottawa was able to get one before the period’s end as Gavin Ewles ripped one from the high slot through traffic for a 2-1 game.

It was all Peterborough in the second period as Beck found Lockhart on a saucer pass from an odd-man rush and the latter was able to chip it backhanded, beating Ottawa goaltender Max Donoso to make it 3-1 Petes. Peterborough went right back on the attack as 30 seconds later, Jonathan Melee and the Petes with an outnumbered attack ripped it past Donoso to extend Peterborough’s lead to 4-1.

Lockhart continued where he left off as he completed the hat trick in the first minute of the third. Lockhart tried to feed Stillman for a one-timer but a spectacular save was made by backup goalie Collin MacKenzie but the rebound went back to Lockhart for his third of the game. Ottawa would not go quietly however much like game five, scoring four goals in the third period and erasing a three-goal deficit. In just under five minutes, Derek Smyth, Vinzenz Rohrer and Luca Pinelli scored to make it 5-4. The Petes were able to hang on this time and defeat Ottawa, eliminating the regular-season champions in six games. This is the Petes’s first Conference Championship since 2016-17.

Lockhart, Stillman and Beck were awarded three starts of the game.

Tickets for the Conference Championship go on sale Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. through the Grant Thornton Box Office. Peterborough will play the winner between the North Bay Battalion and the Barrie Colts who play game seven on Tuesday night.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Add Hometown Talent As Part of 13 Players Taken In 2023 OHL Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes added some hometown talent selecting three players from the City and County as part of 13 players selected in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection on Friday and Saturday.

(From left to right) Michael Oke, Petes general manager; Joseph Cadorin, forward; Carson Cameron, defenseman and Masen Johnston, goaltender. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Three of their draft picks were showcased at a press conference including two hometown players in first-round pick and defenseman Carson Cameron (Bobcaygeon) and sixth-round pick goaltender Masen Johnston (Peterborough).

Also present was forward Joseph Cadorin (Kleinburg) who was drafted in the fourth round as Peterborough’s second pick in the draft. Defenseman Kaiden Thatcher (Bethany) rounds out the local talent as Peterborough’s final pick in the 15th round but was not present at the conference since he was not drafted during the time the event was being held.

“We are really excited about this group of players that we were able to add yesterday and today,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “We feel these players put us in a great position moving forward and we can’t wait for development camp.”

On Friday night, the Petes drafted Cameron with the 13th overall pick. The 15-year-old registered eight goals and 30 assists with the U16 AAA Central Ontario Wolves and won the Steve Richey Tournament with them on Jan. 22.

“It's surreal, I never thought I'd get picked by the Petes in the first place,” he explained. “I grew up coming to watch the games, I used to come to the CanSkates and it's pretty unreal to walk through the door, this time with a Petes jersey on.”

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Cadorin was drafted 76th overall from the U16 AAA Ajax-Pickering Raiders with one goal and 10 assists through 34 games. The pick originally belonged to the Saginaw Spirit and was the teams’ second pick of the draft.

“I was very happy to be drafted by such a great organization with a great team,” he said. “Leading up to the draft, I was pretty nervous. I didn't know where I was going to go or who will take me but I'm just happy Peterborough took me.”

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Johnston was taken 112th overall as Peterborough’s fourth pick from the U16 Minor AAA Peterborough Petes. He was the winning goalie for the Petes when they won the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championship on March 19 in triple overtime.

“They (Peterborough Petes) develop goalies really well and I worked with Andrew Verner so I'm really excited to continue working with him and it's going to be an awesome journey,” he explained. “They really care about their goaltending and they put an emphasis on developing goalies and they really care to make great goaltending.”

“Masen’s a true Peterborough kid,” said Michael Farrugia, U16 AAA Petes head coach. “He’s been an AAA Pete since Novice so it’s fitting he starts this new chapter in his backyard.”

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The Petes added 13 players including eight forwards, four defencemen and a goaltender. The following is the Petes draft results:

• First round, 13th overall: Carson Cameron, D, Central Ontario Wolves

• Fourth round, 76th overall: Joseph Cadorin, F, Toronto Marlboros

• Fifth round, 88th overall: Liam Ladds, D, Elgin-Middlesex Canucks

• Sixth round, 112th overall: Masen Johnston, G, Peterborough Petes

• Seventh round, 133rd overall: Chase Del Colombo, F, Toronto Nationals

• Eighth round, 153rd overall: Gavin Lock, F, Detroit Little Caesars

• Ninth round, 173rd overall: Easton Lynds, F, Mississauga Senators

• 10th round, 193rd overall: Calum Hartnell, D, Ottawa Jr. Senators

• 10th round, 196th overall: Thanasi Marentette, D, Toronto Nationals

• 11th round, 213th overall: Francis Parish, F, Central Ontario Wolves

• 12th round, 234th overall: Aiden Lee, F, Markham Majors

• 13th round, 253rd overall: Brody Leet, F, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs

• 14th round, 273rd overall: Joshua Kaufman, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers

• 15th round, 293rd overall: Kaiden Thatcher, D, Ajax-Pickering Raiders

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Topple Ottawa 67's in 3-1 Victory; One Win Away From Eliminating Regular-Season Champions

The Peterborough Petes are one game away from knocking off the regular-season champion Ottawa 67’s after a 3-1 victory at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night with the series as the same score.

The Petes have won three consecutive games against Ottawa, one more victory than during their regular season series. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes gave Ottawa no room in the first period, limiting them to four shots in the period while putting Ottawa’s goalie Max Donoso under siege with 11 shots of their own. He and Petes goaltender Michael Simpson were able to stop them all however as it remained scoreless after one.

Brennan Othmann continued where he left off after scoring the game-winner on Tuesday night with a tipped shot from captain Shawn Spearing to put the Petes up 1-0. Just over six minutes later, Chase Stillman joined the score sheet by pounding on a rebound to extend Peterborough’s lead to 2-0. Spearing had the secondary assists, putting him at two for the night. Ottawa was able to get on the board with just over a minute left as Luca Pinelli on the powerplay capitalized on a rebound and scored after excellent puck movement from Ottawa to make it 2-1.

The Petes continued pushing the pace as they controlled majority of the third period and limiting puck possession for Ottawa. Owen Beck gave Peterborough some insurance with an empty netter for a 3-1 victory and a 3-1 series lead. Spearing assisted on that play for this third helper.

Spearing, Stillman and Donoso were named the three starts of the game respectively.

The Petes will try to close out the series this Saturday as they head back to the nation’s capital for game five with puck drop at 4 p.m.

A record 50/50 jackpot of $9,668 was won in honour of longtime Petes volunteer and Booster Club founding member, Betty Nelson who passed away on March 31. A portion of the proceeds will be donated in Nelson’s name, courtesy of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Petes Tickets Sold Out Online For Game Four's 'Whiteout'

Online tickets for Peterborough Petes’ game four have sold out as the organization is asking fans to wear white for the ‘whiteout’ against the Ottawa 67’s on Thursday night.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH ANDERSEN AND THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.

A select amount are still available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre Grant Thornton Box Office by calling (705) 743-3561 or by visiting the Box Office in person.

The Petes Store also restocked white shirts for the whiteout which are available for purchase on game day in person or online.

A record $5,000 minimum 50/50 jackpot is being held in honour of Betty Nelson. Tickets can be purchased online or at the game. The draw will take place in the third period.

The following is the remaining schedule for the second round against the Ottawa 67s:

• Game 4: Thursday, April 20 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough

• Game 5: Saturday, April 22 @ 4:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa

• Game 6: Monday, April 24 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough*

• Game 7: Tuesday, April 25 @ 7:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa*

*if necessary

The Petes are back in action for game four on Thursday to try and take a commanding 3-1 series over the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Score Late For 3-2 Win; Hold 2-1 Series Lead Over Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes crowd was excited and loud with a ‘white out’ as the team had a 3-2 win over the Ottawa 67’s thanks to a late third-period goal to lead the series 2-1 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

The Petes had their first lead of game three with 1:15 left in teh third period. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Both teams had to feel each other out exchanging chances but Ottawa drew first blood with 1:49 left in the period. Brad Gardiner snared the puck out of the air and deked around Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. The former was able to make a cross-crease pass behind Simpson’s pads and Cameron Tolnai cleaned up on a wide-open net for a 1-0 lead after the first period.

Peterborough started to put their offensive prowess on display, getting 19 shots on goal for the period. The Petes tied it up when Avery Hayes saw a puck trickle out from a board battle behind the net. He slapped a one-timer past 67’s goaltender Max Donoso to tie the game at 1-1. The tie was short-lived as Luca Pinella forced an errant pass from Brian Zanetti to allow Cooper Foster score in the slot, uncontested just 10 seconds after the prior goal. Peterborough quickly retaliated 24 seconds later as J.R. Avon ripped a shot just after an offensive-zone faceoff and Jax Dubois pounced on the rebound to make it 2-2 going into the thrid.

The third period saw an impressive sequence for the Petes just under two minutes left in the game. Tolnai had a breakaway chance to possibly get a late lead but Konnor Smith made a diving play to poke the puck into the corner and prevent the scoring chance. Ottawa was forced to bring the pack back into the neutral zone but a mishandled pass by Ottawa allowed Brennan Othmann get a breakaway of his own. He tucked a backhand through Donoso’s five-hole to give the Petes a 3-2 lead with a minute remaining and the Petes held on for a 3-2 win.

Othmann, Dubois and Hayes were named the three stars of the game and hold a 2-1 series lead over the OHL regular-season champions.

The Petes are back in action for game four on Thursday to try and take a commanding 3-1 series over the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Even Series With 2-1 Road Win Over Ottawa 67s

After losing game one to the regular-season champion Ottawa 67s 4-2 on Friday, the Peterborough Petes have evened the series at 1-1 with a 2-1 win at the TD Place on Sunday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The first goal occurred during a four-on-four. Petes goaltender Michael Simpson made a difficult save with heavy traffic in front in point-blank range. This resulted in an odd-man rush as J.R. Avon fed Brennan Othmann for a 1-0 lead. That resulted in the period’s only goal.

Peterborough kept their foot on the gas as 30 seconds in, the Petes won the faceoff where Gavin White slapped one home from the point with a screen to make it 2-0. Simpson had stopped all 23 shots to this point, looking for the first playoff shutout of the season.

Peterborough clamped down defensively, reducing Ottawa to three shots in the period. The 67s pulled their goalie late in the game and scored a goal just 87 seconds left in the game. Jack Matier took a swipe at a loose puck after the faceoff draw in the Petes zone that snuck through Simpson but the Petes hung on for a 2-1 win.

Simpson and Othmann earned first and second star of the game honours with Matier earning the third star for Ottawa.

The Petes are on home ice at the Peterborough Memorial Centre Tuesday for game three, looking to take a series lead for the first time against Ottawa.

Fans are encouraged to wear white for the game for a ‘white out’ with exclusive playoff rally towels provided. The move is to show encouragement for the home team during the playoffs. The tradition began in 1987 by the Winnipeg Jets as a form of intimidation while displaying home team support.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.