"Peterborough Has Become My Home" Peterborough Petes Captain Reflects On Four-Year Tenure With Team

As Petes captain Jonathan Melee bids farewell to his team and the city after four years, he reflects on how Peterborough became his home and winning an OHL Championship.

Melee (left) has been named the 63rd captain in franchise history after the departure of former captain Donovan McCoy who was traded the the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Melee played his final game as a Pete against the Oshawa Generals on Sunday. He committed to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., to play for the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. Melee says he will bring the leadership and championship mentality he learned in Peterborough to Sacred Heart.

“(It’s) The way I’ll come to the rink every day ready to work, being a friendly guy in the locker room, (being) a leader and just bringing a championship mentality to the dressing room,” he explained.

The Hamilton Bulldogs (now Brantford Bulldogs) originally selected Melee in the second round, 21st overall, of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 26 games for the Bulldogs before being acquired by the Petes in January of 2022 in a trade involving Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.

Melee was part of the OHL Championship-winning Petes during the 2022-23 season, where he had nine goals and 18 assists in 58 games. He also tacked on five goals in 13 playoff games during that championship run.

“The guys welcomed me in right away,” said Melee. “That group was special. That championship team, I'll never forget every face in that dressing room, I'll always have that bond and memories to share and reconnect with.”

On Jan. 10 last year, Melee was named the team’s 63rd captain in franchise history. This came after the team had traded away former captain Donovan McCoy to the Sudbury Wolves prior to the trade deadline.

Along with the OHL Championship, Melee also left Peterborough with some extra hardware as the Petes held their annual year-end banquet and awards ceremony at the Venue on Tuesday.

Melee took home three awards, including the Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals), the Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) and the coveted Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates).

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.

Last season, he won the Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability). During the 2022-23 season, he won the Norm Bryan Award (most improved player).

Melee finishes his Ontario Hockey League tenure with the Petes, scoring 48 goals and 72 assists for 120 points in four seasons. The Rockland native says he will miss Peterborough which he considers his home away from home.

“Peterborough has become my home and I don't even have the words to say how much I love it in Peterborough and how thankful I am I ended up here,” he explained. “I have nothing but thanks for the city, thanks for everybody in the organizations, everyone that's been involved in the past four years. It's a place I call home, a place I'm comfortable (with) and I'm going to miss seeing all these faces every day.”

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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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Peterborough Petes to Host Mental Health Awareness Game This Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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