Peterborough U15 AAA Petes Undefeated to Capture BP Icefest Championship

The Peterborough Jesse’s Tap and Grill U15 AAA Petes reached the top of the mountain to become BP Icefest champions, defeating the Kitchener Jr. Rangers in overtime, 1-0, to cap off an undefeated run on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Minor Petes.

Their journey to the top started with routing Timmins 6-0 on Thursday.

In a close game, the Petes edged out the same Kitchener team 2-1 in overtime followed by a 5-0 win over Cambridge.

On Saturday, the Petes knocked off the Buffalo Regals 5-2 to advance to the quarterfinals.

They faced off against Burlington and shut them out 4-0.

The Petes got the Grey Bruce Highlanders in the semifinals and posted another shutout, winning 1-0 over Grey Bruce on Sunday morning.

With little rest, the Petes capped off their undefeated tournament with a win over Kitchener, earning their fifth shutout of BP Icefest.

Goaltenders Landen White and Matty Colling were outstanding all weekend.

Rostered players were Prestin Allen, Blake Brioux, Tyson Hawley, Taymon Browne, Liam Williams, Kotter Grove, Reid Cameron, Lucas McIntyre, Cole Roberts, Cooper Poskin, Hannu Packalen, Colton Adams, Kalum Phillips, Gage Cooper-Bailey, Joe Gusso, Taytem Adams. Landen White and Matty Colling were the goalie tandem that helped Peterborough with five combined shutouts.

Head coach Joe Hawley led the team which was backed by assistant coaches Rob Baker, Dan Robertson, Brock Davis and Kevin Sparling. Trainer Lynn Todd and manager Ben Adams were also part of the winning Petes team.

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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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Hometown PTBO: Nolan Burke On His Recent Trade to the San Jose Sharks

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with San Jose Sharks prospect Nolan Burke about being recently traded to the team, his hockey career including the Peterborough Minor Petes and Sarnia Sting and taking the next steps in his NHL career.

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Hometown PTBO: Peterborough Petes Forward Colin Fitzgerald Being Drafted to His Hometown Team

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Peterborough Petes centreman Colin Fitzgerald about being drafted to his hometown team, growing up with the Minor Petes system and how his father, a former OHL draftee, helped shape his hockey life.

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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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Peterborough Petes Sign Three Players to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements

The Peterborough Petes signed Masen Johnston, Adam Levac and Genc Ula to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Adam and Genc were two players that our scouts were impressed with during evaluations last year,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We were very excited when we were able to select them in the draft.” 

Johnston, a Peterborough native, was originally selected by the Petes in the sixth round, 112th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 2007-born, 6’1” goaltender featured in 21 games last season for the Peterborough Petes U18s, posting a 2.39 goals against average (GAA). In 2022-23, Johnston played for the Peterborough Petes U16, picking up a 1.20 GAA in 17 games. He also played in six games in the 2023 OHL Cup, recording a 2.89 GAA.

“Masen is another example of the great partnership we have utilizing the U18 Petes as our primary affiliate,” said Oke. “Last season, Masen was able to continue his development playing with the U18 Petes while working out and practicing with the OHL team on a regular basis including getting one-on-one time with Andrew Verner.”

“It’s surreal,” said Johnston. “Being from Peterborough and growing up watching the Petes, it’s a dream come true to sign with the team.”

Levac, a 2008-born forward from Embrun, Ont. was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 32 games last season with the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s, he scored 18 goals and added 24 assists for 42 points while serving as team captain. Levac also featured in two games for the Navan Grads of the CCHL, picking up one assist.

“It feels amazing to sign with the Petes,” said Levac. “I'm very honoured to have this opportunity and I’m excited to get started.”

Ula, a 2008-born defenceman from Chappaqua, N.Y., was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 99th overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 22 games with the North Jersey Avalanche last season, Ula scored 11 goals and added nine assists for 20 points. 

“It’s incredible,” exclaimed Ula. “I’m very honoured and excited to sign with the Petes. I have a great opportunity in front of me and I can’t wait to take advantage of it.” 

Quinn Binnie has been reassigned ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener in Port Hope. Binnie, an overage forward, played in 57 games for the Petes last season.

“I’d like to thank Quinn for being a great ambassador for the Petes both on and off the ice over the last year,” said Oke. This was a very difficult decision, but one that we had to make due to the number of overage players each team is allowed to carry. We wish Quinn nothing but the best moving forward.”

The following players have also been reassigned:

• Joshua Kaufman

• Kaiden Thatcher

• Aiden Lee

• Vasily Serov

• Easton Lynds

“As we move into preseason, more tough decisions have had to be made,” said Oke. “We will continue to monitor these players moving forward.”

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

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 Goaltender Passes Away From Fatal Crash In Ottawa

Peterborough-born goaltender Creed Jones has passed away after a fatal crash near the Highway 416/417 split in Ottawa on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Gatineau Olympiques/Facebook.

The 24-year-old former U16 Peterborough Pete was one of two people killed that night according to Ontario Provincial Police.

“It is with great sadness that the Gatineau Olympiques organization has learned of the passing of one of our alumni, Creed Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” the Olypiques stated from an X post.

Creed’s other former teams, including the Peterborough Petes, paid their respects to the late goaltender on social media.

“The Peterborough Petes are saddened to learn about the passing of former minor Pete and Peterborough native Creed Jones. Our thoughts are with Creed’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

“The Wellington Dukes organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Duke Creed Jones. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

“The Saint John Sea Dogs are saddened to learn about the passing of former goaltender Creed Jones. Our thoughts are with Creed’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Both drivers were seen travelling at high rates of speed before the collision as stated by the OPP. One rider was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was taken to the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus before succumbing to their injuries.

The Olympiques said they will pay tribute to Jones in a game against one of his former teams, the Rimouski Océanic on Sept. 28 with details to follow.

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Peterborough AAA Hockey Council Honours Audrey Runnalls With Memorial Fund

To tribute a beloved community member, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council honours the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund.

(From Left to Right) Mike Hennesey, grandson; Rick Runnalls, son; Bill Juby and Wayne Clark of the AAA Council. Photo courtesy of Wayne Clark.

It was established by Bill Juby and aims to assist players in financial need and ensure that every child can participate in the sport they love.

The $12,500 is drawn from the proceeds of the longstanding PrimeSite Midget Hockey Tournament, now called the Century 21 Tournament of Champions. The tournament has been in the Peterborough hockey community for over two decades.

Organized by Juby, the tournament consistently provided annual bursaries to support young athletes. The efforts continue under the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund. Juby had coached Midget teams for over two decades.

Juby dedicated a significant portion of his life to local hockey and fastball. He expressed his desire to honour the memory of Runnalls through this fund according to a press release. She was known for her unwavering support, positive spirit and volunteerism within the hockey community.

“Audrey was an incredible individual whose dedication to the sport and our community was unmatched,” said Juby. “By establishing this fund in her name, we hope to continue her legacy of support and inclusivity in Peterborough hockey.”

Audrey’s sons, Karl and Rick, played in the system.

“Both Rick and I are very proud that our mother’s legacy continues to benefit the Peterborough hockey community and the players in need,” said Karl. She was truly Peterborough’s ‘Hockey Mom,’ not just for us but for all the Petes minor hockey players.”

Chad Cavanagh, Peterborough AAA President was a former player in Bill Juby’s program.

“The Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to families who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with AAA hockey,” he said. “This initiative ensures that all aspiring players have the chance to develop their skills and enjoy the camaraderie and life lessons that come with being part of a team.  This is also a great opportunity to share the legacy of a wonderful hockey parent who brought an infectious positive energy and attitude to minor hockey.”

In recognizing Audrey Runnalls through this memorial fund, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council says it wants to honour her memory and reaffirm its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all players.

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