"The All-Time Goal is to Win An OHL Championship" Peterborough Petes Number Overall Pick Kaden McGregor Brings Championship Aspirations to the Team

Less than 24 hours after being selected first overall by the Peterborough Petes, forward Kaden McGregor wants to ultimately bring an OHL Championship back to the Electric City as he was introduced to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

This is the first time the Petes have been able to introduce McGregor to Peterborough as a member of the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Petes introduced McGregor to the media and public at a press conference a day after he was in Burlington for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA to a league title this past season and says he will work diligently to give Peterborough a similar result.

“I want to work as hard this summer and earn the right to play, earn my ice time,” explained McGregor. “I want to play whatever role this team needs me to play and the all-time goal is to win an OHL Championship.”

The right-handed shot is the franchise’s first-ever number one overall pick in its 69-year tenure, an honour McGregor plans to hold with pride.

“I'm humbled and honoured to be that first overall selection for the Peterborough Petes,” he said. “I think it shows a lot about how great this organization is and how well the coaching staff and Board of Directors is. I just want to thank them again for putting their faith in me and I won't let them down.”

(From left to right) Easton Rye, Petes goaltender; Carson Cameron, Petes defenceman; Kaden McGregor and Colin Fitzgerald; Petes forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the press conference, McGregor showed his gratitude for not only the Petes staff but the rest of his family, claiming he would not be where he was without their love, help and support.

“My parents… Every practice, every game, they're there for me. After the games, when they don't go to well, they're always there for me,” he said. “My siblings, I come home, they're always so friendly, they have just pushed me to become the player that I am and I'm so thankful for all of these people.”

father Stacey McGregor (left), Kaden (middle) and mother Lisa McGegor (right) all pose for a family photo for the first time with the son as a Pete in Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a newcomer to town, McGregor has already embraced and appreciated the inclusive atmosphere Peterborough has shown to him and his family.

“I've heard about the sellouts that this crowd had and how great this atmosphere and fans are and I'm so thankful to be a part of Peterborough and I'm just thankful for the fans for welcoming me,” concluded McGregor.

The following is a list of this year’s draft picks for the Peterborough Petes:

• First round (1) - Kaden McGregor - Forward - Ottawa Valley Titans U16

• Second round (27) - Kieran Raynor - Forward - Niagara North Stars U16

• Second round (31) - Matthew Perreault - Defence - Toronto Titans U16

• Third round (61) - Gerry DiCunzolo - Forward - Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15s

• Sixth round (104) - Daniel Tout - Defence - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• Seventh round (124) - Brody Robertson - Forward - Toronto Titans U16

• Eighth round (144) - Luke Schairer - Defence - USA U17

• Ninth round (164) - Eric Wood - Defence - Sun County Panthers U16

• 10th round (184) - Pacey Adduono - Forward - Oakmoor Academy 16U

• 11th round (204) - Ty Gendron - Forward - Barrie Jr. Colts U16

• 12th round (224) - Joseph Szarka - Defence - Brantford 99ers U16

• 13th round (244) - Brandt Rooyakkers - Forward - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• 14th round (264) - Chase MacKay - Forward - North Central Predators U16

• 15th round (284) - Tyson Cartier - Defence - Waterloo Wolves U16

• 15th round (301) - Joshua Goodwin - Defence - North Shore Whitecaps

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Peterborough Petes Select Kaden McGregor As Franchise's First Number One Overall Pick

It is official for the Peterborough Petes as Kaden McGregor becomes the club’s first number one overall pick in franchise history at the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, announced on Friday night.

Screenshot.

“I’m speechless,” said McGregor. “This has been a dream of mine, ever since I was a little kid. To hear it finally get called, it’s a surreal moment for me and my family.”

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA club this past season with a 29-2-1 record. McGregor led his team to a league title with 38 goals and 44 assists for 82 points in 29 regular-season games. He also tacked on 24 points in nine playoff contests en route to a championship.

He was named the Hockey Eastern Ontario AAA League U16 Player of the Year, joining former Petes first-round pick and Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, who won the award in 2019.

“We’re very excited to select Kaden with the first overall pick in the 2025 Priority Selection,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Kaden is a right-handed centre who plays a solid two-way game. He had an excellent season with the Ottawa Valley Titans, captaining them to an HEO Championship and being named HEO player of the year. He followed that up with a solid showing in the OHL Cup, finishing third in points and being named to the tournament all-star team.”

The right-handed shot says Petes fans can expect a lot out of him as a number one priority selection.

“They can expect a tenacious forward, someone who can play both ends of the game,” explained McGregor. I prioritize compete level. Every shift, I go out there, I compete as hard as I can. I have high IQ and I like to use my size and speed to set up plays in the offensive zone and make my teammates around me better.”

With McGregor as the first overall pick, he is named the recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award. The award is named after Jack Ferguson, a long-time OHL’s central scouting director. McGregor joins NHL stars such as Eric Lindros, John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid and Quinton Byfield to receive the honour.

In the OHL Cup, McGregor was the third-highest scorer with three goals and eight assists for 11 points in five games. His performance led the Titans to a quarter-final finish, losing in overtime to the eventual champion Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He was named to the tournament All-Star team, becoming the only player on this year’s All-Star team to not make the finals. This year, McGregor also played in OFSAA for St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew. McGregor dominated the tournament, scoring 21 goals in six games.

The Petes will introduce McGregor in a press conference on Saturday at 8:45 a.m., which will be live-streamed on their Facebook Page.

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Celebration of Life For Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Held Next Week Thursday

A celebration of life for Peterborough Petes alumnus, sports broadcaster and longtime local resident Gregory (Greg) Hearst Millen will be held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre next Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. for family, friends and colleagues.

Photo courtesy of Reynolds Funeral Home.

Millen passed away at 67 unexpectedly from a cardiovascular event on Monday.

He played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

Millen married his high school sweetheart, Ann. This summer would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, the couple had four children: Allie (Mike Mason), Emily (Garrett Kean), Caroline (Mike Tobin), and Charlie (Marissa DiNardo). He and Ann also had eight grandchildren (Beau, Pippa, Beatrice, Oscar, Louie, June, Wallace, and Penelope).

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ALS Canada or the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Greg Millen Passes Away

Peterborough Petes alumnus and longtime local resident Greg Millen has passed away at 67 years old, announced on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Millen played for the Petes from 1974-1977, playing 144 games as a goaltender for three seasons. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play over 600 games in the NHL. Over his 14-year NHL career, Millen played for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

After retiring from playing, Millen went into broadcasting. He started by covering the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season in 1992-93. His broadcasting career includes roles as a colour commentator for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. Millen had covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.

The longtime Bridgenorth resident was well known in Peterborough and beyond. He has been honoured throughout the hockey world and also had a teaching stint at Fleming College.

Millen leaves behind his wife Ann and their four children.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Three Draft Picks From Sarnia Sting

The Peterborough Petes have acquired three picks from the Sarnia Sting in exchange for two of their own, announced on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes have acquired the following picks from the Sarnia Sting:

• 2027 3rd round pick

• 2026 8th round pick

• 2027 conditional 15th round pick

In exchange, the Sarnia Sting has received:

• 2025 3rd round pick (Erie)

• 2028 10th round rick

The OHL Priority Selection will be held over two days, with Rounds 1-3 beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11th. Rounds 4-15 start at 9 a.m. the next day.

The Petes currently have five picks in the first three rounds: one in the first round (number one overall pick), two in the second round and two more in the third round.

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Peterborough Petes End Season With a Pair of Weekend Losses

In the final two games of the regular season, the Peterborough Petes end it with losses to the Brampton Steelheads and Oshawa Generals on Friday and Sunday respectively.

Photo courtesy of Kalvin Taylor Goodall Media and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes first visited the CAA Centre to take on the Steelheads but were easily dispatched by a score of 6-1. Peterborough native Porter Martone had the game’s opening goal as his only point. Former Pete Konnor Smith had five points including a hat trick and two assists.

Martin Matejicek scored the lone goal for the Petes with Aiden Young and Brennan Faulkner each picking up an assist.

Peterborough ended their season with a rivalry tilt against the Generals but it was not meant to be for the Petes as Oshawa came out on top, 5-2.

Braydon McCallum had two assists in the game. Petes import defenceman Rio Kaiser scored his first OHL goal. Caden Taylor also scored and Quinton Pagé had an assist. Zach Bowen earned third-star honours stopping 45/49 shots.

After 68 regular-season games, the Petes ended with an 18-41-9 record and 45 points which puts them in last place in the Ontario Hockey League.

The Petes cap off their season with a Year End Awards Banquet on Tuesday.

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Peterborough Petes Fall to Kingston In Final Home Game of the Season

The Peterborough Petes end their last home game of the season with a 6-2 loss to the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenenth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Before the game, the Petes honoured overagers Brady Stonehouse, Gavin Bryant, and captain Jonathan Melee. They were presented with a gift ahead of their last game as a Pete on home ice.

After allowing a goal from Kingston in the first period, the Petes saw them score just over six minutes into the second period, thanks to Maleek McGowan, for a 2-0 game. Peterborough found the scoresheet on a four-on-three powerplay as Melee one-timed a shot from the faceoff dot for a 2-1 score. Just 50 seconds later, the Petes tied things up as Melee tried a cross-ice pass that was deflected. It ended up on the stick of Braydon McCallum who backhanded it in on tight quarters for a 2-2 game. Unfortunately for Peterborough, they allowed two goals with 68 seconds remaining in the period and found themselves down 4-2 at the end of two stanzas.

Peterborough could only muster seven shots in the third period and failed to find the back of the net on any of them as Kingston tacked on two more goals for a final score of 6-2.

The Petes have two more road games to close their regular season but have already been eliminated from playoff contention. They will take on the Brampton Steelheads at the CAA Centre on Friday night. The team travels to the nation’s capital to play their last game of the season against the Oshawa Generals on Sunday night.

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Peterborough Petes Call Up Two Players Ahead of the Team's Final Regular Season Home Game

The Peterborough Petes have called up forward Joseph Cadorin from the Pickering Panthers of the OJHL and defenceman Marcus Sulug from the Burlington Eagles U18s ahead of the team’s final home game.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Both players are expected to be in the lineup against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday night.

Cadorin, a native of Kleinburg, Ont. was initially selected by the Petes in the fourth round, 76th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. This season, he played one game for the Petes, before playing in 39 games for the Pickering Panthers of the OJHL where he scored 16 goals and added 21 assists for 37 points. He also featured in five playoff games for the Panthers, picking up four points. Last season, Cadorin played 52 games for the Petes, scoring once and adding an assist. He will wear number 24 for Peterborough.

“Joe has had a good year with Pickering in the OJHL,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “His coaches spoke very highly of him and his development throughout the season.”

Sulug, a defenceman from Stoney Creek, Ont. was drafted by the Petes in the 10th round, 185th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection out of the Niagara North Stars program. In 2023-24, he played for the North Stars U16 team, picking up five assists in 33 games and another two in eight playoff games. This season, Sulug featured in 21 games for the Burlington Eagles U18s, picking up six assists. He also made his GOJHL debut this season, playing in one game for the St. Catharines Falcons. Sulug will wear number two for the Petes.

“Marcus has made a positive impression with the Burlington U18s this season,”said Oke. “He is expected to be in the lineup tonight and will get his first opportunity to play in the OHL.”

The Petes play their final home game this Thursday as they host the Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Nab One Point In Pair of Weekend Games

The Peterborough Petes took losses in both of their games on Friday and Saturday but managed to get one point in their matchups the the Kingston Frontenacs and Sudbury Wolves.

Photo courtesy of KEnneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Peterborough Petes travelled to Kingston for the final time this season to take on the Frontenacs at the Slush Puppie Place on Friday. The Frontenacs pulled away late in the second period, winning the game by a score of 8-2.

Brennan Faulkner had two assists in the game for Peterborough. Captain Jonathan Melee scored his 21st goal of the season, while Adam Levac also scored. Petes prospect Raiden Doxtator made his OHL debut in the game, wearing number 24.

The Petes hosted the Sudbury Wolves at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in front of their 20th sell-out of the season for their St. Patrick’s Day game on Saturday. The Wolves won the game in overtime by a score of 2-1.

Petes goaltender Zach Bowen stopped 39/41 in the loss. Francis Parish scored, while Gavin Bryant picked up an assist.

The Petes play their final home game this Thursday as they host the Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Call Up Forward Ahead of Friday's Game Against the Kingston Frontenacs

The Peterborough Petes has called up forward Raiden Doxtator ahead of Friday night’s game in Kingston, announced on Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes drafted the 2008 London-born forward in the seventh round, 125th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He was selected from the London Jr. Knights program. He scored 10 goals and added 27 assists for 37 points in 30 games for their U16 team in 2023-24. This season, Doxtator played 56 games for BioSteel Sports Academy 16U, scoring 36 goals and adding 45 assists for 81 points. He also played in five games for BioSteel Sports Academy’s 18U team, scoring four goals and adding four assists for eight points. 

“Raiden was noticeable in training camp as a 16-year-old and has had a productive season at BioSteel Sports Academy,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We’ve had a chance to watch his progress over the year and he has made a positive impression.”

Doxtator is expected to make his OHL debut, wearing number 25 for Friday’s game against the Frontenacs.

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