Women’s Adventures in Golf Opens Registration For 2025 Season

Women’s Adventures in Golf (WAG) has officially opened registration for its 2025 season with six events scheduled, announced Wednesday evening.

Photo courtesy of WAG.

The six-event series is designed for women of all skill levels. It also has a charitable aspect, as in 2024, WAG raised over $5,000 for five local charities and welcomed more than 200 women.

“WAG was created to open the doors of golf for women by creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere that is inviting, warm and accepting,” said Susan Williamson, WAG founder. “Supporting each other as we learn the nuances of the game is the goal of WAG. The themed focus allows women to laugh and recognize that we all start at the same place in the sport.”

Women can design their own experience by choosing their rounds, adding cart or lunch options and can select their playing format. Each 18-hole shotgun scramble event includes a light-hearted themed game with prizes and optional donations to a local charity to grant an advantage in the game.

2025 Event Lineup:

• May 18 – Pre-Season Social @ Rolling Grape Vineyard

• May 24 – Jailbreak Round @ Warkworth GC

• June 22 – She CAN Round @ LiftLock GC

• July 13 – Wheel of Life Round @ Katchiwano GC

• August 24 – Jetsetter Round @ Heron Landing GC

• September 14 – Mystery at the Club @ Katchiwano GC

Participants can register as individuals or in groups of up to four. Registration can be done online or by emailing info@golfwithwag.ca.

Photo courtesy of WAG.

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"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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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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