34th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Returns to Peterborough

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby has returned for its 34th edition running from April 29 to May 7 at the canal near the Peterborough Lift Lock for anglers to real in fish for prizes announced on Tuesday.

THERE WERE 3,000 FISH DUMPED INTO THE CANAL LAST year TO LAUNCH The event. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The youth derby begins on April 29 for children 15 and under. There are 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The top prize fish prize of $1,000 goes to whoever catches Walter, an eight-to-ten-pound rainbow trout.

“Back by popular demand are early bird registration prizes, a hot dog lunch for the kids, and sponsored tagged fish with cash prizes for anglers of all ages to win,” said David Ryrie, OFAH youth education manager.

The all-ages derby in its second includes tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.

“We still have fish in need of a local sponsor that will both challenge anglers and offset the cost of the stocked Trout for the youth derby,” said Ryrie.

Registration is required for all participants. $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings, and $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations.

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Peterborough U16 AAA Petes Eliminated From OHL Cup After Semifinal Loss

The journey for the OHL Cup ended for the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes as they suffered a 4-2 loss to the Vaughan Kings in the semifinals of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Pond Rink in Toronto on Saturday night.

The Petes had a perfect penalty kill during round-robin play, sharing the honour with the Barrie Colts. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes.

The Petes had qualified for the playoffs on tiebreakers with a 2-2 record of the Lindros Division to advance.

Their first opponent was a quarterfinal matchup against the Toronto Nationals who won their division with a 3-1 record.

Toronto drew first blood as Matthew Sarabando scored just over five minutes in for an early 1-0 lead. Peterborough countered quickly as Kaiden Harmon tied it up just 30 seconds after the first goal. The Petes were not done yet as Josh Avery tacked on another for Peterborough just under 90 seconds later for a 2-1 lead heading into the second.

Peterborough put Toronto’s goaltender James Meridith under siege. They peppered him with 14 shots in the period, the most of either team but the score remained the same going into the final frame.

Play was back and forth for almost 12 minutes until Kieran Riley tied the game for Toronto as the period’s only goal.

Overtime ran short as Harmon played the hero for Peterborough, scoring the game-winning goal with an assist from Lucas Moore to advance to the semifinals in a 3-2 win.

Wil McFadden got things started early for Peterborough against Vaughan, scoring 1:55 for a 1-0 lead. Things went downhill for the Petes as they allowed three consecutive goals from Carter Kostuch, Mason Kim and Vasily Serov respectively for a 3-1 deficit after the first period.

Peterborough kept themselves in the game, scoring the second stanza’s only goal from Cohen Bidgood to make it 3-2 into the third.

The Petes did all they could to tie the game, firing 13 shots to Vaughan’s four. Unfortunately, the Kings’s goaltender Aleksei Medvedev stood tall when it counted and stopped them all. Vaughan scored an empty-netter to punch their ticket to the OHL Cup championship as Peterborough was eliminated by a score of 4-2.

The 4-2-0 Vaughan Kings and 6-0-0 Toronto Jr. Canadiens will compete for the OHL Cup title on Monday. These two teams played each other in their first game of the tournament with the Canadiens winning in a 5-1 convincing fashion on Wednesday morning.

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Peterborough U16 AAA Petes Clinch OHL Cup Playoff Berth Despite Back-To-Back Losses

Despite losing their last two round-robin games, the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes are limping into the OHL Cup playoffs with a 2-2 record at the Scotiabank Pond Rink in Toronto on Friday.

The Petes had a perfect penalty kill during round-robin play, sharing the honour with the Barrie Colts. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough U16 AAA Petes.

The Petes shared their 2-2 record with the Mississauga Rebels and Northern Ontario Hockey Association in the Lindros Division of the OHL Cup but had won out on tiebreakers.

The Petes had a good start, winning two straight games against the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (4-1) and Don Mills Flyers (6-1) on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. Josh Avery, Wil McFadden and Kayden Buller scored a goal in each game while goaltender Masen Johnston rolled off back-to-back wins for Peterborough. The team rang off 10 consecutive goals during that two-game span.

Peterborough had a double-header on the final day of round-robin play, playing two games on Friday (one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 1:45 p.m.) before playoffs began.

Their third game was against the Waterloo Wolves and fell behind early, seeing a 2-0 deficit after 10:38 of play. Both teams traded goals since then up until 7:50 into the third period as Noah Vandenberg gave Waterloo a two-goal cushion, scoring and making it 5-3 late in the game. McFadden gave the Petes a jolt, scoring on the power play just over three minutes later to cut the deficit in half. Cohen Bidgood tied the game 1:38 later to make it 5-5 as overtime was required to determine a winner.

The victor was decided just under five minutes into the extra frame as the Wolves’s Brady Martin banged in his second of the game to give Waterloo a 6-5 overtime win over Peterborough.

The Petes played the Mississauga Rebels in a matinee game to round out their round-robin play. The Petes found themselves killing off a penalty but were rewarded with a shorthanded goal from Max Seon to go up 1-0. Peterborough conceded the next three goals from the Rebels early in the third period. The Petes mustered an empty-net goal thanks to Avery but it was too little, too late as they fell in a 3-2 loss.

The Petes start their playoff run against the Toronto Nationals in a quarterfinal matchup with puck drop at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. The latter was the division leader in their round-robin bracket with a 3-1 record.

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Special Teams Give Peterborough Petes Give 4-2 Win Over Sudbury Wolves, Lead 1-0 In Playoff Series

The Peterborough Petes were scoring in multiple ways with their special teams and take game one in their first-round playoff series against the Sudbury Wolves in a 4-2 win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday night.

The Petes and the Wolves have met four times in the OHL Playoffs, with Peterborough winning all four matchups. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen adn the Peterborough Petes.

Sudbury opened the scoring with an odd-man rush with a goal from Quentin Musty beating Petes goaltender Michael Simpson for a 1-0 lead. Peterborough struggled to find the back of the net after 16 shots, unable to solve Kevyn Brassard. As things looked worse for Peterborough after getting a late penalty from Donovan McCoy in the last minute of the period, Jonathan Melee turned the momentum around. Avery Hays forced a turnover and Melee scooped up the loose puck. He fired a shot that was blocked and went wide but bounced back to him and buried it, shorthanded with three seconds left to tie the game at 1-1. The Petes would lead in shots 17-8, their most in a period this game.

Sudbury struck again on the odd-man rush as David Goyette fed Matthew Mania for a one-timer that got past Simpson again to restore their one-goal lead, 2-1. The Petes came close on several occasions but hit the post multiple times in the period. Peterborough appeared to be in trouble again as they had a delayed penalty call against them that became the game’s turning point. Musty retreating in his own zone passed the puck intended for Jakub Chromiak. The latter failed to corral it and have it slip into the net for an own goal in an incredibly strange sequence. Melee was credited for the score, his second of the night.

The Petes took over in the third period as they capitalized on their powerplay opportunity. Hayes scored on a one-timer with a pass from Brennan Othmann behind the Wolves’ net to make it 3-2. Hayes added an empty netter as the dagger for a 4-2 Petes win. Michael Simpson stopped 26 of 28 for his first career playoff victory as the Petes lead the playoff series 1-0 in a best-of-seven series over Sudbury.

The Petes stay at home for game two on Friday night at the PMC against the Sudbury Wolves with the puck drop at 7:05 p.m.

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Two Local Girls Competing In OWHL U22 Elite Hockey Championships As Underagers

It’s a massive call-up for 15-year-olds Molly Farace and Avery Johnston as they are participating in the Ontario Women's Hockey League U22 Elite Hockey Championships as underage players in a three-day tournament from Friday to Sunday at the Westwood Arena in Etobicoke.

Johnston (left) and Farace (right) have played against each other three times. Photos courtesy of Molly Farace and Avery Johnston.

Farace is a right-winger and is playing for the Whitby Wolves in Pool A while Johnston, also a right-winger is with the Central York Panthers in Pool C.

Both girls took the leap in age groups, skipping U18 (Midget) and going straight to U22.

“It's definitely a big jump from where we came,” explained Farace. “The physicality and the pace of the game change so much. It's a big thing to adapt to.”

“I feel I'm definitely a lot more comfortable at the end of the season than at the start,” said Johnston. “I grew up playing hockey playing with all my best friends. We became a family but then I went to a whole new team of older girls. I was so nervous but they treat me like their younger sister.”

They are continuing to develop their skills as they face stiffer competition with U22 women but they understand that this tournament is going to be a significant learning experience heading into Etobicoke.

“I hope I learn new skills and when I'm playing against them, I'll take away things from them,” explained Johnston. “I definitely want to play my own game but adapt and expand my game. We just need to see if we can handle to pressure of the weekend.”

“I just need to play my game and do what I'm best at to perform this weekend,” said Farace. “The results will take care of themselves.”

The opportunity to play with the U22 women is still surreal to both girls as they have been waiting for this opportunity to play at a high level of hockey.

“I would always get nervous from getting cut from the Midget team because I'm so much younger,” said Johnston. “Growing up and pushing myself to be able to be in this situation, now I realize how much it paid off and looking back, it's just great to be here.”

Farace’s goal is to eventually play for a provincial or national team while Johnston wants to get a scholarship to play hockey or lacrosse abroad and make a national team.

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Peterborough Hockey Association Sending Seven Teams to OMHA Championships

The Peterborough Hockey Association (PHA) has the most successful season in their history; sending 7 teams to represent the Maroon and White at OMHA Championship Tournaments.

photo courtesy of pha, facebook.

Over the next two weekends, 7 teams will compete at the OMHA Championship Tournament. The PHA congratulated and wish the best of luck to all the players for their hard work and dedication, and to the coaching staffs for their relentless efforts in development and commitment to their team’s success.  

“We’ve placed second in Lakeshore for sending teams to Whitby, who actually has two teams in almost every division and they sent 11. We have half as many teams and still sent 7, so we’re really happy with our season this year,” explained PHA president Mike Heffernan.

Pete’s teams at the OMHA Championship Weekends: 

U10AA Date: March 31-April 2. Location: Kingston  

U13 AA Date: March April 7-9. Location: Kingston  

U14BB Date: March 31-April 2. Location: Windsor  

U14AA Date: April 7-9. Location: Kingston  

U15A Date: March 31-April 2. Location: Whitby  

U15AA Date: April 7-9. Location: Kingston  

U16A Date: April 7-9. Location: Whitby  

The Association also congratulated the U15AA and U16 A teams and staff as they placed first and captured the Lakeshore Championships banners for their respective divisions. 

“It feels great, especially coming out of COVID and trying to build these programs and the kids back up. It’s great to have Peterborough represented so well, it shows the success and dedication of all the players and coaches,” concluded Heffernan.

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2023 Inductees Announced for the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame

Seven names are headed to the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame as they announced their class of 2023 inductees on Wednesday.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) TIM BARRIE, DON BARRIE, ED ARNOLD AND JASON HINTON showing Arnold’s copy of his book ‘ Peterborough’s Perfect Season’ published last year. Arnold has worked in Peterborough Media for over 35 years including roles such as editor, reporter, editor and more. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The induction ceremony is set for June 10 at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 7 p.m.

The following are this year’s inductees:

  • Ed Arnold - Builder - Media

  • Randy Bryan - Athlete - Lacrosse

  • Mollie Cartmell - Builder - Administration

  • Steve Fredericks - Athlete - Golf

  • Kerry Huffman - Athlete - Hockey

  • Erin Kent - Athlete - Synchronized Skating

Carolyn Cameron is being recognized as an honourary member for her contribution to the Hall of Fame with the annual golf tournament and website management in particular. Cameron has been a long-standing volunteer and a Board of Directors member.

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Peterborough Petes Commemorate Staff and Players in Annual Year-End Ceremony; President Dave Pogue Announces Retirement

To mark the end of the regular season, Peterborough Petes staff, family and friends attended the team’s annual year-end awards ceremony at The Venue on Tuesday.

Tucker Robertson, Petes forward (left) with the Petes Executive Trophy, presented by Dave Pogue, Petes President (right). Robertson walked awayw ith four awards during the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Speeches were made by Dave Pogue, team president; Rob Wilson, head coach and Shawn Spearing, captain and defenseman prior to the awards being announced. Pogue had announced his retirement as president of the club at the end of June after a seven-year tenure.

“It’s time for a new voice,” he said during his speech. “Thank you for the relationships that I’ve been able to build with you because that’s what means the most to me.”

This was the first awards ceremony held in person since the 2018-19 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following awards were presented to staff and players:

  • Mark Teevens Memorial Award (most assists) – Tucker Robertson (54 assists)

  • Ed Redmond Memorial Trophy (scholastics and hockey) – Chase Lefebvre

  • Outboard Marine Veterans Award (sportsmanship and ability) – Michael Simpson

  • Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Liam Sztuska

  • Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Lynda Johnson (Longtime 50/50 Seller and Petes Booster Club member)

  • Molson Cup (most three-star selections voted by media) – Tucker Robertson (Also won in 2021-22)

  • Donnie Marsh Memorial Trophy (most dedicated to team) – Donovan McCoy (Also won in 2021-22)

  • Ed Rowe Memorial Award (most goals) – Avery Hayes (43 goals)

  • Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Jonathan Melee

  • Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Samuel Mayer (Also won in 2021-22)

  • Bill Bennett/CKPT Memorial Award (leading scorer) – Tucker Robertson (90 points)

  • Gary Dalliday Award (community service) – Konnor Smith (Also won in 2021-22)

  • Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Tucker Robertson (Also won in 2021-22)

The Board of Directors and Alumni Association recognized and presented gifts to graduating and overage players that include the following:

  • Michael Simpson

  • Cam Gauvreau

  • Samuel Mayer

  • Brian Zanetti

  • J.R. Avon

  • Connor Lockhart

  • Tucker Robertson

  • Jax Dubois

  • Chase Stillman

  • Brennan Othmann

  • Gavin White

  • Avery Hayes

  • Shawn Spearing

Michael Oke, Petes general manager commemorated the regular season's success while making optimistic remarks as the team enters the playoffs. He also thanked everyone who was a part of the Petes season including players, coaches, family, media and staff.

The Petes begin their playoff run at home against the Sudbury Wolves with game one on Thursday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Ontario Investing Over $200,000 Into Campbellford and Norwood Curling Clubs

MPP David Piccini announced a combined $200,900 of funding for the Norwood and Campbellford Curling Clubs on Saturday at Norwood Curling Club’s annual Maplefest event.

photo courtesy of the office of mpp piccini.

The grants, funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), will replace the roof of the Norwood club and improve accessibility at the Campbellford club.

“This funding is big news for the Trent Hills and Norwood area and will ensure that members of our community have plenty of options to stay active and engaged,” said MPP David Piccini. “Our government will continue to support important projects like these in rural areas as we build a stronger Ontario.”

The Norwood Curling Club received a $86,200 Capital grant from OTF to replace the roof on its century-old facility. The building hosts the annual Norwood Fair and is available to the public for community events. The Norwood Curling Club is run by volunteers and is open to everyone, offering multiple recreational, educational and competitive curling leagues. Additional information is available online.

"This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will allow the Club to replace the roof and thereby significantly extend the life of this vital community building and ensure that it remains available for years to come,” said Denton Curry, President of Norwood Curling Club.   

At the same time as the Norwood Club learned of its grant, the Campbellford Curling and Racquet Club received the good news that it was receiving a $114,700 Capital grant. The Club is making a series of accessibility upgrades to its building, including the addition of new automated, touchless doors, installing a wheelchair lift, widening doors to the locker room areas and squash courts, adding ramps where needed and more, ensuring that the building is even more accessible in the years to come. The Club provides recreational activities for people of all ages living in the Trent Hills community and surrounding areas. It provides a welcoming and accessible space to keep active and stay connected with the community. For more information, visit the website. 

“The Campbellford and District Curling and Racquet Club is truly the hub of our community,” said Carol Currelly-Burnham of the Campbellford Curling and Racquet Club. “We foster a sense of belonging which is a vital component of our community’s overall health. Thanks to the generosity of the Ontario Government and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we are able to make our site truly accessible to all.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley Earns Majority Decision Victory Over Abel Ramos In Las Vegas Bout

Emotion was overflowing for Douro boxer Cody Crowley as he is one step closer to challenging for World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title after his win over Abel Ramos in an elimination match at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Esther Lin / Showtime.

Crowley won his fight on his 30th birthday by majority decision with the judges scoring it 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 in a 12-round bout. He improves his record to 22-0 with nine knockouts.

Ramos initially knocked down Crowley in the 11th round and was initially ruled so as Crowley’s glove appeared to touch the canvas. The Nevada commission reviewed the knockdown and corrected that call, saying Crowley’s glove did not touch.

The Douro southpaw had dedicated his fight to his father who took his own life last year. This was his first fight since his passing.

Cody voice was quivering and fought back tears during his post-fight interview with Jim Grey as he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I worked my whole entire life for this opportunity,” said Crowley. “The last two years I didn't want to live because I couldn't get my shot. Fights kept getting cancelled. I've been training since July. I've been broke and I wanted to take my own life and I didn't. My dad did. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here today.”

Prior to the fight, Crowley had pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness as he has had mental issues during the course of his life. There was $18,840 already raised from a raffle prior to his fight.

“Anyone who is thinking about taking their own life, who doesn't want to be here, I'm proof you can keep fighting and you will win,” he explained. “I just want to say I love my dad and I love my mom and without them, I wouldn't be here today and I wouldn't be the man I am.”

Crowley is possibly slated to fight the winner between the second-ranked Yordenis Ugas and fifth-ranked Mario Barrios with their fight scheduled for the summer.

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