Former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas Scores Hat Trick Against Vegas Golden Knights In Preseason Game

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Former Peterborough Petes Akil Thomas is making a case to crack the Los Angeles Kings’s roster as he scored a hat trick against the Vegas Golden Knights in preseason action to lead the team to a 4-3 comeback win at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday night.

Akil Thomas skating with a young fan prior to a game. Photo courtesy of the PEterborough Petes.

Thomas’s first goal came late in the second period with 4:21 left as Thomas shot a quick wrister after a pass from Francesco Pinelli to bring it to a 2-1 Golden Knights lead.

Now down 3-1 into the third, Thomas capitalized on a loose-puck rebound after a Steven Santini shot. It went off Vegas goalie Adin Hill’s pad and Thomas unleashed a quick wrist shot to cut the Golden Knights’s deficit to one.

With just over two minutes left, Los Angeles pulled their goalie to try and tie the game. Former Barrie Colts captain Brandt Clarke took a shot from the point that was blocked by Vegas’s Johnathan Marchessault. Thomas chopped at the loose puck on the backhand and hit the top-shelf corner for the hat trick to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Tyler Madden scored 4:30 into overtime to give the Kings a 4-3 comeback win over Vegas.

Thomas was acquired by the Petes in a trade from the Niagara IceDogs in Jan. 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.

Thomas was drafted by the Kings in 2018 in the second round, 51st overall. Following his OHL career, Thomas spent time with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign since the 2020-21 season. He has not played a regular-season game with the Kings since being drafted into the NHL.

The Toronto native 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.

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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Sept. 23 - 24

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The Fleming Phoenix kicked off the first fall weekend with a full slate of men's and women’s varsity games but struggled to find their footing in several games.

The Fleming Phoenix logo was unveiled for the college on Sept. 8, replacing the Fleming Knight. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Last Saturday, the men’s Fleming Phoenix soccer team was routed at home 9-0 by the Algonquin Wolves. The women’s team home a same-day home game but were also shut out, 7-0, by the Algonquin Wolves.

Both teams return to the field on Saturday as they travel north to take on the Cambrian Golden Shield. Game time for the women is noon and 2:30 p.m. for the men.

In Women’s Rugby Sevens, the Fleming Phoenix team played four matches over the weekend, winning one and losing three. On Saturday, the Phoenix lost 27-0 to the Humber Hawks but earned their first win, 14-5, over the Conestoga Condor. On Sunday, the Fleming Phoenix had another double-header but lost 44-0 to the Durham Lords and 25-5 to the Seneca Sting.

The women play again on Saturday when they will travel to Ottawa for three matches - the Loyalist Lancers at 10:30 a.m., the Algonquin Wolves at 11:30 a.m. and the St. Lawrence Surge at 1 p.m.

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Newest Peterborough Petes Zach Bowen Ready to Get to Work

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Less than 24 hours after being traded to the Peterborough, newly-acquired Petes goaltender Zach Bowen is ready to help the team get a second championship after making his first public appearance at the Season Ticket Holder BBQ on Tuesday evening.

Bowen signing an autograph for a young Petes fan. The 18-year-old goaltender was welcomed to the team by several fans during the BBQ’s autograph session. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Petes traded OHL Playoff MVP Michael Simpson to the London Knights for Bowen and Kingston Frontenac’s third-round pick in 2025.

The trade was made two days before the team’s home opener against the Kingston Frontenacs. Head coach Rob Wilson says he is making sure that Bowen gets the time he needs to fit in with the team and get used to the Petes’s system.

“We're not rushing Zach in any way,” he explained. “We've got good goaltending with Easton and Stu (Stutska) so we're really confident with our goaltending and Zack's just another addition that just strengthens us in that position.

This was Bowen’s first public appearence with the team after being traded to the Petes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Bowen, now in his second season, played 10 games in the playoffs last year with the London Knights as a rookie goaltender including appearances in the OHL Finals. That experience is rare and invaluable for the Petes moving forward according to Wilson.

“He's a really good goalie now,” he said. “He was 17 years old in a final. He's already battle-hardened and got some huge experience so we're excited about him and all our goalies and we're really strengthened in that area.”

“I just take it (experience) and use it and become comfortable out there now,” said Bowen. “There's no reason to be nervous anymore.”

Wilson said he knows who is starting in net for Thursday’s game but would not disclose it at the time. The Petes play the Frontenacs this Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for their home opener. The championship banner will be raised prior to puck drop, scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Trade OHL Playoff MVP Goaltender Michael Simpson to London Knights

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The OHL Playoff MVP is returning to his hometown as the Peterborough Petes traded Michael Simpson to the London Knights for goaltender Zach Bowen and Kingston Frontenac’s third-round pick in 2025, announced on Tuesday afternoon.

SIMPSON WAS SELECTED BY THE PETES IN THE TENTH ROUND, 193RD OVERALL FROM THE LONDON JR. KNIGHTS IN THE 2020 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.

Bowen, a Kanata native, was selected by the Knights in the fourth round, 77th overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. In 26 games during his rookie season last year with London, Bowen had a 17-4-0-0 record with a 3.10 GAA and .899 save percentage. In last season's playoffs, Bowen played 10 games, leading the Knights to the OHL Championship Series against the Petes. Bowen was awarded the OHL’s F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy for the lowest goals-against average by a rookie goalie. He recently returned from Edmonton Oilers rookie camp as a free agent invite.

“Zach is a good young goaltender who already has a very impressive resume after one year in the league,” noted Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “We’re excited to add him to the team ahead of the season.”

Simpson was entering the league as an over-age goaltender. He was selected by the Petes in the 10th round, 193rd overall, by the Petes in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. Simpson finished third in the OHL in GAA (2.73), second in save percentage (.914) and first in shutouts (five), all while leading the league in games played (51). In the playoffs, Simpson finished with a 2.80 GAA and a .914 save percentage in 23 games, leading the Petes to an OHL Championship and winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoff MVP.

“I’d like to thank Michael for his four years of commitment to the Petes Organization and the city of Peterborough,” said Oke. “It’s very challenging to trade a player of Michael’s ability and character. We wish him the best as he joins his hometown team for his final year of Junior.”

The Petes host their 2023-24 season opener on Thursday against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Peterborough is raising their 2023 OHL Championship banner prior to puck drop, scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Week Two Roundup

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Week Two of the Kinsmen Minor Football League is in the books as the league played their games at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) last Saturday.

Sr Ticats vs Redblacks

The first game saw the Senior Division-leading Sr. Tiger Cats defeat the RedBlacks 44-27. Liam McCartie, Gage Raby and Reid Nobes scored two touchdowns apiece for the TiCats.  McCartie and Raby both kicked two extra points while Nobes added a single convert. Levi Paige scored two touchdowns for the RedBlacks while Ashton McKinlay and Brody Munnings each scored a touchdown. Munnings also kicked and ran a two-point conversion.

The second senior game had the Argonauts winning a tight contest, 25-22, over the Roughriders. Landen Levesque led the scoring for the Argos with three touchdowns. John Chapin scored a touchdown and Ethan Bebbington tacked on a rushing two-point conversion. Michael Porter, Ian Watt and Fox Theobold all scored touchdowns for the Roughriders while Zimmarie Garlow kicked two converts.

The junior-leading RedBlacks defeated the Tiger Cats 52-32. Lucas Harrington and AJ Galloway scored two touchdowns each while Easton Schenk, Joe Lachey, Harley Rock and Dillon King each added single scores for the TiCats. Galloway also kicked an extra point.

The second Junior game saw the Roughriders get a win over the Argonauts 40-12.  Caden Curtis led the scoring for the Riders with two touchdowns and five converted kicks. Mason Earnshaw added a couple of scores for the Roughriders and Leif Nancekivell had a single touchdown. Eli Black scored a pair of touchdowns for the Argonauts.

The KMFL recognizes the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation this Saturday on Week Three. All fans are asked to wear orange to the field. Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation will open the day with a ceremonial smudging.

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'

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Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.

Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.

This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.

Other award winners include:

  • Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award

  • Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award

  • Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award

  • Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award

  • Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members

  • Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award

  • Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award

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Hometown PTBO: Nathan To Winning Three Medals at the 2023 World Dwarf Games In Germany

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with World Dwarf Games athlete Nathan To about his experience at the event in Germany, winning three medals and his school/career path.

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Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament Tees Up Vital Support for Five Counties Children's Centre

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There were 87 golfers teeing off for the Rotary Club of Peterborough ‘Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ to support Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC) at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene last Thursday.

(Left to right) Linsey Kampf, Five Counties; Laurie Heigh, Rotary Club of Peterborough; Craig McFarlane, Linwood Homes and Lyn Giles, Five Counties. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The tournament was renamed ‘Fore the Kids’ a couple of years ago and has ran for over 25 years. Last year, FCCC assisted over 6,200 children according to a press release. The tournament’s proceeds went towards FCCC and aiding children.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together once again to support Five Counties Children's Centre,” said Wayne Harding, Golf Committee Chair. “The success of this tournament would not have been possible without the dedication of our golfers, our sponsors, and the incredible team behind the scenes. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of children and families in our region.”

Notable winners included Carolyn Kitchen, Gail Huges, Carm Warman and Debra Moore, with the ‘Team Low Score’ award in the Women's category. Dave Hannah, Jason Pulchinski, Andy Edwards and Eric Lodgins won for the men’s category. In the Team Low Score, Mixed competition; Wendy Hill, Jim Coyle, Sandy Fulton, and Dave Fulton captured the honour.

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Peterborough Petes Reassign Four Players Prior to Final Preseason Games

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The Peterborough Petes has reassigned forwards Ryan Gagner (Burlington Cougars), Josh Frenette (Toronto Jr. Canadiens), Isaac Larmand (Haliburton County Huskies) and Ryan Shier (Pelham Panthers) to their respective teams ahead of the 2023-24 season, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes Preseason roster now sits at three goalies, eight defencemen, and fifteen forwards.

Gagner, a 5’9” centre from Chatham, was originally selected by the Petes in the sixth round, 115th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2004-born forward spent time with the Aurora Tigers and Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). He scored 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 44 games. In 2021-22, Gagner suited up in 54 games for the Petes, scoring two goals and adding two assists. 

Frenette, a 2006-born centre from Oshawa, was an 11th-round pick, 209th overall, by the Petes in last year’s OHL Priority Selection. The 6’2” forward played 34 games for the Peterborough Petes U18s last season, scoring 13 goals and six assists for 19 points. He also played in five games for the Campbellford Rebels of the PJCHL, picking up an assist. Through four games with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL this season, Frenette has registered one assist.

Larmand, a 6’4” forward from Midland, was originally a seventh-round pick, 129th overall, by the Petes in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. The 2006-born centre played 35 games for the Peterborough Petes U18s last season, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists for 20 points. Through one game with the Haliburton County Huskies in the OJHL this season, Larmand has picked up two assists.

Shier, a Sunderland native, was selected by the Petes in the 14th round, 274th overall, in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. The 6’2” centre suited up for the Little Britain Merchants of the Provincial Junior Hockey League last season, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists for 21 points in 37 games. In three games with the Pelham Panthers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League this season, Shier has recorded one assist.

“We had to make some very tough decisions over the past couple weeks,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “We thought these players showed very well at camp and we’ll continue to monitor them moving forward.”

The Petes play their second home preseason game against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre. The Petes this Friday. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

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Photos: Fans Got to Meet With The Champs At Aon Inc's Peterborough Petes Support Rally

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Ahead of the team’s home opener, the Peterborough Petes got to meet and interact with fans at AON Inc’s support rally held at Princess Gardens on Saturday afternoon.

The event had vendors, autograph sessions and a slapshot contest all while fans could meet and interact with the Petes and their mascot, Roger.

Dignitaries such as Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts were also in attendance during the event.

The Petes have their home opener against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sept. 28.

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