Peterborough Petes Konnor Smith Suspended Four Games, Team Fined $2,000 From Post-Game Brawl Against Brantford Bulldogs

Peterborough Petes defenceman Konnor Smith has been suspended for four games while the team has been fined $2,000 after a post-game brawl against the Brantford Bulldogs from Saturday’s game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Ontario Hockey League made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after Petes forward Chase Lefebvre had scored the walk-off overtime goal on Bulldogs’s goalie Matteo Drobac. Connor Lockhardt had made the assist on the play but was shoved from behind by Bulldogs’s defenceman Lucas Moore milliseconds after the goal was scored. That push sparked both clubs to clear the benches and confront each other on the ice.

Several scuffles ensued but Smith and Brantford’s Noah Roberts squared off in the middle of the ice.

The League suspended Moore and Roberts for two games while fining Brantford $1,000.

In a separate incident earlier in the game, Bulldogs defenceman Cedricson Okitundu was assessed a match penalty for cross-checking and suspended for three games.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Oct. 14 - 15

The Fleming Phoenix saw their rugby, soccer and cross-country teams compete this past weekend.

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

The cross country team participated in their first competition, the OCAA Invitational, held at Centennial College on Saturday.

In the women’s 6K event, Jessica Lehman placed 44th in her division with a time of 31:35.5. In the men’s 8K, Alexander Clark placed 62nd with a time of 34:49.2. 

The next event is the provincial championships on Oct. 28 at Conestoga College.  

In soccer, the men’s and women’s teams were routed 7-0 and 13-0 respectively by the Durham Lords.

That was the season's final game for the women, while the men will face the George Brown Huskies on Wednesday in the first qualifying game of the postseason. Game time at L’Amoreaux Field starts at 7:30 p.m. 

The Fleming Phoenix hosted a women’s rugby sevens tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Nicholls Oval. Seven visiting teams from across the province participated in matches throughout the weekend. 

The Fleming Phoenix played four games, losing three and winning one match. 

On Saturday, the Phoenix lost to the Durham Lords 47-0 and the Seneca Sting 24-12. Chloe Bender and Hollie Phillips scored for the Phoenix. 

On Sunday, the Phoenix lost to the Humber Hawks 15-0 and won 20-0 against the Conestoga Condors. The Phoenix team was up 10-0 over the Condors at the half with Abby Todd and Sydney Hudson each scoring a try. Conestoga defaulted in the second half, leading to a match win of 20-0 for the Phoenix.

This weekend’s games marked the end of the Women’s Rugby Sevens season as the team did not advance to the playoffs. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Lakers Announce 2023 Season Award Winners

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers announced their 2023 season award winners at a thank-you dinner for staff and volunteers at the Alternatives Community Program Services on Braidwood Avenue on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterboroough Lakers.

Holden Cattoni took home the most hardware, with three awards: Top Scorer, Fan Favourite and MVP (shared with Turner Evans).

“It’s an honour to be recognized by the Lakers and fans with three awards,” said Cattoni. “It is always special to look at the names on the trophies and see your name among some of the greatest Lakers to ever play.”

This was Cattoni’s first Fan Favourite award. Fans could vote over the period of wo weeks online from Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.

“The fans are such an integral piece to what makes playing in Peterborough so special,” he said. “I was also humbled by being presented my awards by our volunteers. Their work goes largely unnoticed and their contributions are appreciated by the players and staff.”

The annual Volunteer of the Year award was presented to team equipment managers Pete Hynes, Scott Robertson and Dale Reid.

“Our equipment staff puts countless volunteer hours in behind the scenes,” said Len Powers, board chairman. “Our players and board respect what they do for the Lakers. They definitely deserved to be recognized for their hard work.”

Full Awards List:

• Top Scorer – Holden Cattoni

• Rookie of the Year – Landon Kells

• Most Improved – Austin Hasen

• Most Sportsmanlike – Colton Armstrong

• Top Defenceman – Robert Hope

• Top Transition Player – Matt Gilray

• Fan Favourite – Holden Cattoni

• MVP – Holden Cattoni & Turner Evans

• Volunteers of the Year – Scott Robertson, Dale Reid & Pete Hynes

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

First Wave of Montréal Canadiens Alumni Announced For Rivalry Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre On Nov. 17

The first round of Montreal Canadiens Alumni for the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s Rivalry Night have announced their first round of players participating on Nov. 17 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC).

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Montreal Canadiens Alumni include:

Stéphane Richer - Drafted by the Canadiens in 1984, he is the last player in franchise history to score 50 goals or more in a season. Over his 17-year National Hockey League career, he also played with the Devils, Lightning, Blues, and Penguins, ending his active career as two-time Stanley Cup champion.

Patrice Brisebois - Drafted by Montreal in the second round of the 1989 NHL entry draft, Brisebois became a staple of the Habs defence through the 1990s, specifically as their power play anchor. This includes winning a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1993. In total, Brisebois played 1009 games in the NHL, 896 of them with Montreal, ranking third all-time in games played for the Canadiens as a defenceman.

Richard Sévigny - He played eight seasons in the National Hockey League, spending his first five with the Montreal Canadiens before heading to Quebec Nordiques. In 1981, he won the Vezina trophy and a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens.

Chris Nilan – Coach - He holds the NHL record for most penalties in a single game with 10 in 1991. He played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League, 10 of which were with the Montreal Canadiens. He is a winner of one Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.

Other Montreal Canadiens Alumni include Pierre Dagenais, Oleg Petrov, Sergio Momesso, Gilbert Delorme, Mathieu Dandenault, Gilbert Dionne and Normand Dupont.

The Montreal Canadiens Alumni team will be playing the already announced Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team that includes Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas, Al Iafrate, Todd Gill, Mike Krushelnyski, Rich Clune, Wayne Primeau, Dave Mcllwain, Ric Jackman Matt Martin and Adam Munro, coached by Dave Reid.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Photos: Kawartha Montessori School Hits the Ground Running Again With Return of Its Cross-Country Run After a Three-Year Hiatus

Students of Kawartha Montessori School got their feet moving as they hosted their cross country meet at their institution on Friday, an event they have not been able to participate in the last three years.

Grade 3 student Esther van Ostveen, 8, running in her heat as students, parents and faculty cheered the racers all day. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School, Uxbridge Montessori School, Whitby Montessori & Elementary School and Peterborough’s Rowan Tree Children's School were also a part of the event held by Kawartha Montessori totalling roughly 150 students in the event. Grades 1 to 8 ran in the meet, the first time Kawartha hosted in several years.

“Certainly, Covid got in the way,” said Carrie O’Toole, Kawartha Montessori vice-principal. “We've also in the past participated in the Catholic board but this year, they weren't not accepting other schools outside of their board so it was a way for us to give a cross-country running experience to our other schools who were not a part of those boards.”

Students began training for the meet at the start of the school year as part of their physical education curriculum.

“They would have included learning some running skills and build up their stamina for the event,” explained O’Toole.

Races were divided by gender and grade. The children ran varying distances on a figure-eight-like track depending on the category. During the races, parents, faculty and students cheered on the runners throughout the day.

“That is a big part of our school, building that grace, courtesy and community,” said O’Toole. “That's something that we pride ourselves in, building that community and building that teamwork.”

During the winter, students are taught sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, downhill and cross-country skiing.

In the spring, students get to learn track and field. Grade 8 students also participate in rowing and mountain biking as part of their curriculum.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Fall in Overtime 3-2 In Michael Simpson's Return to the Peterborough Memorial Centre

It was a triumphant return for former Pete Michael Simpson as he and the London Knights took down Peterborough in overtime, 3-2, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Jumping right to the second period, London drew first blood off an odd-man rush as Easton Cowan sniped a shot past Liam Stutzka for a 1-0 lead. Cowan had another chance to score off a penalty shot but Stutzka was able to track the puck and make the save. The Petes found themselves on the board as Meyer threw the puck at the net and created a mad scramble for the rebounded puck. It eventually got on Meyer’s stick again and he buried it past Simpson for a 1-1 tie going into the third period.

Peterborough was on the penalty kill but Jax Dubois forced a turnover in the Knights’ defensive zone and eat Simpson high for a 2-1 lead. Peterborough was trying to hang on to the lead but in the dying 17 seconds, Sam Dickenson slapped a one-timer and tied the game to go into overtime.

The extra frame saw London have the puck with 90 seconds left as Isaiah George received a pass out in the high slot and was able to snipe it home for a 3-2 London victory.

The Petes will get little rest for their next game as the travel to Brantford to take on the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Nathan McFadden Named New Director of Trent University Athletics & Recreation

Trent University has appointed Nathan McFadden as the director of Athletics and Recreation.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McFadden has overr 25 years of experience in professional and high-performance sports operations, leadership and administration according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nathan to Trent University and the Excalibur family. His substantial background in the sports industry, paired with his innovative leadership style, aligns well with Trent's commitment to excellence in athletics and recreation,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, vice-president, finance and administration. “As we look to the future, we are confident that Nathan's leadership will elevate our programs, enhance student experiences, and continue to build upon our strong tradition of athletic achievement."

McFadden will lead Trent's Athletics & Recreation department, overseeing the Excalibur varsity program and a wide range of sports and recreational activities that enhance student experience and promote health and wellness on campus and in the community.

McFadden's career includes numerous achievements, such as 12 national championships. Prior to joining Trent, he was the director of athletics and recreation at Fanshawe College for a decade where he built the Falcons into a national brand, leading them to 11 national championships, 67 national appearances and over 90 per cent of the College’s teams ranking nationally. While president of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), he created and chaired the OCAA’s EDI Committee, commissioned the OCAA’s Racial Equity Project, implemented a mandatory sexual violence prevention course for all student-athletes, mandatory Safe Sport training for all coaches and administrators, and an OCAA parental leave policy.

McFadden has worked in professional hockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the American Hockey League (AHL) also spent time working with the University of New Brunswick (UNB).

“It is truly an honour to join Trent University as the director of athletics and recreation,” said McFadden. “I am deeply inspired by Trent's commitment to fostering both athletic excellence and a holistic student experience. I look forward to collaborating with our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches and the entire Trent community to elevate our athletics programs and offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Together, we will continue to build a culture of inclusivity, achievement, and pride in Trent's sports programs.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes to Host Alumni Homecoming Weekend for Oct. 20 - 21

The Peterborough Petes are hosting an Alumni Homecoming Weekend that features a mixer at the Maple Moose Pub, a day of golf at Peterborough Golf & Country Club (PGCC) and a Petes game.

The itinerary is as follows:

• Friday, Oct.20

• 7-10 p.m. - Mixer at the Maple Moose Pub

• Saturday, Oct. 21

• 9:30 a.m. - Golf Registration at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 10:00 a.m. - Brunch at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 11:00 a.m. - Shotgun start at Peterborough Golf & Country Club

• 7:05 p.m. - Peterborough Petes vs Oshawa Generals at the PMC

Prior to the game, the 1973-74 Petes are being honoured with a pregame ceremony on the ice. This team was the first Canadian representative in the history of the IIHF World Junior Championships in 1974, taking home a bronze medal.

“We’re really excited to be able to welcome back so many great alumni with this event,” said Morgan Blaind, Petes coordinator of marketing and community engagement. “It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to put on an event like this. That being said, it’s so important for us to see our alumni interact and reconnect with each other. It’s also a great opportunity for us to recognize our amazing history through celebrating the 1973-74 team.”

All Petes alumni and their guests are invited to attend the weekend according to a press release. Golf slots will be allocated to alumni before opening to guests. Interested alumni can contact Blaind via e-mail or by calling 705-743-3681 ext. 221.

The Petes host the London Knights on Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This is the return of the 2023 Playoff MVP and former Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Kinsmen Minor Football League Week Four Roundup

Week Four of the Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) saw a return of Friday Night Lights at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School (TASSS).

Friday Night Lights action between the Sr RedBlacks and Sr Argos. Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The first game had the Junior Redblacks defeating the Argonauts 42-6.  The RedBlacks saw AJ Galloway, Harley Rock, Beau Janssen and Mateo Salgado-Scott rush for a touchdown each. Easton Schenk, Dillon King and Blake Blackborrow also added a receiving touchdown. Leo Kinapen scored the lone touchdown for the Argos.

The second Friday Night game saw the Sr. RedBlacks defeating the Argos 44-20.  Ashton McKinlay and Brock Hendren led the scoring for the RedBlacks with two touchdowns each. Brody Munnings, Isac Kennedy, Keaton Allen and Levi Paige each found the end zone.  Paige also ran in a two-point conversion. Landen Levesque, Ethan Bebbington scored touchdowns for the Argos. Theo Edwards also tacked on a touchdown and kicked for a convert.

Saturday morning opened up with the Jr. Tiger Cats defeating the Roughriders 34-20. Harrison Anchor scored all five touchdowns for the Ti-Cats while Connor Dodds kicked for two converts. Kaden Curtis scored two touchdowns and kicked for a convert while Jacob Cahorn also added a single score for the Roughriders.

Saturday's Senior action saw the Tiger Cats defeat the Roughriders 46-24. Gage Raby led the scoring for the Ti-Cats with three touchdowns and two converted kicks. Hunter Berardi and Liam McCartie each had a pair of touchdowns. Ian Watt led the scoring for the Roughriders with two touchdowns while Fox Theobold and Michael Maier each added a single touchdown.

After four weeks of play, the RedBlacks lead the Jr. Division and the Tiger Cats lead the Sr. Division.

The KMFL and Peterborough Wolverines will hold a bottle drive during the KMFL Game Day at Thomas A Stewart SS this Saturday from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.  Donations can be dropped off at the parking lot and will be received by KMFL and Wolverines families. Proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment and a portion will also be donated to the Peterborough Yes Shelter for Youth and Families.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Drop First Game of the Season In 4-0 Loss to the Sudbury Wolves

The Peterborough Petes suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Sudbury Wolves in a 4-0 loss at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Owen Beck (left) returned to the Petes lineup after returning from the Montréal Canadiens camp. Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

It only took 2:51 for the Wolves to strike first as Owen Protz just crossed the blue line, wristed it past Liam Stutzka and made it 1-0. Roughly 7:30 later, Jakub Chromiak received a pass and took a shot from the point. It was tipped by Nick Yearwood and it got by Stutzka again for a 2-0 lead for Sudbury.

The second period saw Peterborough struggle to get shots on net as they only had eight to Sudbury’s 21. Tommy Purdeller had a chance on a tight angle but Jakub Vondras made the save, hanging close to the post. The Petes were trying to break out from their own zone but Kieron Walton pickpocketed Carson Cameron shortly after receiving a pass from Samuel Mayer and rifled it for a 3-0 Sudbury lead.

The Wolves struck quickly again to start the period as under three minutes in, Andre Anania took a point shot and was deflected to Sudbury players David Goyette and then Evan Konyan to slip it by Stutzka for the 4-0 lead. The Petes were unable to solve Vondras and the Petes took their first loss of the season 4-0.

The Petes are going to see a familiar face in their next game on Thursday as they host the London Knights. This marks the return of 2023 Playoff MVP and former Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.