Two Peterborough Girls Grapple to Gold At National Judo Championships

Akshila Amarasinghe and Avery Fam of Ninja Academy in Peterborough grappled and threw their way to gold at the National Judo Championships in Montréal on May 22-23.

Akshila Amarasinghe (left), Paul Teleki (middle) and Avery Fam (right) after the trio celebrate the girls’ success in Montréal. Photo courtesy of Ninja Academy.

“What makes this a spectacular result is not only the national result but that they learned and competed in complex katas designed for high rank black belt gradings as well,” said Paul Teleki, Ninja Academy sensei. “Akshila and Avery have been training up to five days every week over the past several months and you can only achieve these results through countless hours of dedication.”

Both girls have earned Gold in Ju-no-kata previously, once in October 2023 at the Ontario Kata Championships and again in April 2024 at the Tora Invitational in Brampton. They earned bronze in Kodokan Goshin Jutsu in April.

“In their training they have already started sharing their knowledge with their peers, resulting in a positive ripple effect for students of all ages,” said Teleki. “They are trailblazers in their age category and I believe they will inspire judoka of all ages to pursue these difficult katas in the future.”

The Ninja Academy is shifting its focus on launching its first Ninja Olympics event at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on June 23 for elementary-aged kids.

The event has a fair of activities and challenges with awards for kids in their respective age categories. Teleki says the event will help kids and families understand their athletic potential in a fun event.

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No Carpet For Lakers Classic? Not So Fast...

The Lakers Classic which runs Friday to Sunday is getting carpet after all at the Peterborough Memorial Center (PMC) according to a City Councillor and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Laker Classic is in its 36th year, missing only two seasons: one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the other to a storm and tornado. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers issued a statement of disheartenment Wednesday morning, stating that the PMC was originally not going to install the new $325,000 carpet until June 12 without explanation.

“Despite our requests and the significant community impact of this decision, we were informed without explanation that the carpet would not be put down until June 12,” as stated in a Lakers press release. “This decision is a significant blow to our Junior Lakers and the many young athletes participating in the Laker Classic, who will miss the thrill of playing on the premier turf.”

On Wednesday night, the Lakers announced that the carpet would be installed in time for the event according to a Facebook post.

“After some discussion with the Mayor and the support of our lacrosse community, plans are now on to have the carpet laid and available for use by the JR’s and the Laker Classic this weekend,” as stated in a Facebook post.

Criticism was taken to the municipal government and their response confirmed that the PMC is installing the carpet for this weekend.

“I have been advised by City staff that the company which installs the carpet intends to have it in place for the weekend,” said Councillor Leslie Parnell.

The Classic has roughly 35-40 teams and 90-100 games over three days across five arenas. The tournament features divisions from Tyke to Midget with athletes aged seven to 16 across the province.

Playing on turf pays tribute to the Creator’s Game and includes many Indigenous teams from Kahnawake, Six Nations, and Akwesasne.

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Former Peterborough Pete and OHL Champion Cory Stillman Named Guelph Storm Head Coach

Former Peterborough Pete and OHL Champion Cory Stillman has been named the head coach of the Guelph Storm, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario HockeyLeague.

Stillman will become the club’s 18th head coach in franchise history.

“Cory brings a wealth of experience as a player and champion as well as a mentor and a teacher of young players,” said George Burnett, Storm general manager. “His desire to return to a head coaching role and lead our group both on and off the ice was very apparent throughout this process. I look forward to working closely with Cory to continue to move our program forward.”

Stillman played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three seasons. He has won the Emms Family Trophy as OHL Rookie of the Year with the Windsor Spitfires in 1991 and won a J. Ross Robertson Cup with his hometown Peterborough Petes in 1993. Stillman amassed 271 points in 178 regular-season games and 26 points in 36 career playoff games during his OHL careern.

He was drafted sixth overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Stillman registered 727 points in 1025 career NHL games with Flames, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers. Stillman won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning and Hurricanes in 2003-04 and 2005-06.

After his playing career in 2010-11, Stillman went on to work in Player Development for the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes before returning to the OHL as Head Coach of the Sudbury Wolves in 2017-18. He mentored the likes of Quinton Byfield, Jack Thompson, Chase Stillman, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Isaak Phillips. Stillman spent three seasons as the Wolves’ bench boss before joining the Arizona Coyotes as an assistant coach in 2020-21.

“I am excited to be named the next Head Coach of the Guelph Storm,” said Stillman. “Working with Scott and George, who are both proven winners, I truly believe we can create something special in Guelph. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

His son Chase was drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Deveils in 2021. Chase spent two seasons with the Peterborough Petes and won an OHL Championship in the 2022-23 season.

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Hometown PTBO: Porter Martone Captaining Team Canada to a Gold Medal at the IIHF U18 World Championships

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Mississauga Steelhead Porter Martone about captaining Team Canada to an IIHF U18 World Championship Gold Medal, his father and former NHLer Mike Martone and why he was named “Porter.”

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Memorial Centre Refuses to Install Carpet For Lakers Classic Says Peterborough Lakers

The Lakers Classic is likely being played on concrete as the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) is not putting in the new carpet in time for the tournament according to a Facebook post made by the Peterborough Lakers on Tuesday night.

the Laker Classic has seen many top-level professional players represent their home centers, including local pros such as Shawn, Scott and Turner Evans, Josh and Zach Currier, Ethan Walker, Robert Hope, Thomas Hoggarth, John Grant Jr., and Tracey Kelusky and more. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The statement claims that the PMC has refused to install the new $325,000 carpet in time for the upcoming Jr’s and Laker Classic which will run from May 24 to 26.

“Despite our requests and the significant community impact of this decision, we were informed without explanation that the carpet would not be put down until June 12,” as stated in a Lakers press release. “This decision is a significant blow to our Junior Lakers and the many young athletes participating in the Laker Classic, who will miss the thrill of playing on the premier turf.”

The Laker Classic is in its 36th year, missing only two seasons: one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the other to a storm and tornado.

The long-standing tournament has been recognized by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA), earning Historical Status. It is renowned for kicking off the box lacrosse season for the highest-ranked ‘A’ division in the province.

The Classic has roughly 35-40 teams and 90-100 games over three days across five arenas.

The tournament features divisions from Tyke to Midget with athletes aged seven to 16 across the province.

Playing on turf pays tribute to the Creator’s Game and includes many Indigenous teams from Kahnawake, Six Nations, and Akwesasne.

“In light of PMC's refusal, we urge our supporters to contact their councillors and the mayor to express their dismay at how this decision and other latest decision that resulted in the Lakers late home start, tarnishes our community's reputation as the best box lacrosse center in the world. The Senior Lakers remain committed to advocating for all community teams and continuing to support the growth and success of lacrosse in Peterborough despite clawbacks by the PMC and city each year,” according to a statement released by the Lakers.

The PMC was reached out for a comment but did not respond.

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London Knights Sign U16 Peterborough Petes Defenceman to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The London Knights have signed Peterborough Petes U16 AAA defenceman Caleb Mitchell to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario Hockey League.

Mitchell was the Knights second round (39th overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Peterborough Petes U16 AAA.

The Omemee native spent the last two years with the Petes, getting five goals and 20 assists.

In the OHL Cup, he helped the Petes with six assists in six games.

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Former Peterborough Pete Michael Simpson Wins Second OHL Championship With London Knights

After winning an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship and J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Peterborough Petes last year, goaltender Michael Simpson has done it again with the London Knights on Wednesday night.

Simpson won the Wayne Gretzky Award for Playoff MVP last year alongside his OHL Championship with the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The Knights defeated the Generals in game four, 7-1, at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa to capture the title, Simpson’s second straight championship and London’s fifth title in franchise history.

“Anytime you get to be a part of two OHL Championships is special and to win both times is something I would’ve never dreamed of,” said Simpson. “It was a dream come true to come to my hometown team as an overager and be able to win here. Obviously I spent lots of time at the Bud growing up so it’s pretty cool to be able to win with the Knights.”

The former Pete allowed only one goal in the game-four victory over the Generals in the final minute of the opening period. The London native stopped 25 of 26 shots to help the Knights sweep the Generals in four games.

“It’s obviously pretty exciting (to win),” said Simpson. “Last year was a lot harder but this year was just as sweet. Sweeping the finals is pretty special; this is a special group and it was pretty fun this year.”

The Peterborough Petes traded Simpson to the Knights for goaltender Zach Bowen and Kingston Frontenac’s third-round pick in 2025 on Sept. 26 last year.

Simpson was an overage player and was the first transaction the Petes made prior to the season. With the Knights as runner-ups to Peterborough, Simpson had 34 wins in 48 starts to help his hometown team win this year’s OHL Championship.

“It’s super-special,” said Simpson. “I’ve gone to a lot of playoff games over my childhood growing up and seeing a lot of Knights wins. It’s pretty special to be part of a group that won.”

He was ranked the number one goalie after the regular season with the lowest goals-against average of 2.61 according to OHL statistics.

Simpson joins Adam Dennis (2004-05) and Josh Unice (2008-09) as the third goaltender in OHL history to win a back-to-back OHL Championship with two different teams.

With another OHL Championship, Simpson and the Knights qualified for the Memorial Cup. They join the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs and host and OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

Simpson will take on former teammate and former Peterborough Pete Owen Beck at the Memorial Cup. The latter, a Montréal Canadiens prospect, was dealt to Saginaw on Jan. 8 for three draft picks and forward Aiden Young.

The Memorial Cup begins with Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw on May 24 at 7:30 p.m. The Knights open their run against Moose Jaw vs. Saginaw on Saturday at 4 p.m.

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Young Ladies Can Try Hitting the Links at Girls Golf Kawartha League Free Event

Young ladies aged seven to 17 can try out their drives, chips and putts as the Girls Golf Kawartha League’s (GGKL) ‘Girls Try Golf Free Event’ being held at the Kawartha Golf & Country Club on May 25.

Sydney (pictued) nailing a hole in one at The Quarry’s third hole of the executive course on Oct. 11, 2021. Photo courtesy of Girls Golf Kawartha League.

This is our second year of the Girls Golf Kawartha League.

“I run it for girls to create a fun, safe, non competitive way for girls to learn and love golf,” said Courtney Carroll of GGKL.

To kick off the season, the newly-formed organization is bringing back the free event and a free league at The Quarry in June.

The league meets every Wednesday night for an hour. There is also a pay-per class with group lessons with Shana Kelly of the Coaching Association of Canada and of Kawartha Golf Club.

“Our goal is to get 100 girls out this summer,” said Carroll.

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Kawartha Dows Releases Schedule of Events for 2024; Harness Racing Moved to Friday Nights

Kawartha Downs (KD) has opted to get bigger and become a better hub as they released their lineup of events for 2024 including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday afternoon.

Daniel D’Ercole, Kawartha Downs general manager (left); Jim Huck, Kawartha Downs ‍Director of Horse Racing (middle) and Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs President. One major change o the harness racing is they will start on Friday nights with post time at 7 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Daniel D'Ercole, KD's general manager, and Richard Weldon, KD's president, made the announcement.

Returning events include the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and pit party, Monster Madness and Agricultural Fair. New additions include Weiner Dog Races, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, Axe Throwing, a Wedding Show and more.

“The reception from our community and township has been tremendous,” said D’Ercole. “Everybody’s excited about the events that we held last year and so our motivation to further that list and continue to build on that comes from their support.”

Harness racing moves to Fridays with post time at 7 p.m. with the first date for May 17.

The following is the 2024 event schedule:

• May 17 - Live Entertainment (Opening Night Harness Racing)

• May 18 - Live Entertainment

• May 25 - OTTPA Truck + Tractor Pull Door 5 p.m., start time 6 p.m.

• May 28 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• May 30 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 dance class

• June 8 - Yuk Yuk’s Comedy 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

• June 9 - FoxFest Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• June 4, 11 & 18 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• June 20 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• June 27 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• July 6 - Demolition Derby Pit Party 5 p.m., Start time 6:30 p.m.

• July 13 & 14 - Agricultural Fair TBD start time

• July 19 - Weiner Dog Races (Harness Racing)

• July 20 - Monster Madness

  • Show 1- 1 p.m. pit party and 2:30 p.m. show time

  • Show 2- 5 p.m. pit party and 6:30 p.m. show time

• July 24 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 1 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• August 14 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 24 & 25 - Beer + BBQ Fest TBD start time

• August 29 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 18 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• Sept. 26- Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 28 - Model Train Show TBD start time

• Nov. 10 - Wedding show TBD start time

The following are all harness racing dates on Fridays with post time scheduled for 7 p.m.:

• May 17

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 21

• June 28

• July 5

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9th

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

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The 15th Annual Berlett Cup Kicks Off Men's League Play At the Peterborough Golf & Country Club

To kick off the men’s golf season, the prestigious 15th-annual Berlett Cup began for the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (PGCC) on Tuesday afternoon.

Connor Blair (left) and Taylor Blair (right) were co-captains of the defending-champion team, ‘Team Birdie Juice’ and plan to win the title for a second-straight year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Cup is a summer league that runs from May to September. It is comprised of eight teams of 20. This year, 173 golfers including several new members participated in this year’s Cup.

Ian Armstrong, PGCC director, says the league highlights the spirit of golf and is a great way to kick off the season.

“It speaks to the culture of friendship, camaraderie, healthy competition, having fun and trying to shoot the best golf scores you can,” he explained. “The numbers demonstrate how much people love this day; it's the highlight of their week and it's the highlight of the summer golf schedule at the club.”

The tournament is named after the late Dan Berlett, who was a well-respected longtime member and former president of the PGCC.

“Dan was all about camaraderie, competitiveness, fairness and most importantly, getting men together and socializing after a round,” said Kurtis Sweeting, PGCC sport director.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The draft occurred a few weeks before the event. Last year’s defending champions were ‘Team Birdie Juice.’ Connor Blair, a member of the winning team, says the league brings out the golfers' competitiveness but in a fun and sportsmanlike way.

“It's quite competitive,” he explained. “Obviously we're out here to have fun but when strokes matter and you're playing against teams each and every week, I would say it can get heated at times and it's not out of the normal to see a two-footer be a gimmie late in the playoffs because you want to make sure everyone makes everything.”

The league marks the beginning of the golf season for everyone at PGCC. The golfers' eagerness to hit the links for the Berlett Cup is obvious according to PGCC members and staff.

“It (The Berlett Cup) speaks to number one, to the culture here at Peterborough,” said Blair. “We always get such a good showing and it's a very inclusive club. Whether you're brand new to the game or if you've played for 20 years, it's not uncommon to have a beer and meet someone for the first time or play with your buddies that you've played with for 10-plus years.”

“This event speaks to the culture and values of the club that we come together on a weekly basis to celebrate our friendship and our membership,” said Armstrong.

“This was a lot of members' home opener,” explained Sweeting. “We didn't get to open the men's officially due to weather but this is basically our official opening and the guys are excited.”

The PGCC hosted its Ladies Open tournament on Tuesday.

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