RECAP: Johnston Earns First OHL Shutout as Otters Fall in Peterborough

Category: ArticleOctober 1, 2026

Peterborough, ON — The Otters would hit the road for their first muti-game road trip of the season as they would head East to Peterborough for their one and only road battle with the Petes. Taking five of the first six points available to them, the Otters would look to keep their perfect road record in tact as they visit a building they have not lost in since 2022.

The first period was an offensive battle from puck drop, with both the Otters and Petes creating chances and trading pressure throughout the frame. Despite the back and forth action, neither team could find the scoreboard until Adam Novotny (PPG, GWG, 1) gave the Petes the breakthrough with 7 minutes remaining in the period. Novotny fired a shot into the top shelf to put Peterborough ahead 1-0 with a highlight-reel finish. Erie continued to generate offensive pressure late in the period, but the Petes and Lucas Karmiris (1) decided they weren’t done yet. Karmiris found the back of the net when the clock hit 30 seconds remaining in his Peterborough debut. Through the period, both teams had an offensive mindset, but the Otters outshot the Petes 14 to 10 in the first, but the Petes came out with a two score lead going into the first intermission.

The Petes carried their offensive momentum into the second period, extending their lead four minutes in when Yanis Lutz (PPG, 1) found the back of the net from the left faceoff circle. The goal marked Lutz’s second of the season for Peterborough and gave the Petes a 3-0 advantage. Peterborough continued to apply pressure in the offensive zone, but David Egorov stood tall in the crease, turning aside the Petes’ scoring chances to keep the Otters within striking distance. Both teams saw opportunities on the power play throughout the period, but neither side could capitalize with the man advantage. As the period wound down, Erie continued to push for a breakthrough while Peterborough looked to protect its three-goal lead. The Otters once again held the edge in shots, firing 14 on net compared to the Petes’ 7 in the second period. After 40 minutes, Peterborough carried a 3-0 lead into the second intermission.

The Otters came out of the second period looking to spark a comeback, but the Petes’ defense continued to keep Erie’s offense at bay. Peterborough maintained control of the game throughout the final frame, limiting the Otters’ scoring opportunities while protecting and extending its three-goal advantage. Leon Kolarik (1) decided that the scoring was not over when he hit the top shelf of the net with 10 left in the final frame to give the Petes’ a 4-0 lead over the visiting Otters. Though Erie continued to push to get into the net, the Petes’ defense held strong through the game. The Petes’ outshot the Otters in the third 13 to 4. Masen Johnston would earn his first OHL shutout as the Otters would fall for the first time in regulation by a score of 4-0.

The Otters will continue their road trip Saturday in Ottawa, before heading to Kingston Sunday and then London next Friday before they return home on October 10 to battle the 67’s. For tickets and more information, head to Ottershockey.com.

RECAP: Johnston Earns First OHL Shutout as Otters Fall in Peterborough

RECAP: Johnston Earns First OHL Shutout as Otters Fall in Peterborough

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