GAME PREVIEW: Petes Host 67’s to Open 2025-26 Season Series
Still buzzing from a huge 7-3 win over the rival Oshawa Generals on Thursday, the Peterborough Petes are back in action as they host the Ottawa 67’s at the PMC. It’s the first meeting between the two East Division foes this season, after Ottawa took the 2024-25 series with a record of 5-1-0-2. Peterborough will be looking to build off of their big offensive night on Thursday and take down their rivals to kick off the 2025-26 season series. The Petes will also be debuting their black third jerseys during tonight’s game.
Thursday night would see a number of Petes get on the scoresheet. Most notably, OA forward Matthew Soto, who exploded for a hat trick and five points in his first taste of the biggest rivalry in junior hockey. Soto was joined by Aiden Young, who picked up four assists in his third game of the season, and Adam Novotný, who continued his hot streak with two goals and an assist. Peterborough native Easton Rye continues to impress in net during the young season, picking up his fourth win of the campaign on Thursday. Another positive for Peterborough against Oshawa was the play of their 2009’s. Gerry DiCunzolo slotted into his third game of the season, picking up his first OHL point with an assist on Kaden McGregor’s second goal of the season.
Ottawa comes into the PMC on a hot streak, starting the season 7-1-0-0. They are led by 2026 NHL Draft prospect Thomas Vandenberg, who has 11 points in eight games through his first OHL campaign after playing for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders last season. The Petes will also have to watch out for 2008-born defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan, who has had a productive season so far with eight points from the backend. The 67’s goaltending has also been a huge part of their early success, with first year Ryder Fetterolf leading the way with a 1.80 GAA and .927 SV% through five games. The Petes will need to look to special teams to take down the 67’s, as Ottawa currently sits 20th in the OHL in PK% with 66.7%
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Very limited tickets are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcasted live on YourTV Peterborough, Freq 90.5., and Flo Hockey.
