GAME PREVIEW: Petes Host Rival Frontenacs to Open 2026
The Peterborough Petes opened up the second half of their OHL season on Sunday night at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, as they took on the rival Oshawa Generals. The Petes won the game 2-0, backed by Easton Rye’s first OHL shutout and a two-goal performance from Leon Kolarik. James Petrovski picked up the game’s only assist, which happened to be his 100th career OHL helper. Peterborough’s win broke the tie between them and North Bay, giving the Petes sole possession of fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Today, Peterborough begins 2026 with an afternoon matchup against the Kingston Frontenacs. The game is the sixth of eight meetings between the two rivals this season, with Peterborough controlling the series so far with a record of 4-1. Both the Petes and Frontenacs are 5-5 in their last 10 and will be looking to grab two points to kick off the new year.
Forward Leon Kolarik will be one to watch for the Petes today as they look to get their offence going early. Since returning from the World Juniors Div 1A in Slovenia, Kolarik has scored three goals and has four points in three games. Overage defenceman James Petrovski has also been on an offensive tear as of late, picking up eight points in his last six games. The Petes are still without leading scorer Adam Novotný, who is with Czechia at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota. He is expected to return in time for next Thursday’s game against Oshawa.
When looking at the Frontenacs, all eyes will be on Calgary Flames second round pick Jacob Battaglia. Battaglia currently leads the team in points, but will be relied upon a lot more after Kingston dealt Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Tyler Hopkins to the Guelph Storm earlier this week. Fans will also want to keep an eye on overage defenceman Maleek McGowan. A solid two-way defender, McGowan always seems to have a big impact when the Petes and Frontenacs face off.
Limited tickets for the game are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcasted live on YourTV Peterborough, Freq 90.5., and Flo Hockey.
