Ladds Scores, Adds Assist as Petes Take Down First Place Colts at Home

On Thursday, January 9, the Peterborough Petes hosted the Eastern Conference leading Barrie Colts for the first time this season. There were PMC debuts in the game, with import defenceman Rio Kaiser and newly acquired Edmonton Oilers prospect Brady Stonehouse playing at home for the first time. It was also a milestone game for Petes forward Brennan Faulkner, who was playing in his 100th OHL game on the night.

 

Before puck drop, Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke presented players from both teams who participated in the World Junior Championships with a plaque commemorating their tournament. Rio Kaiser (Petes, Germany), Emil Hemming (Colts, Finland), Sam Hillebrandt (Colts, USA), and Beau Akey (Colts, Canada) were all honoured in the presentation. Cole Beaudoin (Colts, Canada) was also recognized, but was not in the Barrie lineup to take part in the presentation.

 

 

It was a dream start for the Petes at home, with Nico Addy scoring just 2:35 into the game to make it 1-0. The goal was Addy’s fourth of the season and third in his last two games. Peterborough would have a couple of big chances to double their lead in the opening 20, but Barrie goaltender Sam Hillebrandt was up to the task, keeping it 1-0 heading into the middle frame.

 

Seven minutes into the second period, Jonathan Melee sparked the beginning of a wild middle frame, tipping a Francis Parish shot by Hillebrandt to make it 2-0 Peterborough. Not done there, just three minutes later Aiden Young got in on the action, finishing a pass from Colin Fitzgerald to extend the Petes lead to three. Two minutes after that, Caden Taylor scored Peterborough’s third goal in five minutes, putting the Petes up 4-0 on the Eastern Conference leaders. The Colts would find two quick goals to finish the period, but Peterborough would still hold a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame.

 

After a back and forth third, Liam Ladds put the game away, scoring his second goal of the season with three minutes remaining. The goal would seal the deal on the game, with Peterborough winning by a score of 5-2.

 

Nico Addy and Liam Ladds led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist each, while Martin Matejicek picked up two assists. Jonathan Melee, Aiden Young, and Caden Taylor scored, with Carson Cameron, Francis Parish, Colin Fitzgerald, Quinton Pagé, and Brody Partridge all recording an assist. Easton Rye picked up the win, stopping 23/25 in relief of Zach Bowen, who started the game.

 

Game Recap:

 

First Period:

 

• Peterborough Goal (2:35) – Nico Addy (4), Assist – Carson Cameron (13)

 

Second Period:

 

• Peterborough Goal (7:14) – Jonathan Melee (12), Assists – Francis Parish (5), Liam Ladds (8)
• Peterborough Goal (10:38) – Aiden Young (10), Assists – Colin Fitzgerald (10), Martin Matejicek (11)
• Peterborough Goal (12:12) – Caden Taylor (11), Assists – Quinton Pagé (7), Martin Matejicek (12)
• Barrie Goal (12:39) – Michael Derbidge (5) – Beau Jelsma (19), Gabriel Eliasson (3)
• Barrie Goal (14:08) – Dalyn Wakely (18), Assist – Owen Van Steensel (14)

 

Third Period:

 

• Peterborough Goal (16:49) – Liam Ladds (2), Assists – Brody Partridge (3), Nico Addy (7)

 

The Petes are back in action on Saturday, January 11, when they host the Brantford Bulldogs for Superhero Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC. Tickets for the game are sold-out, but fans still can catch the game on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.