Behind the Net to Between the Pipes: Easton Rye’s Full-Circle Moment in Peterborough

Long before he was part of the Peterborough Petes’ goalie tandem, Easton Rye was one of the kids sitting behind the net at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Rye has been around the organization for as long as he can remember.

“My grandparents have had season tickets behind the net for longer than I’ve been alive,” Rye said. “I used to come to games with them for as long as I can remember. My grandpa still has the same season tickets to this day.”

Although he witnessed many different players throughout that time, there was one goaltender in particular who captured his attention: former Petes netminder Andrew D’Agostini. 

“Andrew D’Agostini is the one who actually got me to want to be a goalie,” Rye said. “I was his biggest fan growing up and wanted to be just like him. Then, ironically, I get drafted by the Petes, and now I’m wearing the number he wore – number 30 – and playing in the same net. I’m still in touch with him to this day.”

For Petes’ General Manager Mike Oke, Rye’s deep connection to the team was evident from the very beginning.

“He was born and raised in Peterborough, so he’s really familiar with the city and with the Petes,” Oke said. “He followed some of our previous goalies, especially Andrew D’Agostini. Once we drafted him, he spent time getting acclimated, working with our goalie coach, and going through his own development process. Every player’s path is different, but Easton has handled his extremely well.”

Rye was selected in the fifth round (89th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and still remembers the moment he first put on the maroon and white.

“It didn’t even feel like real life,” Rye said. “It felt like a big dream. For it to come true the exact way you wanted it to as a kid was something out of a fairy tale.”

And that surreal feeling hasn’t faded with time.

“Every time I get to put the jersey on, I’m reminded of my dreams as a little kid,” he added. “And I’m actually getting to live them, exactly the way I pictured.”

For Oke, watching a hometown player thrive carries a special significance.

“Not everybody gets a chance to play for their hometown team,” he said. “There are benefits, but significant challenges too. Easton has done a good job staying focused on what he wants to accomplish – on the ice, academically, and personally.”

After appearing in eight games for the Petes in 2023-24, Rye spent the remainder of the season in the PJCHL with the Lakefield Chiefs before serving as an EBUG (emergency backup goaltender) for the Erie Otters and North Bay Battalion, where he made one appearance. Last season, he returned to the Petes crease, starting 29 games and backstopping a team that ultimately finished at the bottom of the standings.

But after a productive offseason, Rye has entered his third OHL campaign on the right foot. Recently named Mary Brown’s Chicken OHL Goaltender of the Week for November 17–23, he’s become a backbone for the young Petes, posting a 13-5-1-1 record, along with a 2.73 GAA and .916 save percentage through 20 appearances. His play has helped lift Peterborough to fourth in the Eastern Conference with 30 points. 

“Coming into meaningful games now, it’s been such a fun experience,” Rye said. “To play in that home net I grew up watching, and in front of a crowd that shows up every night – it’s special. We have such a good group of guys, lots of heart, lots of skill. We’re young, but we’re definitely making some noise.”

From the goaltenders who inspired him to the little kid who once sat behind the net dreaming of moments like these, Rye is living the story he imagined years ago. And with each strong performance, that dream is turning into something larger – something lasting. He isn’t just playing for his hometown team anymore; he’s building his own legacy and inspiring kids just like him.