Explore the OHL: Peterborough Petes
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.
HISTORY
Peterborough, located on the Otonabee River in Ontario, Canada, is about 125 km northeast of Toronto and has a population of 83,651. Known as the “Gateway to the Kawarthas,” it was once nicknamed “The Electric City” for being the first in Canada to use electric streetlights in 1884. The Peterborough Petes, established in 1956 as a farm team for the Montreal Canadiens, were initially sponsored by the Toronto Peterborough Transport Company (TPT). The team officially became the Petes in 1966-67 and adopted their iconic maroon and white colors in 1974-75, dropping TPT and Canadiens branding. With 10 OHL championships and a Memorial Cup, the Petes have solidified Peterborough’s hockey legacy. They are the longest continuously operating team in the OHL.
EDUCATION
The Peterborough Petes Hockey Club prides itself on education. 100% of Petes players attend school at some level, whether it be Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, Fleming College, or Trent University in Peterborough.
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
1983-84: Scott Tottle
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)
2010-11: Andrew D’Agostini
ARENA
The Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) is a 4,329-seat multi-purpose arena. Built in 1956, it serves as the home of the Petes and the Peterborough Lakers (Major Series Lacrosse). Named in honor of the region’s war veterans, the facility underwent significant renovations in 2003, adding 24 luxury suites, improved concessions, a licensed restaurant, updated seating, boards and a new scoreboard.
BILLET LIFE
The Peterborough Petes are supported by 26 dedicated billet families for the 2024-25 season. The Peterborough Billet Family Program plays a major role in the team’s success both on and off the ice. It takes special people to open their homes and hearts to players.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
Peterborough has produced over 150 NHL players, making it one of the most remarkable junior teams in the world. Notable alumni include Zack Kassian, Zach Bogosian, Eric & Jordan Staal, Chris Pronger, Steve Yzerman, Bob Gainey, Mike Ricci, Tie Domi, Nick Ritchie, Steven Lorentz, and Nick Robertson. The franchise has also been home to notable coaches/managers including Scotty Bowman, Roger Neilson, Mike Keenan, Gary Green, and Dick Todd.
For a complete list of Petes alumni, click here.
PETES EVENTS
The Peterborough Petes host numerous team bonding events throughout the season, but players often highlight their shared team meals as a favorite day-to-day activity. In the community, the Petes are highly active, regularly giving back to the city of Peterborough both on and off the ice. A signature event for the team is Pink in the Rink, now in its 16th season. Last year, this campaign surpassed $1 million in funds raised for cancer research. This season, the Petes aim to raise an additional $50,000, continuing the team’s largest ongoing fundraiser.
WHERE TO EAT
The Peterborough Petes recommend two favorite restaurants for visitors: The Keg and Sam’s Place. Sam’s Place Deli is a popular local spot in Peterborough, known for its delicious sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and friendly atmosphere.
NOTABLE LANDMARK
A notable landmark in Peterborough, the Peterborough Lift Lock on the Trent Canal is Lock 21 of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Once the world’s highest hydraulic boat lift, it raises boats 65 ft (20 m), a remarkable feat for the early 20th century when most locks had only a 7 ft rise. Designated a National Historic Site in 1979 and a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1987, it includes a visitor center with interactive exhibits and offers winter skating on the canal below.
For additional insights about the city of Peterborough, visit www.destinationontario.com.
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