Petes ink Head Coach Rob Wilson to eight-year extension

The Peterborough Petes announced today that they have signed Head Coach Rob Wilson to an eight-year contract extension. The contract will keep Wilson with the club through July of 2032.

“On behalf of the Directors, I am pleased to announce that we will have Rob as our Head coach for the next eight years,” noted President of the Petes Board of Directors, Dave Lorentz. “He is a proven winner and is very focused on bringing several more OHL Championships to this team, and more importantly a Memorial Cup Championship. Rob is a Peterborough Pete, his commitment to the organization and the players is unwavering. As an organization, we are excited about the future and can assure our fans that our goal is nothing less than another Championship.”

“I’m thrilled that we have been able to extend Rob’s contract through 2032. Rob and I have worked very closely the past six seasons and I look forward to building on what we have done here in Peterborough moving forward. He’s a hardworking, passionate, detailed coach that has implemented an effective playing style that has given the Petes the identity of a tough team to play against” said General Manager and VP of Operations Michael Oke. 

Since being named as the club’s 23rd Head Coach in May 2018, Wilson has compiled 154 wins, clinching a playoff spot in four out of his five seasons. Last season, Wilson led the Petes to the club’s 10th J. Ross Robertson Cup before finishing third at the 2023 Memorial Cup.

“I’m extremely happy and honoured to sign this long-term deal with the Petes,” said Wilson. “I’d like to thank the Board of Directors and our GM and VP of Operations Mike Oke for their commitment and belief in me over our time together with the team. It’s been a great experience over the last six years building a program that everyone in the Petes family is proud of. I’d like to thank the coaches and Petes staff for making my job easier everyday. It’s a great privilege to get to work with these young athletes and watch them grow and mature into young men on and off the ice.”

Prior to joining the Petes, Wilson served as Head Coach of the DEL’s Nuremberg Ice Tigers from 2015-2018, coaching to a 97-43-0-8 record. The former defenceman and Toronto, Ontario native played for the Petes during the 1988-89 season after being acquired from the Sudbury Wolves. He helped the team capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions that season before embarking on a pro playing career that included stops in various North American and European leagues. 

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in without my family,” continued Wilson. “Huge thanks to my wife Heidi, my daughters Jessica and Lynsay, and my son Max for supporting me through everything that comes with being in my position. Lastly, I’d like to thank the fans who stuck with us through this rebuilding season. Without you all, none of this would be possible. We’re looking forward to continuing to work towards another OHL Championship and Memorial Cup for the city of Peterborough.”

The results of the OHL Priority Selection Draft Lottery will be formally announced on Wednesday, March 27th at 7:00pm, streaming live for free on OHL Live. The Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection for the first four picks of the first round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Fans are encouraged to tune in to find out where the Petes will be selecting in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection on Friday, April 12.