Petes sign four to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements
Peterborough Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke announced that the team has signed Masen Johnston, Adam Levac, Genc Ula and Thanasi Marentette to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements.
“Adam and Genc were two players that our scouts were impressed with during evaluations last year,” noted Oke. “We were very excited when we were able to select them in the draft.”
“Masen is another example of the great partnership we have utilizing the U18 Petes as our primary affiliate,” continued Oke. “Last season, Masen was able to continue his development playing with the U18 Petes while working out and practicing with the OHL team on a regular basis, including getting one-on-one time with Andrew Verner.”
“Thanasi is a big, strong defenceman who is solid in his own end,” Oke added. “We had a chance to watch him a lot last season as he developed with the Petes U18s, working out and practicing with the OHL team regularly. This is another good example of how our relationship with the U18 Petes provides players with a development model and pathway to the OHL.”
Johnston, a Peterborough native, was originally selected by the Petes in the sixth round, 112th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 2007-born, 6’1” goaltender featured in 21 games last season for the Peterborough Petes U18s, posting a 2.39 goals against average (GAA). In 2022-23, Johnston played for the Peterborough Petes U16, picking up a 1.20 GAA in 17 games. He also played in six games in the 2023 OHL Cup, recording a 2.89 GAA.
“It’s surreal,” commented Johnston. “Being from Peterborough and growing up watching the Petes, it’s a dream come true to sign with the team.”
Levac, a 2008-born forward from Embrun, ON, was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 32 games last season with the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s, he scored 18 goals and added 24 assists for 42 points while serving as team captain. Levac also featured in two games for the Navan Grads of the CCHL, picking up one assist.
“It feels amazing to sign with the Petes,” said Levac. “I’m very honoured to have this opportunity and I’m excited to get started.”
Ula, a 2008-born defenceman from Chappaqua, NY, was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 99th overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 22 games with the North Jersey Avalanche last season, Ula scored 11 goals and added 9 assists for 20 points.
“It’s incredible,” exclaimed Ula. “I’m very honoured and excited to sign with the Petes. I have a great opportunity in front of me and I can’t wait to take advantage of it.”
Marentette, a native of Windsor, ON, was selected by the Petes in the 10th round, 196th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2007-born, 6’0” defenceman played in 31 games for the Peterborough Petes U18’s, scoring four goals and adding 12 assists for 16 points. He also played in 10 playoff games, scoring once and picking up 4 assists for five points. In 2022-23, Marentette had 13 points in 32 games for the Toronto Nationals U16s, adding another three points in five games in the 2023 OHL Cup.
“It feels amazing,” commented Marrentette. “Being with the U18s last season gave me a great opportunity to learn about what it takes to be an OHL player. I can’t wait to get started.”
Oke also announced on Saturday that Quinn Binnie has been reassigned ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener in Port Hope. Binnie, an overage forward, played in 57 games for the Petes last season.
“I’d like to thank Quinn for being a great ambassador for the Petes both on and off the ice over the last year,” commented Oke. This was a very difficult decision, but one that we had to make due to the number of overage players each team is allowed to carry. We wish Quinn nothing but the best moving forward.”
The following players have also been reassigned:
- Joshua Kaufman
- Kaiden Thatcher
- Aiden Lee
- Vasily Serov
- Easton Lynds
- Luis Sturgeon
“As we move into preseason, more tough decisions have had to be made,” continued Oke. “We will continue to monitor these players moving forward.”
The Petes kick off their 2024 Preseason on Sunday, September 1 against the Niagara IceDogs. Gametime is 2:05 p.m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Tickets for the Petes preseason games in Norwood, Port Hope, and Millbrook are available now. Stay tuned to the Petes social media channels and website for season updates as they become available.
