After capturing the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2023, the Peterborough Petes committed to a roster overhaul. As anticipated, the club struggled mightily while allowing its younger players to cut their teeth in the major junior ranks.

The maroon and white won just 38 games over two seasons. They had tremendous difficulty manufacturing offence, and were last in goals scored during the two seasons.

In 2023-24, the Petes leading scorer was import Tommy Purdeller with 47 points, while former captain Jonathan Melee led the club last season with a mere 37 points.

After two dismal campaigns in which the Petes failed to qualify for the post-season, the organization will eagerly return to the OHL’s second season this week.

The club spent the majority of the season slotted in fourth place in the OHL’s Eastern Conference standings. The North Bay Battalion have remained in the Petes’ rear view mirror, hoping to trade positions to secure home ice advantage in the playoffs.

While it remains uncertain as to how much success the Petes will have in the OHL playoffs, it is important to recognize several success stories throughout the regular season.

Notable players for the Petes this season:

The Peterborough-born netminder has been spectacular in goal. After notching 10 wins in 29 games in 2024-25, Rye established himself as a bona fide starter in the OHL this season. Rye has been a workhorse for the Petes, appearing in a whopping 56 games heading into the past weekend.

Prior to this past weekend’s action, Rye had notched a very impressive 36 wins, a superb 2.77 GAA, and a .916 save percentage. If the Petes are destined for post-season success, Rye will be a key contributor.

The Czechia import is a projected first round draft selection at the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and for good reason. Novotny is a strong skater with tremendous puck possession skills. The puck appears to be on a string on a nightly basis for the 18-year-old. He also possesses a lethal shot. Novotny has been a game breaker for Rob Wilson all season long, and has NHL scouts salivating for his services.

The Winnipeg Jets prospect was acquired from the Sudbury Wolves prior to the OHL’s trade deadline. In 26 games with the Petes, the hulking six-foot-six winger has 33 points. Walton is incredibly difficult to defend due to his long reach and creativity. He is loaded with offensive flair, and leads the OHL in shots on goal by a wide margin.

I believe Walton’s best hockey is still to come in the OHL playoffs.

In 2024-25, the centre registered 10 points as a rookie. Fast forward to 2025-26, and Levac has been a key offensive contributor for his club. The six-foot centre has tallied 41 points in 57 games, including 10 goals in his first 24 contests this season.

The overage winger did not score a single goal in his rookie season in 2023-24, and only tallied six assists. After his first two seasons, Faulkner notched just six goals and 29 points over 129 games.

This season, Faulkner has been a jack of all trades for the Petes. The former sixth overall pick in the 2022 U18 draft has six game-winning goals, six short-handed goals and 46 points.

The rookie underage defender has shown great poise on the blue line. Perreault has shown flashes of brilliance on the Petes’ power play notching 22 assists. The 16 year old will blossom into a viable quarterback for Rob Wilson’s power play for several years to come.

Playoff hockey has returned to Peterborough. See you at the PMC.

© Peterborough Examiner