Peterborough, Ontario — A Storied Sporting City

Peterborough, Ontario, nestled along the Otonabee River, has a rich and dynamic history with sports that reflects both community passion and competitive excellence. From grassroots recreation to national championships and future stars, sport is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of this mid-size Canadian city.

A Hockey Heartland

Hockey has long been at the centre of Peterborough’s sporting identity. The Peterborough Petes, established in 1956, are the oldest continuously operating franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), a testament to this tradition.  Over decades, the Petes have become synonymous with success: they’ve appeared in the Memorial Cup tournament nine times, winning the national championship in 1979, and cultivated an astounding pipeline of talent. NHL legends like Steve Yzerman, Bob Gainey, Eric and Jordan Staal, Cory Stillman, Chris Pronger and even Wayne Gretzky (in a brief stint) passed through their ranks — making Peterborough one of hockey’s most revered junior programs.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre, opened in 1956 and renovated over the years, remains the iconic home of the Petes and hosts thousands of fans each season.  Beyond major junior hockey, minor hockey thrives through robust house league and competitive programs like the Peterborough Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament — a cherished event that began in 1958 with just eight teams and grew to host nearly ninety teams over four days.  The city also supports girls’ hockey through the IceKats association, reinforcing inclusivity and opportunities for athletes of all ages.

Lacrosse Legacy — Canada’s Summer Game

While hockey dominates winter, lacrosse has long ruled the summer in Peterborough. The city is recognized as one of Canada’s historic lacrosse hot spots, with the sport played locally since 1872.  The Peterborough Lakers, a Senior “A” box lacrosse team founded in 1968, play in Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) and compete annually for the prestigious Mann Cup.  Historically, Peterborough teams — including predecessor squads — have captured numerous provincial and national titles and stored decades of competitive excellence.

Lacrosse’s deep significance in the city is also celebrated through institutions like the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame, which honors the game’s standout players and builders alongside achievers from other sports.

Beyond Hockey and Lacrosse

Peterborough’s sporting history extends into many other arenas:

• Football: Early teams like the Peterborough Orfuns played in the Ontario Rugby Football Union in the late 1930s.  Today, youth football thrives through clubs such as the Peterborough Wolverines Football Club, reflecting growth in gridiron sport at the grassroots level.

  
  

• Rowing: The city’s rowing club, established in 1977 along the Otonabee River, supports both recreational rowing and competitive regattas, including university and high school crews.

• Special Olympics: In recent years, Peterborough athletes made history with the city’s first women’s team gold in soccer at the Special Olympics provincial games, showing the city’s commitment to inclusive sport.

• Basketball and school sports: Local high school programs such as Kenner Collegiate have captured provincial medals in basketball, illustrating athletic achievement beyond traditional team sports.

Cultural and Community Impact

Sport in Peterborough isn’t just about competition — it’s deeply connected to community life. Youth tournaments, minor leagues, and festivals bring families together and cultivate a lifelong love of sport. Decades-old events like the Liftlock tournament provided a rite of passage for generations of players, and while some traditions evolve or conclude, their legacy persists in local memories and community pride.

From producing NHL stars and national lacrosse champions to supporting youth programs and inclusive athletics, Peterborough’s sporting history is as diverse as it is enduring. It reflects not just a city of athletes, but a community that lives and breathes sport across seasons and generations.