The Peterborough Jesse’s Tap & Grill U15 AAA Petes are set to compete in the OMHA (Ontario Minor Hockey Association) Championships next weekend after posting an impressive 6-1 record in the playoffs. Although they still have one playoff game remaining this Sunday, on the road against the North Central Predators, the Petes have already clinched their spot in the tournament.
The team kicked off their playoff run with a decisive 4-0 shutout against the Ajax-Pickering Raiders, followed by a narrow 6-5 win over the Barrie Jr Colts. They continued their strong play with two big wins over the North Shore Whitecaps, by scores of 3-0 and 7-3. The Petes suffered their lone setback with a 5-2 loss to the Colts but rebounded with a close 3-2 win over the Predators and finished the stretch with an 8-2 blowout of the Raiders.
Goaltenders Landen White and Matty Colling have been key contributors between the pipes, providing a solid backbone for the team’s playoff success. The roster features a talented lineup, including Prestin Allen, Blake Brioux, Tyson Hawley, Taymon Browne, Liam Williams, Kotter Grove, Cooper Poskin, Reid Cameron, Lucas McIntyre, Cole Roberts, Hannu Packalen, Colton Adams, Kalum Phillips, Gage Cooper-Bailey, Joe Gusso, and Taytem Adams.
Guiding the team is Head Coach Joe Hawley, supported by assistant coaches Rob Baker, Dan Robertson, Brock Davis, and Kevin Sparling. Trainer Lynn Todd and Manager Ben Adams have also been instrumental in getting the team to where they are this season.
The Petes will use their final playoff game on Sunday to prepare for the OMHA Championships, where they’ll face off against the province’s top U15 AAA teams. With a potent offence, solid defence, reliable goaltending, and a cohesive unit, the Peterborough squad is well-positioned to make an impact at this year’s tournament, which is set to take place from March 28-30 in Kingston.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
