Open Borders
With the implementation of Open Borders and Freedom of Movement starting the 2025/2026 hockey season, any player U10 and above is free to play wherever they want within the Ontario Hockey Federation’s jurisdiction. Please review the following information to see what the Jr. Petes have to offer.
Decades of Excellence
Peterborough and Peterborough County, including Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation, have a rich and deep hockey history with their strong minor hockey systems, from house league to the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Peterborough Petes.
Higher-skilled minor hockey players playing on Minor Petes AAA teams have proudly worn the Petes jersey while travelling and playing within the OMHA AAA league and tournaments across Ontario and the United States.
Our coaches are designed to cultivate player growth, enhance skills and drive success for all our players. Our staff has a wide variety of skills and specializations that are pivotal to our players’ development. Since 1968, 224 minor Petes players have been drafted into the OHL, with 23 in the past two seasons.
Player Development
Vice President of Hockey Operations Kurtis Foster believes a winning culture is built on strong principles, high standards, and a commitment to player development. Foster has extensive experience in professional hockey as a player and coach across all levels. He ensures that players receive the tools and mentorship needed to excel from all the staff on and off the ice. Kurtis works with a skills development team consisting of former pro players who provide sessions to all teams prior to the start of the season. Our teams are provided with Pixellot Cameras and software to capture games and practices. All of our teams have access to our video room at the Healthy Planet Arena.
Sports Performance Coach
Mike Temple of Temple Coaching Solutions is pivotal in helping young hockey players elevate their development on and off the ice as needed. By focusing on mental resilience, confidence-building and stress management, he equips athletes with the psychological tools to perform at their best in high-pressure situations. His expertise ensures that athletes enhance their physical skills and develop the mental toughness required for long-term success in hockey and beyond.
Power Skating
Our Jr. AAA Petes teams utilize Ashlea Jones of Ashlea Jones Athletes, who also serve as the technical skating coach for the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. Jones has competed at nearly the highest levels of skating competitions and is a five-time Olympic qualifier in figure skating. With over 17 years of experience in training, Jones helps train and mentor anyone who goes through her program to succeed in all aspects of skating.
Goaltending Coach
Andrew Verner is the current Goaltending Consultant for the Jr. AAA Petes. He has had a 17-year professional career that included time in the AHL, the Canadian National Team and 14 seasons in Europe. He currently serves as the goaltender coach for the Petes. The former Pete played with the team from 1989 to 1992. He transitioned into coaching, first serving as Assistant Coach from August 2014 before stepping in as Interim Head Coach from January to April 2018. In June 2018, he was officially named Associate Coach. Andrew has served as a Goaltending Consultant for Hockey Canada, contributing to the success of the U17 team (2014) and the 2015 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Cup champions. He has also worked with the Austrian National Team and OHL/OHF U16 programs, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in goaltender development.
Coach Selection
The Jr. AAA Petes have a rigorous coach selection process that ensures the highest standards of leadership and development for our athletes. Our top priority is to recruit, develop, and retain coaches who possess a deep understanding of the game, are dedicated to youth hockey and are committed to fostering each player’s full potential. We strongly emphasize recruiting non-parent coaches at the AAA level, particularly from U13 and above. These coaches are committed to building cohesive teams that strive for excellence, both on and off the ice.
U16 and U18 Programs
The U16 and U18 Jr. AAA Petes have established themselves as premier development programs, consistently preparing players for success at the next level.
Over the past two seasons, our U16 programs have been amongst the top teams in Ontario. During the 2022/2023 season, the 2007 age group were OMHA Champions. During the 2023/2024 season, the 2008 age group were OMHA finalists. Both teams had strong showings at the OHL Cup tournament and had a combined 23 players drafted by OHL teams.
We have a designated dressing room at the Healthy Planet Arena with a coach’s room and video facilities for our U16 teams.
The U18 program is strongly and uniquely affiliated with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. It markets them as a strong, viable option for OHL draft picks to continue their development in preparation for a potential career in the OHL. The Petes supply the Jr. Petes with practice jerseys and use of their team video facilities. The team has a designated dressing room within the Memorial Centre.
Top-Rate Facilities
Peterborough is well-known as a hockey city that values and supports the development of its players and teams, especially with Jr. AAA Petes. The city is home to four arenas within a 10-minute drive radius, offering convenience and accessibility for all hockey enthusiasts.
The Healthy Planet Arena, Kinsmen Civic Centre, the newly built Miskin Law Community Complex and the Peterborough Memorial Centre collectively provide quality recreational and competitive hockey facilities.
Maintaining Affordable Hockey
The Jr. AAA Petes offers one of the most affordable registration costs for minor hockey in Ontario, which gives excellent value to families seeking high-level hockey development.
This past season, registration was $2,700 plus team fees. However, the organization provides a unique opportunity for families to significantly offset costs by securing sponsorships, which can cover up to 80% of a player’s fees.