Peterborough Petes 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 4)

[Purple Phart]

Knights fan, coming in peace. I've a question for some of your more senior fans. Back in the day, when I began watching the Knights, I seem to recall the Petes were the elite franchise in the league, and usually a threat to win championships.

My initial impression was this was a team with class and swagger. As they came off the team bus, each player was dressed in a maroon blazer, grey flannel slacks, with a shirt & tie. In the JR A circuit of the day, they exuded professionalism. Seriously, they made quite the statement.

So, my question is: When did this all change, and what was the reasoning behind the switch ?
Whenever there is talk about "throwback jerseys" and things from days gone by, my memory wanders to those former glory days of the Peterborough franchise, and the impressive look they carried.

 

[NorthernVoice]

Knights fan, coming in peace. I've a question for some of your more senior fans. Back in the day, when I began watching the Knights, I seem to recall the Petes were the elite franchise in the league, and usually a threat to win championships.

My initial impression was this was a team with class and swagger. As they came off the team bus, each player was dressed in a maroon blazer, grey flannel slacks, with a shirt & tie. In the JR A circuit of the day, they exuded professionalism. Seriously, they made quite the statement.

So, my question is: When did this all change, and what was the reasoning behind the switch ?
Whenever there is talk about "throwback jerseys" and things from days gone by, my memory wanders to those former glory days of the Peterborough franchise, and the impressive look they carried.

Money became more of a factor and large market teams like London used it to build world class arenas and/or outright pay players (in years gone by). The league became less about drafting and more about recruitment and Peterborough, as a smaller town with an older arena isn't the same draw.

In years past they could overcome that with a Roger Neilson, Dick Todd, Gary Green etc... but in that regard money talks now as well and again the Petes don't get the pick of the litter.

None of this is meant to be an excuse and the Petes have done a really good job getting the franchise back to it's former glory - the 2020 team that loaded up with Akil Thomas and featured Nick Robertson, Mason McTavish, etc.. was championship caliber but we all know what happened there.

 

[Petes1987]

Knights fan, coming in peace. I've a question for some of your more senior fans. Back in the day, when I began watching the Knights, I seem to recall the Petes were the elite franchise in the league, and usually a threat to win championships.

My initial impression was this was a team with class and swagger. As they came off the team bus, each player was dressed in a maroon blazer, grey flannel slacks, with a shirt & tie. In the JR A circuit of the day, they exuded professionalism. Seriously, they made quite the statement.

So, my question is: When did this all change, and what was the reasoning behind the switch ?
Whenever there is talk about "throwback jerseys" and things from days gone by, my memory wanders to those former glory days of the Peterborough franchise, and the impressive look they carried.I

I do not believe there has been much of a change in the team’s professionalism. The team is still run in the same way has it always has. The product on the ice has not been as good as it had been in 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Part of the reason is coaching. In the 1970s they had Roger Neilson and Gary Green as their coach’s and were almost always competitive and in the 1980s they had Dick Todd as coach. Dick was in my opinion the best coach in the OHL in his era. He left in 1993 and other than 1996 they had little success in the playoffs after he left. They won six playoff series and another OHL Championship when he returned as coach in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

In the years after he retired they really struggled but started having more success with first Jody Hull and now Rob Wilson as coaches. Rob is the best coach they have had since Dick. Players are choosing to come to Peterborough instead of other teams because he is the coach.

The second reason they have not been an elite team is the fact that they are in a small market and don’t have the money to spend like the larger markets. This has improved in the last half dozen years with a better agreement with the city that allowed them a better deal on the Memorial Centre which has given them more money to spend.

The current Petes team reminds me a lot of the teams in the late 1980s to the mid 1990s.

 

[Zebra]

Petes fan in London chirping his pops!

I already love this little guy !
Smart and adorable -
Go Petes Go !

 

[Zebra]

Says in The Examiner that Gauvreau’s suspension is still listed as indefinite but I thought Rob Wilson? said it was 2 games -

So now I am not sure-maybe I am imagining things

 

[cleodog]

Don’t look now… we have new Petes fan

 

[Buttsy]

Money became more of a factor and large market teams like London used it to build world class arenas and/or outright pay players (in years gone by). The league became less about drafting and more about recruitment and Peterborough, as a smaller town with an older arena isn't the same draw.

In years past they could overcome that with a Roger Neilson, Dick Todd, Gary Green etc... but in that regard money talks now as well and again the Petes don't get the pick of the litter.

None of this is meant to be an excuse and the Petes have done a really good job getting the franchise back to it's former glory - the 2020 team that loaded up with Akil Thomas and featured Nick Robertson, Mason McTavish, etc.. was championship caliber but we all know what happened there.

Small market teams are an issue in pretty much all sports. Simple math City of London 405,000 people. City of Peterborough 85,000 people. London can easily build and support a 9500 seat facility and the Knights are simply one tenant for the building. Hell even if Peterborough could build it the building would sit empty most nights other then the Pete’s dates. It would go bankrupt in no time.
As you say it’s all about the $$$. Not really the Knights money but in this case the cities or communities. Tough task for sure that most sports leagues struggle with.

 

[Newbie Observer]

As well, look at the leafs, No dress code anymore, let players express themselves. The olden days of dress codes are gone. However, the Petes do expect their players to wear only Petes attire when on the road, and dress up for all games. Peterborough is a small market, they cant compete with larger centres with bigger facilities, but they can compete with development of players. High end athletic trainers and facility (Hybrid sports), individual video sessions for players, and on ice developmnent. In the end, that what players and agents want. It would be nice for a larger facility, but it is what it is. I think in last five years, Petes have had more NHL signed players than any other team (inc the Knights). That says alot. Players want to come to Peterborough, and its not for the facility but for the coaching and development.

 

[WillardJFredricks]

The previous two rounds I picked Ottawa in 6 (opposite happened) and North Bay in 7 (again, opposite happened). I'm happy to have been wrong both times. Let's make it 3 for 3: Knights in 7.

 

[Zebra]

The previous two rounds I picked Ottawa in 6 (opposite happened) and North Bay in 7 (again, opposite happened). I'm happy to have been wrong both times. Let's make it 3 for 3: Knights in 7.

The superstitions we get roped into -I have many of them at this point in the playoffs !

 

[NorthernVoice]

The previous two rounds I picked Ottawa in 6 (opposite happened) and North Bay in 7 (again, opposite happened). I'm happy to have been wrong both times. Let's make it 3 for 3: Knights in 7.

On Twitter I picked:

Petes in 4

Petes in 6

Petes in 7

Haven't made one for the final yet....

 

[ptbopete]

I chimed in over on the 67s thread where there has been a good discussion about the Petes-London series. OMG (Ottawa fan) made a point about the lack of depth on forward for the Petes though his main point is that our top 6 forwards might actually give the Petes a fighting chance against London and in the Mem Cup.

This discussion over there is in the context of the Memorial Cup where teams typically have three strong forward lines and an impact" fourth line. Our third line, before the recent injuries, was Melee-Dubois-Avon which was a good third line but with the loss of Melee and now with Purdeller out (who was ably filling in for Melee on the third line) , the depth chart has taken a hit.

While we can compete with London, we will obviously rely a lot on the top 6 forwards but also so on the 6 defenseman. Fortunately, the defense-first system (when we don't have the puck) with three players lining up on our blue line and two forwards in the neutral zone in a checking role this helps the defensemen and the 3rd and 4th line players like Dubois, Page and McCallum are well-versed with the defense-first system.

Heck we beat North Bay in Game 7 with a short bench but I don't think anyone could have predicted how much we will now rely on Page, McCallum, Lefebvre and McCue.

Othmann - Robertson - Hayes
Stillman - Beck - Lochart
Page - Dubois - Avon
Lefebvre - McCue - McCallum

McCallum got way more ice than Page last game but I'm not sure this will continue?

On another note can the Petes call up a 7th defenseman while Spearing is out? Who would that be?

 

[Section5Petes]

- Spearing listed as day to day
- Melee, broken bone in his heel
- Purdeller broken fibula and high ankle sprain
- Cam Gauvreau still suspended indefinitely with a return unknown

OHL Playoffs: Peterborough Petes captain Shawn Spearing is listed as day-to-day

OHL championship series tickets go on sale Thursday morning.

www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com

 

[Bra Wavers]

On Twitter I picked:

Petes in 4

Petes in 6

Petes in 7

Haven't made one for the final yet....

Well hurry up and make one!....what are you waiting for?!

 

[Purple Phart]

Firstly, thanks to those who replied to my question. Some good information regarding Petes history....coaching, and context.
My question was more in relation to the loss of the "dress code" and presentation.

One poster pointed out that the Leafs have forsaken their dress code and allow their players freedom to express themselves in their manner of dress. How's that been going ? From my observation, some show up for games dressed as pimps, while another group emulate clowns.

I don't believe that having a dress code costs all that much, in relation to other items in an operational budget. It does make a statement as to team identity and professionalism. It's the difference of showing up for a job interview in a shirt & tie, as opposed to work clothes or "grubbies".

While a dress code might be a thing of the past, I feel that there was something lost with it being abandoned. It definitely left a positive impression on me, when I first encountered it.

 

[Petes]

I chimed in over on the 67s thread where there has been a good discussion about the Petes-London series. OMG (Ottawa fan) made a point about the lack of depth on forward for the Petes though his main point is that our top 6 forwards might actually give the Petes a fighting chance against London and in the Mem Cup.

This discussion over there is in the context of the Memorial Cup where teams typically have three strong forward lines and an impact" fourth line. Our third line, before the recent injuries, was Melee-Dubois-Avon which was a good third line but with the loss of Melee and now with Purdeller out (who was ably filling in for Melee on the third line) , the depth chart has taken a hit.

While we can compete with London, we will obviously rely a lot on the top 6 forwards but also so on the 6 defenseman. Fortunately, the defense-first system (when we don't have the puck) with three players lining up on our blue line and two forwards in the neutral zone in a checking role this helps the defensemen and the 3rd and 4th line players like Dubois, Page and McCallum are well-versed with the defense-first system.

Heck we beat North Bay in Game 7 with a short bench but I don't think anyone could have predicted how much we will now rely on Page, McCallum, Lefebvre and McCue.

Othmann - Robertson - Hayes
Stillman - Beck - Lochart
Page - Dubois - Avon
Lefebvre - McCue - McCallum

McCallum got way more ice than Page last game but I'm not sure this will continue?

On another note can the Petes call up a 7th defenseman while Spearing is out? Who would that be?

IMO McCallum should be in the third line over Page based on what I’ve watched… if Gauvreau and Spearing return they go 11-7 for sure.

I just hope they split up the Mayer and White pairing… too high risk for me. Something like this

Othmann-Robertson-Hayes
Lockhart-Beck-Stillman
Avon-Dubois-McCallum
Page-Lefebrve-xxxxxx

Mayer-McCoy
Spearing-White
Smith-Zanetti
Gauvreau

 

[cleodog]

IMO McCallum should be in the third line over Page based on what I’ve watched… if Gauvreau and Spearing return they go 11-7 for sure.

I just hope they split up the Mayer and White pairing… too high risk for me. Something like this

Othmann-Robertson-Hayes
Lockhart-Beck-Stillman
Avon-Dubois-McCallum
Page-Lefebrve-xxxxxx

Mayer-McCoy
Spearing-White
Smith-Zanetti
Gauvreau

If spearing and Gauvreau are back I like these lines Mixing page in on 3rd line aswell time to time.

But if we roll 4 lines. I’d like to see these bottom 6 lines unless we shorten the bench to 3 lines.

Avon-mccue-page
Lefebvre-dubois-mccallum

Use speed on 3rd line and 4th more as a change of pace jax can win draws to help the line control the puck on short shifts
Jax can take face offs for the 3rd line aswell or on offensive zones when we match our 3rd against there 3rd/4th

 

[Zebra]

Firstly, thanks to those who replied to my question. Some good information regarding Petes history....coaching, and context.
My question was more in relation to the loss of the "dress code" and presentation.

One poster pointed out that the Leafs have forsaken their dress code and allow their players freedom to express themselves in their manner of dress. How's that been going ? From my observation, some show up for games dressed as pimps, while another group emulate clowns.

I don't believe that having a dress code costs all that much, in relation to other items in an operational budget. It does make a statement as to team identity and professionalism. It's the difference of showing up for a job interview in a shirt & tie, as opposed to work clothes or "grubbies".

While a dress code might be a thing of the past, I feel that there was something lost with it being abandoned. It definitely left a positive impression on me, when I first encountered it.

I grew up with Jr hockey players dressed in suits like you described. The Petes were “it” in my youth.
I noticed a change in the 2006 playoffs -I still remember the moment -we had gotten to the PMC early to secure parking.
The opposition was unloading at the side door as we drove around to the parking lot and all the players were getting off the bus in track suits !
We thought maybe this was their travel attire and they would change into their suits but no-they wore those track suits as their “suits” .

I had not seen a team do that before that day -

Since then it seems suits are optional for Jr teams -other teams also let their players wear warm up suits etc in lieu of dress suits.

I miss this tradition and I am happy to see our current Petes wear “suits” to their games.

It warms my grinch heart that my little nephew has to wear suits to his games and tournaments “because you are representing Peterborough”.
Also his Lacrosse team has a set uniform to wear to tournaments and games -dress shorts and a team issued golf shirt.

 

[Petes1987]

IMO McCallum should be in the third line over Page based on what I’ve watched… if Gauvreau and Spearing return they go 11-7 for sure.

I just hope they split up the Mayer and White pairing… too high risk for me. Something like this

Othmann-Robertson-Hayes
Lockhart-Beck-Stillman
Avon-Dubois-McCallum
Page-Lefebrve-xxxxxx

Mayer-McCoy
Spearing-White
Smith-Zanetti
Gauvreau

In regards to Cam Gauvreau did Rob Wilson actually say at the media availability that he was suspended indefinitely or is Mike Davies assuming he is because it is still listed as “indefinitely” on the OHL web-site? Rob stated previously that it a was two game suspension. The OHL web-site media notes are not always up to date.

 

[ktownfan]

I think you are n

If spearing and Gauvreau are back I like these lines Mixing page in on 3rd line aswell time to time.

But if we roll 4 lines. I’d like to see these bottom 6 lines unless we shorten the bench to 3 lines.

Avon-mccue-page
Lefebvre-dubois-mccallum

Use speed on 3rd line and 4th more as a change of pace jax can win draws to help the line control the puck on short shifts
Jax can take face offs for the 3rd line aswell or on offensive zones when we match our 3rd against there 3rd/4th

I think you must not be watching the games, these 2 lines are absolutely never ever going to happen

 

[Section5Petes]

Cam Gauvreau has officially received a 4 game suspension and is eligible to return for game 3 of the championship series, as per the OHL website

 

[User13452]

Cam Gauvreau has officially received a 4 game suspension and is eligible to return for game 3 of the championship series, as per the OHL website

Is Spearing can’t go game 1 are they rolling 5 d or do they have someone signed im not aware of?

 

[Petes1987]

Cam Gauvreau has officially received a 4 game suspension and is eligible to return for game 3 of the championship series, as per the OHL website

He did not deserve four games for what he did. Usually in the playoffs they prorate suspensions to reflect the lesser amount of games played. So what would be a five game suspension in the regular season is usually two games in the playoffs and I look at a what is usually eight to ten games in the regular season is four games in the playoff. Did his actions warrant that later range of suspension???

 

[Zebra]

He did not deserve four games for what he did. Usually in the playoffs they prorate suspensions to reflect the lesser amount of games played. So what would be a five game suspension in the regular season is usually two games in the playoffs and I look at a what is usually eight to ten games in the regular season is four games in the playoff. Did his actions warrant that later range of suspension???

Totally agree with everything you have said here-

 

[yacky]

He did not deserve four games for what he did. Usually in the playoffs they prorate suspensions to reflect the lesser amount of games played. So what would be a five game suspension in the regular season is usually two games in the playoffs and I look at a what is usually eight to ten games in the regular season is four games in the playoff. Did his actions warrant that later range of suspension???

the hit may have caused the Battalion to lose the series as Zito was a big clog in the troops armour. #3 defenitely deserved a 4 game suspension