Next Gen Game Delivers Fun and Funds for Five Counties Kids and Families

 

Petes General Manager Mike Oke watches Five Counties kids sign their one-day contract

Photo by MaxJVisuals

PETERBOROUGH, ON (Feb. 26, 2026) – The recent Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes has surpassed its goal, thanks to a big assist from fans, donors and community partners.

The annual Next Gen Game held on Family Day (Feb. 16) raised $20,134 in support of the Building Abilities for Life campaign at Five Counties Children’s Centre. The funds will help children and youth access essential services like occupational, speech and language, and physical therapies.

Petes mascots and Five Counties families

Photo by MaxJVisuals

Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin says he is extremely grateful to the Peterborough Petes, supporters and the community for making the Next Gen Game a big win for kids. This year’s total surpassed the then-record $17,056 raised for Five Counties at the 2025 game.

“The Next Gen Game truly showcases the very best of our community,” Pepin says. “The Petes and their fans always show up for local kids, and seeing our clients step into meaningful roles while the crowd cheered them on was incredibly inspiring. Knowing that this unforgettable experience also raises crucial funds for children’s services makes the impact even more meaningful for families across our region who are waiting for life‑changing support.”

The Next Gen Game on Family Day was a sellout, giving the nearly 3,900 fans who attended the Peterborough Memorial Centre a chance to enjoy a day full of family fun. The celebrations kicked off with a free family skate, followed by face painting, giant Lego, a silent auction and Chuck-A-Pep.

Another highlight was the unveiling of custom T‑shirts designed by Five Counties client Jadyn, featuring Roger the mascot – an illustration of the strong and creative partnership between Five Counties and the Petes.

As part of the Next Gen Game tradition, Five Counties clients Nate, Mason, Kaisyn and William signed one‑day contracts with the Petes and filled key game-day roles, including General Manager, coach, PA announcer and scout. They were able to take part in behind‑the‑scenes duties, meet the team, and enjoy other once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences at the game. Five Counties clients Bryor and Brielle, along with their family, participated in the ceremonial pre-game puck drop that ended with the Petes defeating the Kitchener Rangers in a 3-2 shootout win.

Five Counties staff member with Five Counties kids/clients

Photo by MaxJVisuals

“You could feel the kids’ joy throughout the arena,” Pepin says. “The Petes create a remarkable Next Gen Game experience, and that was again on display at this year’s game.”

Five Counties extends sincere thanks to the sponsors who made the 2026 Next Gen Game possible: Waste Connections of Canada – Peterborough; Tim Hortons, Pinchin Ltd.; Lindsay-Peterborough Movers & Storage; Bellwether Family Wealth – Weichel & Associates; LLF Lawyers; All Weather Directional Drilling; Unity Design Studio; and Canadian Tire – Peterborough North & Lansdowne.

Category: General News