Five Counties Kids to Give Assist at Upcoming Peterborough Petes Game

Kelton displays his mini-stick design

PETERBOROUGH (Feb. 3, 2025) – Kelton is demonstrating some fancy stickwork off the ice that has netted him and his family tickets for an upcoming Peterborough Petes hockey game.

The nine-year-old, who receives speech therapy and physiotherapy at Five Counties Children’s Centre, will be among a large contingent of Centre kids, families, staff, volunteers and supporters attending the annual Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes on Family Day (Feb. 17). The goal is to sell out the Family Day matinee match-up against the Kitchener Rangers, while showing support for the home team – the Petes and Five Counties.

Tickets to the Feb. 17 game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W.) are $15 each and available through Five Counties, as well as the Memorial Centre box office. Proceeds will support kids’ treatment services at the Centre. The Next Gen Game is an annual partnership with the Petes that lets Five Counties kids and families enjoy and take part in different aspects of the game.

Kelton was first to score in that regard, as his submission to the Design-A-Mini-Stick Challenge was chosen as the winning entry. Kelton earned free tickets to the Next Gen Game, and his artwork will be featured on hundreds of mini-sticks available at the Family Day game.

Kelton’s mom, Kristin, says her son’s reaction of disbelief – “really, I won” – was quickly replaced by excitement about seeing his artwork turned from concept into reality on the mini-sticks. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the chance to attend Petes games through Five Counties, and they’ve provided such amazing opportunities for families like ours,” Kristin says.

She is grateful to Five Counties for the support it provides to families like hers, and also appreciates organizations like the Petes and Five Counties teaming up to offer meaningful opportunities for families in the community. “We love going to Petes games, and are looking forward to going again with Five Counties,” Kristin adds.

Kelton will not be alone in representing Five Counties at the game. Five Counties client, Nova, and her family will take part in the ceremonial puck drop. Several other Five Counties kids will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with the Petes taking on roles as scout, coach, general manager and PA announcer. Each Five Counties kid will also sign one-day contracts with the team.

Next Gen Game with Peterborough Petes visual“There’s no better day than Family Day to team up with the Peterborough Petes for the annual Next Gen Game,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We’re grateful to the Petes for this partnership, as the team pulls out all the stops for the game. We will have many members of our Five Counties family at the game, and we invite other families in our community to come out and show their support for Five Counties while cheering on the Petes to victory.”

There are other festivities planned as part of this year’s Next Gen Game with the Petes, including:

  • A free family skate running from 11 am to 12:45 pm for Five Counties ticket holders to the game. All skaters must wear helmets. Participants are asked to leave the building at the end of the skate. They can return at 1 pm when the Memorial Centre opens for the game.
  • While the game starts at 2:05 pm, pre-game festivities kick off at 1 pm. Five Counties staff and volunteers will be there to offer: face painting by donation, a giant Lego set up for kids to enjoy, and details on Centre services.
  • Win some amazing items in a prize raffle being held prior to and during the game. Items up for grabs include: a golf foursome at Peterborough Golf and Country Club, a Taylor Swift VIP gift box, two ticket vouchers to a Petes game, and a gift card to the Peterborough Petes store.
  • Take part in chuck-a-pep (or chuck-a-puck) for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Tickets are three for $10, and you will receive three rubber pucks to toss onto the ice during the second period intermission. The pucks that land closest to the centre ice circle will win prizes such as a Crayola gift set and sweet tooth gift basket.
  • Donation buckets will also be passed around during the game for fans who want to support Five Counties services. Don’t forget to bring your change.

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth across the region. In 2025, Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary since it first opened its doors in Peterborough. A year-long celebration is underway, and the Next Gen Game is part of the Centre’s 50th anniversary festivities.

 

Category: General News