Five Counties Kids to Drop Puck at Upcoming Peterborough Petes’ Next Gen Game

PETERBOROUGH, ON (Jan. 19, 2026) – They’re part of the next gen, so it’s fitting that siblings Bryor and Brielle will be on the ice prior to the start of the Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes on Feb. 16.

The brother and sister – joined by their family – will drop the ceremonial puck at the Petes’ Next Gen home game set for Family Day on Feb. 16. The Next Gen Game is an annual partnership between the Petes and Five Counties Children’s Centre, with this year’s edition seeing the Petes faceoff against the Kitchener Rangers in a special matinee matchup starting at 2 pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Next Gen Game brings together many Five Counties kids, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters for an afternoon of hockey — all in support of kids’ treatment services at the Centre. What’s unique is that not only will Five Counties kids/clients and families be able to cheer from the stands, some will take part in different aspects of the game behind the scenes – including the opening puck drop.

“Dropping the puck for the Petes means the world to me. I’m so excited and happy and can’t wait for the big day,” says Bryor, a Five Counties client who, like his younger sister, Brielle, has received treatment at Five Counties from a young age. Their parents, Holly and Brandon, say the care Five Counties provides Bryor and Brielle helps them to grow, thrive, and build confidence. “Five Counties has given us so much help and hope,” Holly notes.

The enthusiasm Bryor and Brielle have for the Next Gen Game with the Petes is contagious, as the game is a true celebration of kids, care and community, says Scott Pepin, CEO with Five Counties.

“There’s no better day than Family Day to team up with the Peterborough Petes for the annual Next Gen Game,” says Pepin. “We’re grateful to the Petes for this partnership, as the team pulls out all the stops for the game. I know it’s a highlight on our calendar and their schedule, as it lets members of our Five Counties family get in the game while cheering on the Petes to victory.”

This year, several Five Counties kids will step into behind‑the‑scenes roles with the Petes, taking on duties such as coach, scout, general manager, and PA announcer. Each child also signs a one‑day contract with the team, giving them a unique chance to be part of the action both on and off the ice.

Tickets for the Feb. 16 game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W.) are $15 each and available through Five Counties and the Memorial Centre box office. Proceeds support the Building Abilities for Life Campaign, helping kids get the treatment and support they need when they need it.

There’s plenty in store at the 2026 Next Gen Game, including:

• A free family skate from 11 am to 12:45 pm for Five Counties ticket holders. All skaters must wear helmets. Participants are asked to leave the building at the end of the skate and may return at 1 pm when the arena doors reopen for the game.
• Pre‑game festivities start at 1 pm, and include facepainting by donation, a giant LEGO setup, and information about Five Counties services.
• A silent auction with exciting items such as a Daulton Varsho signed baseball, passes to Medieval Times, passes to the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more.
• Next Gen toques for sale at $15 each, with proceeds supporting high‑demand treatment services at Five Counties.
• Chuck‑a‑Pep during the second intermission for a chance to win great prizes.
• Donation buckets passed around during the game for fans who want to support Five Counties services (fans are asked to bring cash and coins to help make this a success).

Last year’s Next Gen Game raised $17,056 for Five Counties. The Centre offers speech, physio and occupational therapies (and other rehab treatment services) to kids and youth in Peterborough City-County, Northumberland County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

Five Counties is grateful to its sponsors for making the 2026 Next Gen Game possible. These businesses include: Waste Connections of Canada – Peterborough; 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