The Petes pulled the trigger on another trade on Saturday.
After making a deal with the Bulldogs earlier in the day, Petes GM Mike Oke traded for Port Hope native and Canada gold medal winner Owen Beck from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third round picks in 2025, Erie’s second round pick in 2025, and Peterborough’s fourth round pick in 2026.
Beck was selected in the second round, 33rd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He recently captured a gold medal with Team Canada, alongside new Petes teammate Brennan Othmann, at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Halifax.
“We’re pleased to welcome a player of Owen’s caliber to Peterborough,” noted Oke. “He is a highly skilled forward with experience in big-game situations, who can contribute in the faceoff circle, and in all three zones, with skating ability that will complement the skill-set of our current lineup.”
Through 30 OHL games played this season, Beck has recorded 17 goals and 33 assists. In the 2021-22 season, Beck put up 51 points playing in all 68 games for the Steelheads, while also scoring a goal and adding five assists in ten playoff games.
On October 4, 2022, Beck was signed by the Canadiens to an NHL entry level contract. Standing at 6’0”, 190lbs, Beck was originally selected by Mississauga in the second round, 29th overall, in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Quinte Red Devils, the same team as current Petes defenceman Donovan McCoy.
Van Volsen, a 2006-born forward, was selected by the Peterborough Petes in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2022 OHL Priority selection from the Toronto Junior Canadiens U16 AAA. The Brooklin, ON, native has suited up for 29 games as a Pete, scoring seven goals and adding four assists. Van Volsen played for Canada White in the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge in December, scoring two goals.
“Thank you to Jack for being a valued member of our team this season,” commented Oke. “Jack is a promising young player in this league, who will be able to continue his development in Mississauga. All the best to him as he takes the next steps in his hockey career.”
DeZoete, a 2004-born winger, was originally selected by the Peterborough Petes in the second round, 35th overall, in the 2020 Priority Selection from the Hamilton Huskies U16 AAA. The Hamilton native, DeZoete has scored 16 goals and added 21 assists for 37 points in 100 games as a Pete.
“I’d like to thank Justin for his commitment to not only the Petes, but to our entire community over the past two seasons,” added Oke. “He has been a strong contributor both at the rink and in our city, and we wish him success as he continues his hockey journey.”
Beck and Brennan Othmann will both be celebrated as World Junior gold medalists at the Toronto Maple Leafs game tonight, but newly acquired Avery Hayes and Gavin White will be in the lineup as the Petes are in action against the Kingston Frontenacs at the PMC.
