Adam Novotny, Leon Kolarik, Patrick O'Connor, Adam Levac (Photo via Facebook @PetesOHLHockey)
Hockey fans in Peterborough are in for a treat Wednesday (January 14) as the Ontario Hockey League’s top NHL Draft eligible prospects hit the ice at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game, set to begin at 7:00 p.m., will be broadcast live on Freq 90.5, with coverage starting at 6:45 p.m.
Play-by-play broadcaster Stew Kernan, who calls Peterborough Petes games on Freq 90.5, says this is a rare chance for local fans to see the league’s elite talent in action, emphasizing it’s more than just another game at the PMC.
The showcase features 40 players divided into Eastern and Western Conference squads. Leading the Eastern Conference on home ice will be three Peterborough Petes forwards, Adam Levac, Leon Kolarik and Adam Novotny, with Novotny being chosen to wear the captain’s “C” in front of the Peterborough crowd.
Kernan says it’s no surprise that all three are extremely excited for the opportunity to showcase their skills with the rest of the prospects.
Along with the three Petes, the Eastern Conference roster also boasts Caleb Malhotra (Brantford Bulldogs) and Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals), both expected to be high first-round picks.
The Eastern Conference coaching staff is headlined by Petes head coach Rob Wilson and the full Petes bench staff, along with general manager Michael Oke.
Kernan adds that the broadcast will give listeners insight beyond the play-by-play, including interviews with coaches, a feature on the Petes players, and a special segment with OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford during the second intermission.
Events like this don’t come around often, and Kernan hopes fans will tune in for what promises to be a fast-paced game with some of the league’s top talent.
The Western Conference team, coached by Jussi Ahokas of the Kitchener Rangers, features four A-rated skaters — Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds), Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting), Ethan Belchetz (Windsor Spitfires), and Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit) — along with the event’s highest-rated goaltender, Zachary Jovanovski of the Guelph Storm. Also on the Western team is former Pete and Otonabee native, Colin Fitzgerald.
Last year’s inaugural game in Brantford ended in a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory, highlighted by a game-winning goal from Peterborough native Porter Martone.
For Peterborough, hosting the OHL’s Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game is a rare opportunity to see elite hockey up close. Between hometown stars, national scouts, and live radio coverage on Freq 90.5, the event promises to be a landmark night for the city’s hockey community.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
