J. Ross Robertson Cup — OHL Championship Trophy
The regular season may be winding down, but for the Peterborough Petes, the intensity has never been higher. With the team clinching a playoff spot for the first time since their 2023 OHL Championship win, head coach Rob Wilson is keeping his players focused on the task at hand: finishing strong and carrying that momentum into the postseason.
On Sunday the Petes picked up a big two points with a 4-3 overtime win in North Bay, putting them two points ahead of the Battalion in fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings, with three games remaining in the regular season. The Petes and Battalion will face each other in the opening round of the playoffs, with home ice advantage going to the team that secures fourth place.
Knowing they’ll be meeting in the postseason, Sunday’s road win against North Bay wasn’t just about points in the standings, it was a statement. After being down 2-0 after the first period, the Petes showed they can battle back even when down early, a quality Wilson says will be essential in the playoffs.
For Wilson, the North Bay game was more than just a regular season matchup, it was a chance to set the tone for the postseason.
With a challenging three-game stretch ahead, the focus remains on preparation, discipline, and staying in the moment. One of those three remaining games is on Thursday when they host the Barrie Colts, a matchup that Wilson says can serve as a measuring stick ahead of the playoffs.
After hosting Barrie on Thursday, the Petes will travel to Kingston Friday before wrapping up the regular season in Oshawa on Sunday night. As the team enters this final stretch, Wilson says every remaining game will be treated like playoff hockey.
In terms of being ready for the playoffs, Wilson points to the team’s second-half improvements as a key factor for his team.
As for this year’s success, Wilson credits leadership from both veterans and emerging stars for helping build a team ready to compete at the highest level
After two years without postseason hockey following that 2023 championship run, Wilson says “yes,” he believes his team is prepared and has what it takes to make a deep run.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
