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The Peterborough Petes were cheered by a jubilant crowd of more than 500 fans downtown at Quaker Foods City Square on Victoria Day, less than 24 hours after becoming the OHL champions for 2023.
The idea was for people to celebrate with the Petes before they leave Wednesday for Kamloops, B.C. to play for the Memorial Cup.
Free community watch parties are expected to be organized to allow fans to see the Memorial Cup games on a 16-foot screen in the square.
Monday was a chance to see the Petes in person — and to celebrate with them — before they go.
There was an opportunity for players and others to make remarks on Monday.
Petes captain Shawn Spearing, who played Game 5 with a broken jaw and sat on the bench to cheer on his teammates in Game 6 on Sunday night, kept his remarks brief.
He said it was difficult to speak with his jaw wired shut, but wanted to say how the team has formed a close bond this season.
“We’re a tight family here,” he said.
Goalie Michael Simpson, who won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award winner as playoff MVP, said that although he grew up in London, Ont., he now considers Peterborough home.
“Yeah, this is definitely my hometown now,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
At the game on Sunday night, there were about 4,100 fans cheering wildly for the Petes.
On Monday, many fans at the downtown square were wearing Petes jerseys and T-shirts.
Petes president Dave Pogue spoke, recalling a pep talk he gave the team very early in the season.
“I remember saying anything short of a championship is going to be a disappointment. Is anybody disappointed out there?” he asked.
“No!” the crowd shouted back.
General manager Mike Oke said the team was told from the beginning of the season that “we have something special here … We knew we had a team with the potential to bring home a championship.”
Coach Rob Wilson said he knew the Petes could win, too — right up to the last moment, he had great hope.
“I told these guys yesterday, ‘You’re on the verge of doing something special.’ And I meant it,” he said.
“They really dug in, even in tough times … everyone just dug in,” Oke went on. “They really formed a brotherhood — that’s what made the difference.”
Local politicians were invited to speak too.
County warden Bonnie Clarke wished the team all the best in Kamloops.
“Enjoy the moment — enjoy the victory — we are all behind you,” she said.
Mayor Jeff Leal congratulated the staff and coaches on the victory.
“And to the young men: their grit and determination is truly remarkable,” he said.
“Kamloops, here we come,” he went on. “The Memorial Cup is coming back here, and there will be another party!”
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith urged the team “to use that God-given talent,” in Kamloops. “And things will work out the way they will … Don’t give up!” he said.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri called it “a very Peterborough proud moment” on Monday. “You know what’s fun? Winning! Winning is fun!” Ferreri said. “Well done — bring it home, boys!”
Fans were also treated to highlights on a huge video screen courtesy of Porter Sound.
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