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Scott Pettigrew

About Scott Pettigrew

Scott is an award-winning journalist with over 40 years’ experience. Scott has a passion for politics, sports and his community. Contact Scott at pettigrew.scott@radioabl.ca.

Posts by Scott Pettigrew:

Mike Richards courtesy Kitchener Rangers-900x500

Kenora’s Mike Richards legacy recognized by his OHL team

The Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League honoured one of the team’s greatest players in a pregame ceremony Tuesday night. Mike Richards becomes the third Ranger alumni to see his name recognized with the Level of Legacy. Former coach Peter Deboer and player Brian Bellows who captained the Rangers to a Memorial Cup in the 80’s have also received the honour from the Ontario Hockey League franchise.

Mike Richards established himself as one of the Ontario Hockey League’s premier two-way forwards during four seasons with the Kitchener Rangers from 2001-02 through 2004-05.

Photo courtesy of Dave Schnider

The Kenora native joined Kitchener as a first-round selection in the 2001 OHL Priority Selection and made an immediate impact as a 16-year-old. Richards quickly developed a reputation for combining offensive skill with relentless work ethic, defensive responsibility and leadership.

His breakthrough came during the 2002-03 season. Richards helped lead the Rangers through a memorable playoff run that culminated in an OHL championship. Kitchener then advanced to the Memorial Cup in Quebec City, where the Rangers captured the Canadian Hockey League championship. Richards played a major role in a deep and talented lineup, establishing himself as one of the team’s key young players.

During the ceremony Richards thanked his family for their support, his billet family and the long time Ranger trainer Dan Lebold noting no matter the time of day they could come to the rink and he would always be there for the players.

Richards continued to develop in Kitchener over the next two seasons, serving as team captain and becoming one of the OHL’s most respected players. His game was about more than scoring. Richards excelled on special teams, played in important defensive situations and brought the competitive style that would later define his NHL career.

Photo courtesy of Dave Schnider

Internationally, his OHL years also coincided with representing Canada at the world junior championship. Richards captained Canada to gold at the 2005 tournament, further enhancing his reputation as a leader.

By the time Richards left Kitchener following the 2004-05 season, he had helped deliver both an OHL championship and Memorial Cup title while developing from a highly regarded prospect into an NHL-ready forward. His Rangers career became the foundation for a lengthy NHL career that would eventually include two Stanley Cup championships.

Brent CAlder

Calder elected new mayor of Fort Frances

A first-time candidate in municipal elections in Fort Frances will serve as the town’s new mayor.

Brent Calder outpolled Councillor John McTaggart, taking 56.5% of the votes cast.

Calder feels residents wanted some new faces on council.

“Voters saw in me, they saw a change,” says Calder.

“They also know that as far as economic development goes, I’m a person that can lead them on that. I’ve got the experience in doing that.”

Calder says housing and economic development with two issue he hopes to tackle as mayor.

He also wants to improve transparency and ensure residents are well informed.

“I’m going to have an open book here as far as town council meetings on there. And I promised the town of Fort Francis that whether it’s quarterly or whenever it’s necessary, we’re going to have public meetings for them so they can come and ask the questions,” says Calder.

Calder is also pleased with the others who were elected to council and feels confident in their ability to work together.

Three of four incumbent councillors were also returned to office.

Kaleb Firth, Mike Behan and Bill Morrison were successful in their bid for reelection, with Morrison topping all vote-getters.

“It’s a good feeling. I was the first person to commit to running for council. I think people knew I was committed,” says Morrison.

“I think that was a big part of it too. I listen to the people. I hear where people are coming from. People are struggling nowadays, and I see that. I hear it daily, and I feel it too.”

“I’m very relieved,” says Behan.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen tonight. I had no idea, and I’m very grateful and humbled to be back on council and have the trust and support of the voters of Fort Frances for a third term.”

“I just want to thank the residents of Fort Frances for continuing to believe in me and believe in what I’m trying to accomplish here with the group that they’ve spoken for,” says Firth.

“I said starting the campaign that I would work with whoever the residents decided for me, and I’m going to continue to do that.”

Also elected were newcomers Kathy McKenzie, Anthony Andrusko and Gary Cousineau.

McKenzie was the lone woman to run, finishing a strong second in voting behind Morrison.

She says she’s ready to get to work.

“I’m looking forward to it. I think I’ve got a big job ahead of me, but I’m excited,” says McKenzie.

“And I’m excited for the elected candidates that got in tonight, and I think we’re going to do a good job.”

In Atikokan, Rob Ferguson was re-elected for a second term, defeating Councillor Liz Shine in a close race, earning 56.5% of the vote.

He expected a close race given Shine’s notoriety in the community, but is pleased that voters chose him to lead Atikokan once again.

“Atikokan has seen a lot of good things happen in the last four years,” says Ferguson.

“It’s not that I did it all, but it’s a very positive vibe in Atikokan right now. We know we’ve got a lot of good things coming, and I think that people just want to see how we’re doing continue on.”

Ferguson says he had already put administration on notice that he intends to use the Strong Mayors Powers again to present a budget that has a tax increase of no more than 2%.

Ferguson did the same last year.

In Rainy River, Deb Ewald was successful in earning a sixth term as mayor, defeating challenger Andrew Hartnell.

Lucille MacDonald will again serve as Reeve of La Vallee Township after outpolling challenger Jim Belluz almost 2 to 1.

Gary Esselink, Brendan Hyatt, Steve Loshaw and Elaine Hughes were elected councillors.

In Morley Township, Telford Advent held on to the mayor’s seat, defeating challenger Ashley Morrison by just six votes.

Matthew Anderson, Andrew McCormick, Paul Brown and Maury Nielson won seats as councillors.

In Dawson Township, Doug Hartnell was returned as mayor, defeating challenger David Haner 156-32.

Elected councillors were Calvin Krahn, Rudy Sinninghe, Melanie Murray, and Kimberely Gosnell.

SIJHL new logo 2026

Ice Dogs, North Stars and Lakers pick up SIJHL wins

The top three teams in the Superior International Junior Hockey League all picked up wins on Friday night.

The Dryden GM Ice Dogs cruised to a 9-0 victory over the Ironwood Lumberjacks. Khalen Menger picked up his first two goals of the season and chipped in with an assist to lead the Ice Dogs attack. Baden Pazdzierski notched his 10th of the season to sit 3rd in league scoring.

Quinn Schutte had a goal and two assists to lead the Thunder Bay North Stars to a 3-1 win over the Kam River Fighting Walleye.

Bryant Linklater scored late in the 3rd to lift the Fort Frances Lakers past the Red Lake Miners 5-4. It was his second of the night. Lyndon Gould chipped in with a pair while setting up two more for the Lakers.

While the North Stars remain in 1st place in the SIJHL, the Lakers are a point back in second place and the Ice Dogs have closed the gap and are just two points out of first with a game in hand. Saturday night the Ice Dogs have a rematch with the Lumberjacks while Red Lake meets the Bombers in Sioux Lookout at 7:00 pm.

Fort Frances Lakers purple logo

Lakers goalie shines in comeback Friday night

It wasn’t too long ago there were questions around Nolan Koethler and if he would ever play hockey again let alone be able to return to the Fort Frances Lakers.

But Friday night Koethler got the start at the Memorial Centre and was named first star in a 4-3 shootout win over the Sioux Lookout Bombers.

In March, the veteran goaltender for the Lakers was severely injured in a farm accident.

GM and Coach Luke Judson says it was one of his best days in hockey when Koethler was cleared to play for the upcoming season.

Anthony Yerxa scored the winner in the shootout for the Lakers. Carter Peters, Ayden MacKay and Ryder Kirk scored in regulation for Fort Frances. Emmet Long, Cooper Labelle and Tyler Laszlo netted goals for Sioux Lookout.

The Lakers improved to 4-2-1 and sit in second place in the SIJHL standings while Sioux Lookout drops to 2-1-0-1

In other action Friday night, the Dryden Ice Dogs downed Red Lake 5-2. Baden Pazdierski picked up 2 goals and an assists to continue his early season hot start. The Thunder Bay North Stars tightened their grip on 1st place with a 4-2 win over the Kam River Fighting Walleye.

Tonight, the North Stars are in Dryden to take on the Ice Dogs at 7:00 pm central time.

dryden opp detchment

OPP investigating incident at Dryden Fairgrounds

Provincial Police and paramedics converged Friday night on the fairgrounds in Dryden after what appears to be an assault using some sort of irritant spray.

Dryden OPP are asking anyone with video evidence of the attack to contact them.

No details have been released on the extent of any of the injuries.

Earlier this month a similar incident occurred in Thunder Bay at the CLE injuring two people.

One person faces assault and weapons related charges.

Staal Cup

The Cup back in Thunder Bay August 8th

Thunder Bay hockey fans will have another opportunity to get up close with the Stanley Cup next month when hometown NHL star Jordan Staal brings the championship trophy back to the city for a special community celebration.

The free public event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, where residents and visitors will be able to have their photo taken with both the Stanley Cup and Staal.

The event is being hosted through a partnership between the City of Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

Doors will open at 10 a.m., with the official event running from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Mayor Ken Boshcoff said the event gives the community a chance to celebrate one of its most accomplished hockey players.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jordan Staal and the Stanley Cup back to Thunder Bay,” Boshcoff said. “Jordan continues a proud tradition of hockey excellence in our community and has given local fans a unique opportunity to celebrate one of hockey’s greatest achievements. It’s exciting to welcome him home and give residents the chance to see hockey’s most iconic trophy up close.”

Organizers are expecting a large turnout and are encouraging attendees to arrive early.

While fans will have an opportunity for photographs, organizers noted that autographs will not be available because of time limitations. Entry will be based on arrival and the lineup could be closed before the scheduled end of the event if capacity is reached. Attendance does not guarantee a photo opportunity.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive

Patty Hajdu 3

Ford, Hajdu stress united response as wildfire crisis grips Northwestern Ontario

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THUNDER BAY — Premier Doug Ford and Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Patty Hajdu delivered a message of cooperation Saturday as northwestern Ontario continues to battle one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent memory, while also emphasizing strong federal-provincial collaboration in responding to the emergency.

Speaking at a news conference in Thunder Bay, Ford praised frontline emergency responders and said all levels of government are focused on protecting residents forced from their homes by advancing wildfires.

“This is collaboration at its best,” Ford said. “We say collaboration, cooperation and communication. We’re all working together.”

Ontario is currently dealing with 191 active wildland fires, including 73 that remain out of control. Ten communities have already been evacuated, while several others remain under evacuation warnings or are preparing for possible evacuation orders.

Ford highlighted the scale of the response, noting that approximately 155 fire crews and 80 water bombers and helicopters are currently deployed. He also credited Ontario Provincial Police officers for carrying out dozens of rescue missions involving hundreds of stranded campers and residents.

The premier said the province is working closely with Ottawa and the Canadian Armed Forces to coordinate transportation, accommodations and support services for evacuees.

“We’re also working across government and with our federal partners and the Canadian Armed Forces to establish transportation and accommodation, food and registration services,” he said.

Queen’s Park and Ottawa work together to respond to the wildfire emergency

Hajdu, who joined Ford at the event, said Canadians should be reassured by the level of cooperation taking place behind the scenes.

“Canada is working very efficiently with Ontario and has been since the beginning of the fire season,” Hajdu said.

She added that federal Emergency Preparedness officials have maintained close communication with Ontario counterparts throughout the crisis and that the federal government remains prepared to provide whatever support is required.

“The Prime Minister wants to be very clear that we’ll be there to support Ontario,” Hajdu said. “We’ll be there to work hand-in-glove with Ontario to make sure that we protect people and we protect our region.”

Hajdu warned that political divisions can make an already stressful situation worse for residents facing evacuation orders and uncertainty.

“A lot of people, rightly so, are afraid,” she said. “They’re scared about their lives, their pets, their property, the future, the ability to breathe. But what doesn’t help with the fear is when people work at opposite ends.”

Instead, she pointed to the coordinated efforts involving federal agencies, Ontario officials, municipalities and First Nations communities as evidence that governments are united in their response.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford (July 2026) IMAGE: ACADIA BROADCASTING)

Ford echoed that sentiment while criticizing attempts to politicize the wildfire emergency. He rejected suggestions that wildfire resources have been underfunded and pledged that cost will not be a factor in the province’s response.

“I will not spare a penny, not a penny,” Ford said. “There is no limit to making sure that we support and save people.”

Both Ford and Hajdu emphasized that cooperation between governments remains essential as crews continue to battle fires across the northwest.

“This is a relationship that happens at the government operation centres with Emergency Preparedness Ontario and the Government of Canada,” Hajdu said. “The focus is really to get people to safety, to protect property to the degree that is possible, and to put these fires out as quickly as we can.”

The leaders expressed hope that a more favourable weather forecast for the coming days will help firefighters gain control of several major fires across the region.

Wednesday July 15-2

Kenora Pickleball Club Ladders play

By Jim Mowrey, Jun Laffin and James Tkachyk

Wednesday Morning Ladders : Annie and I travelled to Saskatoon for a High School Reunion. It was fun and we played some Pickleball while we were there. I want to thank Claudine for taking over the Wednesday morning ladders in my absence.

Wednesday morning was great and it was nice seeing some new faces. 

In Group 1, Jim Mowrey (wait, that is ME ) came in first place. I only lost one game by 11-9. I want to thank my fellow group members for taking it easy on me !!!

In Group 2, Brad Morton lost two games to the identical 11-10 score… nice games…and Brad is our A & W Player of the Game.

In Group 3, Cindy Wilson, our Alberta girl, came in first. There must have been some close matches because the whole group had higher scores.

In Group 4, Meg Illman-White come out on top, also winning five games to edge out Orlo Mejia with an excellent morning. Sadly, Meg will be leaving us for greener pastures. We all wish Meg the best.

 Wednesday Evening Ladders: Wednesday nights are getting nicer to be outside. It was a little humid, but still nice. On the courts, Jun Laffin and Rob Scatliff edged out Derek Holbrow and Aime Bazin for top spot. It is pretty tough to win at the top. I also played Wednesday night. I started on court 6, played six games and was still on court 6… yowza.

Dennis McCaffrey was the Boston Pizza “Player of the Day”. Dennis is 80 years young. In 7 weeks of ladders, his average finish is 16th so far. Very impressive ! When we are 80, we wish we will be able to play at your level… Nice job Dennis.

Thursday Morning Ladders – On a very humid morning with the threat of rain, 24 members started the ladder games and had one heck of a workout. Group 2 had some minor trouble and had to alter their schedule but got through some games to finish with usable scores.  Group 1 had Wayne Jones finishing on top for the second week in a row. In group 2, it was Claudette Edie with a 1 point over Rolanda Peacock and in Group 3 it was Cindy Wilson.

The 901 Westside Player of the week is Claudette Edie for winning group 2 in a very unusual day of group play.

Jordan Smith _ James Mirabelli photo with permission

Former Lakehead Thunderwolves standout Jordan Smith named Assistant Coach with Vancouver Canucks

A familiar name to Thunder Bay hockey fans is headed behind an NHL bench.

The Vancouver Canucks announced Friday that former Lakehead Thunderwolves captain Jordan Smith has been named an assistant coach with the club as part of head coach Manny Malhotra’s staff for the 2026-27 season.

Smith, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, has steadily climbed the coaching ranks over the past decade and now reaches the National Hockey League after helping the Abbotsford Canucks capture the Calder Cup championship this past season. Smith did a brief stint as head coach of the Thunder Bay North Stars in the 2012-2013 season.

“Finalizing our coaching staff is another important step for our organization,” Vancouver General Manager Ryan Johnson said in a release announcing the appointments.

For Thunder Bay hockey supporters, Smith’s promotion adds another chapter to a career that includes a memorable stint with the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The hard-nosed defenceman suited up for Lakehead during the 2008-09 season, bringing his trademark physical style and leadership to the Thunderwolves lineup after a professional playing career that included time in the American Hockey League.

Since moving behind the bench, Smith has built an impressive coaching résumé. Before joining the Canucks organization, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL. He also served as an associate coach in the Ontario Hockey League with both the Soo Greyhounds and Sudbury Wolves.

His biggest success at the junior level came with the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he served as head coach from 2013 to 2017. During that stretch, Smith earned back-to-back NOJHL Coach of the Year honours and guided the club to a league championship in 2015-16.

Over the past two seasons, Smith has been part of the coaching staff in Abbotsford, helping develop prospects within the Canucks organization and contributing to the team’s Calder Cup-winning campaign.

As a player, Smith was selected by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the second round, 39th overall, at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 60 AHL games during his professional career after spending four seasons with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds.

The Canucks also announced the additions of Ryan Mougenel as an assistant coach and the promotion of Jason Krog to an assistant coaching role. Andrew Shaw was named assistant to the video coach.

Vancouver’s coaching staff for the 2026-27 season will feature Manny Malhotra as head coach, with Smith joining Ryan Mougenel and Jason Krog as assistant coaches.

pickleball ladder

Kenora pickleball update

Wednesday Morning Ladders : It was a windy Canada Day on the Pickleball courts at Garrow Park. In Group One, Murray Affleck and Dave Harrison were the big winners. Murray’s two weeks in the minors has paid off big dividends. Apparently, I am the only one who has trouble playing in the wind. In Group Two, Sarah Hicks is making a return to the big time by edging out Blake Stockham and James Tkachuk for first place.  In Group Three, Annie Mowrey won the top  prize. She will be moving up to Group 2. It should be noted that I almost lost out in Group 1, which would mean that Annie and I would be competing in the same group. That usually means that I will be walking home !! In Group Four, Lynda Peto, in her first time back playing with us,went undefeated to win the group and to also win the A & W Player of the Day voucher.

Wednesday Evening Ladders: The evening Ladders was cancelled because of too many players were joining in on the Canada Day celebrations.

Thursday Morning Ladders – On a wet morning after working to dry the courts (Thanks Gerard), 32 members once again attempted to move up.  It probably wasn’t the best decision as the wind played havoc with the scores.  Scores routinely were on the low end today.  A few members played very well in spite of the wind.  Lilian Lontra won group 1 for the second week in a row.  Gerard Dufresne spared in group 2 and came out on top with a perfect score. In Group 3 Judy Cottam finished on top and Group 4 had Marla Klassen finish with the high score. Congrats to the group winners.

The Boston Pizza Player of the Week goes to Gerard Dufresne.  After mopping up the courts Gerard came back to fill in a vacant spot and won group 2 with a perfect score.  

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