After finishing last in the Ontario Hockey League standings just one season ago, the Peterborough Petes completed one of the league’s most impressive turnarounds during the 2025-26 campaign, earning a playoff berth and securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Now, the Petes prepare to say goodbye to key members of their graduating class as Brennan Faulkner, Matthew Soto, and James Petrovski move on from the OHL.
Brennan Faulkner (Peterborough Petes – 2023-26)
Spending his entire junior career with the Peterborough Petes, Brennan Faulkner put together a career-best campaign in his final junior season, more than doubling his previous offensive totals with 49 points (29-20–49) in 68 regular-season games. He also added three points (1-2–3) during the postseason. Six of Faulkner’s 29 goals came shorthanded, tying him for second-most in the league.
Originally selected sixth overall in the 2022 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection, Faulkner closes out his three-year OHL career with 78 points (35-43–78) across 197 regular-season games. The London, Ont. native is committed to Robert Morris University for next season.
Matthew Soto (Peterborough Petes, Kingston Frontenacs – 2021-26)
Acquired by the Petes during the offseason, Matthew Soto finished just shy of matching his career-high point total in his first season with Peterborough. Known for his creativity and flashy assists, the overage forward recorded 51 points (19-32–51) in 68 regular-season games while consistently showcasing his playmaking ability throughout the year.
The St. Paul, Minn. native concludes his OHL career with 208 points (83-125–208) across 299 regular-season games. Originally selected fifth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Soto is committed to Bowling Green State University for next season.
James Petrovski (Peterborough Petes, Owen Sound Attack, Flint Firebirds – 2021-26)
Also acquired by the Petes during the offseason, James Petrovski recorded 35 points (5-30–35) during his overage season on the Petes’ blue line. Prior to arriving in Peterborough, he also spent time with the Owen Sound Attack and Flint Firebirds.
The six-foot-three defenceman wraps up his OHL career with 134 points (20-114–134) and 232 penalty minutes across 298 regular-season games. Petrovski was originally selected by Flint in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
2006-born players:
* denotes players who are committed to the NCAA for next season
Currently, the Peterborough Petes boast six 2006-born players in Kieron Walton (Winnipeg Jets), Brody Patridge, Braydon McCallum, Grayden Strohack, Garrett Frazer* and Easton Rye*.
