Petes Welcome 39 New Canadians in Official Pre-Game Citizenship Ceremony
In the first pre-game ceremony of it’s kind in the Ontario Hockey League, the Peterborough Petes welcomed 40 new Canadians in an official citizenship service ahead of their game against the London Knights on Thursday, March 1.
Making history with the OHL’s first ever official Canadian Citizenship Ceremony before tonight’s game against the Knights. Welcome to our 39 newest Canadians! #ptbo#gopetesgopic.twitter.com/zlPH9Z2cRS
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 2, 2018
Peterborough Police Service Chief Murray Rodd presided over the ceremony, and was joined by Minister of the Status of Women The Honourable Maryam Monsef to present the newest Canadians with their official certificates of citizenship following the recital of the Oath of Citizenship.
Chief Rodd presiding over tonight’s immigration ceremony at the @PtboMemCentre@PetesOHLhockey game as 40 members of the #Ptbo community were sworn in as Canadian citizens. #newcanadians#welcome -LG pic.twitter.com/V6y71esQm4
— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) March 2, 2018
Along with the crowd of over 3,200 fans, students of St. Anne Catholic Elementary School performed the National Anthem as a large Canadian flag made it’s way through the crowd.
True patriot love ?? pic.twitter.com/sFYLGQdSqy
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 2, 2018
Fatima Zahr and her younger brother came to Canada from Bangladesh with their family five years ago. On Thursday, they took part in the game’s ceremonial puck drop.
Congratulations to Peterborough’s 39 newest Canadians! It was a privilege to join you at centre ice with @PetesOHLhockey as you officially took the oath of citizenship. Welcome home! pic.twitter.com/T20pZ8JlSB
— Maryam Monsef (@MaryamMonsef) March 2, 2018
Despite a late 4-3 loss, Twitter was abuzz with reactions to the patriotic presentation as ‘Petes’ was trending at number nine in Canada.
Welcome to our 39 newest Canadians! We’re happy to have you here!
Beautiful ceremony, @PetesOHLhockey!#ptbo https://t.co/8q8MMqn3Vs— New Canadians Centre (@NCC_Ptbo) March 2, 2018
Welcoming our newest Canadian Citizens in a truly Peterborough way! https://t.co/4eoazc5NXx
— City of Peterborough (@CityPtbo) March 2, 2018
This has to be the most patriotic way to become a Canadian citizen – way cool. https://t.co/HrquayJFZn
— Matt Musgrave (@mttmsgrv) March 2, 2018
#ThisIsAwesome #OCanada ?? https://t.co/7ELT4Q0IQ8
— David Foot (@FootyOnTheAir) March 2, 2018
Congratulations!! Welcome to Canada! #NewCanadians @PetesOHLhockey @PtboMemCentre pic.twitter.com/ShMtkGTQo9
— Eileen Kimmett (@EileenKimmett) March 2, 2018
Pre-game #CanadianCitizenship ceremony @PetesOHLhockey Welcome! Congratulations! #TeamPtbo pic.twitter.com/NlHdxqIzej
— Sandra Dueck (@sandramdueck) March 2, 2018
Pretty cool Peterborough https://t.co/VTJzAIMvni
— Steve McLean (@SteveMcLean888) March 1, 2018
Even other teams’ fans were showing their support!
as much as I’m not a Petes fan (for obvious reasons), inviting 39 new Canadians to take their Citizenship Oath in a pre-game ceremony at centre ice is nothing short of awesome #Classy https://t.co/d40r2Y3yPc
— Craig Yule (@CraigYule4) March 2, 2018
Classy move. Congrats to the Petes!
— Horseshoe Guy (@DickDuff9) March 2, 2018
As a Knight fan I tuned in at 7 to watch the game and then ended up watching the whole ceremony, was very cool. Good job.
— Wayne (@FloorensaBeauty) March 2, 2018
The Petes would like to extend their sincere thanks to their partners that helped make Thursday’s event a memorable one for fans and new Canadians alike: Angela & Company Salon, Bell, Lancer Electric, Lansdowne Place, Metro, Molson Coors, Morello’s Your Independent Grocer, New Canadians Centre, Pizza Pizza, Ricart Promotions & Recognition, Simply Trees, and YourTV.
Sending out a huge THANK YOU to everyone that made tonight’s pre-game Canadian citizenship ceremony possible! ??pic.twitter.com/nVb8StYp8h
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) March 2, 2018
The Petes play a pivotal game against the Mississauga Steelheads on Thursday, March 8 at 7:05pm. Tickets are available starting at $8 through the Collins Barrow PMC Box Office, online or, by phone at (705) 743-3561.
Looking to catch more Petes hockey in March? The brand new Petes Playoff Push Flex Pack gives fans four regular bowl tickets to use at any game in March, along with a voucher for four popcorns and four pops, for just $69.99 (a $124 value). Visit Steve at the ticket tent in the North Lobby, visit the Box Office, or call (705) 743-3681 ext. 263, to get your package.
Don’t forget to download the free Petes Mobile App, available for iPhone or Android devices.
