The end of a era

Photographer – Kevin Bennett (Sportography)

At the end of the 2025/2026 season, the Peterborough Phantoms 2 will say goodbye to four players who have each played a huge part in the club’s history. Robert McDonald, Sam Barlow, Kenny Bavin and Jordon Ho will all retire, bringing to a close four fantastic careers that helped shape the team both on and off the ice.

Robert McDonald

Robert McDonald first joined the team back in the 2007/2008 season when the club was known as the Peterborough Islanders. During his long and dedicated career, he became one of the most respected players in the club. He served as captain of the Islanders in the 2016/2017 season, and after the team became the Peterborough Phantoms 2, he later served as assistant captain in 2019/2020 and then captain again from 2022 to 2025.

McDonald has played nearly 300 games for the club, recording over 130 points as a defenceman, a remarkable achievement, while also accumulating over 300 penalty minutes, showing his commitment and physical presence on the ice. His leadership and loyalty to the club over nearly two decades have made him a cornerstone of the team.

Sam Barlow

Sam Barlow joined the team in the 2011/2012 season when the club was still the Islanders and has remained with the team ever since through the transition to the Phantoms 2. A versatile player capable of playing both defence and forward, Barlow has been a key part of the team for well over a decade.

Barlow has played over 260 games for the club, contributing more than 100 points and amassing over 500 penalty minutes. Since 2021, he has served as one of the team’s assistant captains, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to the team over many seasons.

Kenny Bavin

Kenny Bavin joined in the 2016/2017 season and quickly made an impact as a strong defensive player who could also play forward. Known for being solid defensively while also being quick and agile, Bavin became an important part of the squad.

Bavin has played over 170 games for the club, scoring over 130 points, an impressive total for a player who often plays in defensive roles. He served as assistant captain in the 2018/2019 season and then captain in 2019/2020, highlighting his importance to the team during that period

Jordon Ho

Jordon Ho joined the team in 2023 and, despite being one of the newer players compared to the others retiring, has made a big impact as a powerful forward.

Ho has scored over 50 points in around 40 games, an excellent scoring record that made him one of the team’s most dangerous forwards during his time with the club.

A Final Thank You

All four players have shown incredible commitment, loyalty and passion for the club over many years. From captaincy roles to clutch performances, each of them has left a lasting mark on the Peterborough Islanders and Peterborough Phantoms 2.

They are more than just players — they are leaders, teammates, and true legends of the club. All four will truly be missed and are without a doubt future Hall of Famers for the team.

The end of an era — but a legacy that will never be forgotten.