Developing his outstanding hockey skills while growing up in Fort William, Peter went on to enjoy a successful professional hockey career in the NHL, AHL and WHL.

The training ground for his defensive skills was the Fort William East Ends, Columbus Canadiens and the Senior Beavers. In his last season with Fort William the Beavers competed in the 1954-55 Allan Cup finals. The next season saw him with the Sault Ste. Marie Indians which led to a pro contract with the Cleveland Barons of the AHL in 1956. In his first AHL season the Barons claimed the AHL title.

It did not take long before Peter was called up to the NHL making his first appearance on defence for the Detroit Red Wings in 1957. Known as one of hockey's toughest defencemen, he spent 11 seasons in the NHL, the majority of them with Detroit and including brief appearances with the New York Rangers and Minnesota North Stars. During that time he amassed an NHL record of 362 games played, 19 goals and 67 assists.

His professional hockey career also included action in the AHL and WHL where he added two more AHL titles to his record in 1961-61 with the Springfield Indians and in 1966-67 with the Pittsburgh Hornets. Upon his retirement following the 1968-69 season his lifetime professional hockey career record included 798 games played, 65 goals, 201 assists and 1,194 penalty minutes.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 26th, 1992