Mike,
Peaches do not really go biennial like other fruit trees. I think what you see is the result of either winter kill or early spring freeze of Red Haven flower buds. You are in zone 5, a chance of that happening is high.
Contender is one of varieties that is known for bud hardiness. Other varieties that are often mentioned are Reliance, Madison, Veteran, to name a few. i think many varieties are still up to debate. Here’s one of several threads about peach bud hardiness.