County of Brant is inviting the public to attend any or all of its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies taking place this fall.
The County’s Sports Hall of Fame was created to recognize the individuals and teams who have represented Brant in sport over the years, as well as those who have played an integral role in building and ensuring the longevity of sport throughout the community.
This year, there will be three induction ceremonies taking place across the County.
The first will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre in St. George.
Those being honoured include:
- The St. George Lions Club – Builder
Chartered in 1945, the St. George Lions Club has spent 80 years supporting various sports and leisure activities through sponsorship, volunteerism, fundraising efforts and contributions to facility development.
From minor hockey to baseball, soccer and figure skating, the Lions have a long history of helping both youth and adults participate and develop their skills within the community.
Throughout the years, the club helped establish and maintain local rinks and ball fields, and played a large role in planning and funding the St. George area. Today, the Lions still support local sports through annual donations, sponsorships and ownership of Elliot Field.
- Doug Robb – Athlete
Robb’s achievements can be attributed to his lifelong involvement in ice and sledge hockey.
After playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHA during the late 1960s, Robb went on to referee several provincial, Canadian and international championships including the Sutherland Cup Jr. B championship, Memorial Cup Jr. A championship, Centennial Cup Senior A championship and the 1976 world junior championship.
Among his many achievements, Robb also served as a Linesman for World Hockey Association, received the OHA’s Gold Stick Award in 2019, and helped form and develop the Hamilton and District Sledge Hockey Association, as well as the Brant and District Sledge Hockey Association.
- Dean Morrison – Builder
Morrison started coaching hockey teams in the St. George Minor Hockey system at the ripe age of 18, and continued to do so even after his own children stopped playing. He later spent years as the President of the association and supported countless children and their parents.
- Sue Morrison – Builder
Sue coached and trained many teams in the St. George Minor Hockey system for years.
According to her nominators, she was involved within the community through the Parks and Rec department to make sure there were sports fields and playgrounds for the children of St. George to stay active.
Sue also contributed to her community as an active member in other non-sports related clubs.
The second induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burford Community Centre.
Being honoured that evening are the 2006-2007 Burford Minor Hockey Coyotes Novice Rep Team.
The team won OMHA “C” Division Championship, making them the first novice team in the County of Brant to do so. They also won two additional tournaments during the season.
The third and final induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris.
Those being honoured include:
- Zac Dalpe – Athlete
A graduate of Paris Minor Hockey, Dalpe went on to win the 2002 and 2003 Ontario Minor Hockey Association championships and represented Team Canada in both 2000 and 2001.
Dalpe would go on to play for the Stratford Cullitons Jr. B team and Penticton Vees, and later played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers over a 15 year career. He also played in the Stanley Cup final for the Florida Panthers during the 2022-2023 season.
- Marilyn McCulloch – Builder
Over the years, McCulloch has been involved with the Paris Little League Association, including serving as its president, the Mothers Auxiliary, and was instrumental in having lights installed at the Pete Lavoie Little League diamond.
For over a decade, she was also involved with the Paris Athletic Association, serving as treasurer, secretary, and board member. She was instrumental in replacing the ice plant at the Syl Apps Arena.
Among other achievements, McCulloch has helped secure a grant for new change rooms at the Paris Public Pool, and served as co-chair on behalf of the Optimist Club to build the skate park at Syl Apps in 2012.
- Sandy Boyd – Athlete
Over the years, Boyd has played women’s hockey with teams in St. George, Ayr, and Burlington. She later played for the Hamilton Golden Hawks from 1985 to 1987, winning several gold medals alongside her teams at both provincial and national games.
In 1987, she played for Team Canada at the Women’s World Championship. Held in North York, Toronto, the team went undefeated through eightgames, taking home gold after defeating Team Ontario in the finals.
- 2002 Paris Minor Hockey Bantam Rep Wolkpack Team
Team members experienced great success during their time with the Paris Minor Hockey Association, with many having played together since their tyke years.
In 2002, the team won the International Silver Stick “C” championship, considering it their most prestigious win. According to their nominators, “This was a great achievement for the entire team, who were very proud to represent Paris. The team had been finalists prior Silver Stick tournaments, but this win was amazing.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
