Paris sports legends honoured with County of Brant Hall of Fame inductions
George Le Gresley
Sports Correspondent
Paris athletes and sports contributors were among those celebrated for their achievements and lasting contributions to local athletics as the County of Brant held its Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Syl Apps Community Centre on Thursday, Oct. 15. The event recognized individuals whose dedication, talent and commitment to sport have helped shape the community’s rich athletic history, honouring their accomplishments both on and off the playing field.
Marilyn McCulloch, a Paris resident since 1968, was inducted into the Hall of Fame’s Builder category in recognition of her volunteer contributions and pivotal role in developing and sustaining community sports programs and infrastructure.
She was deeply involved in the former Paris Little League Association, serving as president and leading initiatives such as the installation of lights at the Pete Lavoid Diamond. She held multiple executive roles with the Paris Athletic Association and was instrumental in replacing the ice plant at the Syl Apps Arena. As a member of the Optimist Club, she led the effort to promote and fund the Paris Skate Park, with a strong belief that children should always have a safe environment to play. McCulloch’s work reflects long-term dedication to improving access, facilities and opportunities for local athletes.
Sandy Boyd was recognized for her exceptional women’s hockey career that reached the national and international stage. Growing up, Boyd had two dreams: to play competitive hockey and become a police officer. She went on to achieve both. Her hockey career took her to the highest levels of competition, including a spot on Team Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 1987 World Women’s Hockey Championship. Her journey to the international stage included provincial and national championship victories throughout the 1980s. She played with the Burlington Cougars Senior A team in 1982 and 1983 before joining the Hamilton Golden Hawks Senior A team, which went undefeated at the 1987 world championship.
Boyd also fulfilled her dream of becoming a police officer, joining the Guelph Police Service, where she served for more than 30 years before retiring.
Zac Dalpe’s accomplished professional hockey career is well known in Paris. Arguably one of the town’s most successful hockey players since Syl Apps, Dalpe has built an impressive résumé that includes a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers, representing Canada at the Spengler Cup and serving as captain of two American Hockey League (AHL) teams. But his journey began where so many local hockey dreams take shape: the Paris Minor Hockey Association. Dalpe was part of OMHA championship-winning teams in 2002 and 2003 before making his mark internationally as a teenager, earning MVP honours at tournaments in Sweden and Belarus. His junior career included standout seasons in Stratford and Penticton, along with a gold medal and tournament MVP honours at the World Junior A Challenge. Selected 45th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Dalpe went on to enjoy a 15-season professional career, rising from his hometown hockey roots to compete on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
His success came from his determination to keep working on his game, but more importantly from overcoming the many setbacks he faced.
He is now retired as a player, resides in nearby Otterville and looks forward to spending more time with his three sons as a healthy father and husband. Pro hockey is still part of his life: he works for the Seattle Kraken, where he leads Player Development, mentoring younger players on becoming professional hockey players and preparing them for the challenges ahead.
The next inductees learned best that teamwork is pivotal to success.
The PMHA 2002 Hoogs Installations Bantam Wolfpack earned recognition for a landmark achievement in Paris minor hockey history.
The Wolfpack had a successful season, qualifying for the 2002 International Silver Stick ‘C’ Tournament and losing only one game to Watford. Captain Sage Harder, angry with the loss, promised to see them in the final, which the Wolfpack did, defeating Watford 3-1.
Back home in Paris, the team’s accomplishment was celebrated with a memorable ride through town on a fire truck.
Jake Hoogstraten, the team’s manager, recalls that it was a good group of kids, friends and schoolmates. Coming from a small community, you might think a team could draw skilled players, but talent means little if the players aren’t coached well and if the players’ parents don't support them. In this team, the players acknowledge that coaching with Rick Shannon, Chris Warren, and Sean Durand put them in good stead. The championship remains one of the most significant team accomplishments in local minor hockey.
The team members included Chris Thoms, Mark Kitchen, Jon Pickering, Darryl Shannon, Cameron Stone, Craig Sowden, Jake Pelton, Sage Harder, David Norman, Ben Guest, Matt Kelly, Robert Delaronde, Chris Barber, Sam Goodfellow, Drew MacDonald, Sean Duran, Coach Rick Shannon, Assistant Coaches Chris Warren, Scott Mitchell, Manager Jack Hoogstraten and Trainer Bob Goodfellow.
Last week’s Paris inductees was the final ceremony for the 2026 Induction year. On Sept. 15 the County inducted the St. George Lions Club, Doug Robb and Dean and Sue Morrison in the Hall of Fame. On Oct. 7, the 2006/2007 Burford Minor Hockey Novice Rep Team was inducted.
The Sports Hall of Fame was created to acknowledge the athletic achievements of those in the community. Locations include Burford, Mount Pleasant, Paris and St. George.
Comments