It was an unforgettable weekend of hockey as two Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association teams made it all the way to the finals at the annual Frank Dymock Classic.
The U11 Blue team battled hard and earned second place after a close match against the Mount Brydges Cougars, while the U15 FC squad showed tremendous grit and teamwork, finishing runner-up to the Goodrich Sailors. The association also praised the strong showings from the U11 Red and U13 Red and Blue teams.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the effort, sportsmanship, and heart shown by all our players and coaches,” the Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association said in a statement. “We had many compliments from visiting teams about the entire weekend, so thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make it such a success.”
The tournament, which draws teams from across the region, carries special meaning in Wallaceburg as it honours the late Frank Dymock — a beloved figure whose generosity and dedication to local hockey continue to inspire generations.
For more than 50 years, Dymock was a fixture in the community, known for his humble skate shop on Elgin Street where he spent countless hours sharpening, repairing, and lending skates to anyone in need. He never charged for his services, instead keeping a water bottle on the counter for donations that went directly back into minor hockey or other community causes.
If a child didn’t have skates, Frank would hand them a pair with a simple promise: “Bring them back when you’re done so the next kid can use them.” His small shop became a gathering place for players, parents, and friends — a spot filled with stories, laughter, and, for every child, a sucker on the way out the door.
His kindness and craftsmanship became known well beyond Wallaceburg. Over the years, professional players, referees, and even NHL staff traveling between Detroit and Toronto stopped by his shop. In one memorable moment, the Stanley Cup itself made a visit — a fitting tribute to a man whose love for the game was as pure as it was profound.
Dymock’s legacy lives on through both the tournament and the community he helped build. Wallaceburg named a bridge near his home in his honour, and he was recognized as a Life Member of the Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association in 2009 and as Citizen of the Year in 2012.
Since 2008, the Frank Dymock Classic has celebrated not only hockey but also the spirit of generosity and community that defined Frank’s life. He attended the event every year until his passing in December 2013 at the age of 82, always greeting players and families with the same warmth and encouragement that made him a legend.
As players took to the ice again this weekend, the message was clear — the tournament is about more than competition. It’s about carrying forward the values Frank Dymock lived by: kindness, teamwork, and giving back.
“Somewhere above the rink, we’re certain he’s still watching, smiling, cheering, and making sure every skate is perfectly sharp,” the association said.
