The Heart of the Rink: Celebrating Volunteerism Through the Story of Dwayne Sterling

Across Ontario, the heartbeat of minor hockey isn’t found in the bright lights of championships or packed arenas — it lives in the quiet dedication of volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to ensure the game continues to thrive for the next generation.

For Dwayne Sterling, that commitment has spanned more than 20 years in minor hockey, helping shape experiences for hundreds of young players at Chedoke Minor Hockey in Hamilton. His motivation has always been simple:

“The one thing that I have learned over my 20+ years in hockey… it that is it never about me,” said Sterling. “It is always about the kids.”

From organizing league operations to coaching, mentoring, and welcoming new families into the sport, Sterling’s focus has remained firmly on creating an environment where players feel safe, supported, and excited to step onto the ice.

“Making sure the kids are having fun, enjoying themselves, and they feel safe as part of our program.”

A Love for the Game That Keeps Giving

Sterling’s journey in hockey began long before he became a volunteer leader. Like many across the province, his passion for the sport started in his own childhood.

“I always enjoyed being a part of minor hockey as a child, and as my son grew up, I wanted to give him the same opportunities I had,” he explained. “I offered to coach and was accepted, and I have been involved for the last 20 years.”

Even after his son completed minor hockey in 2022, Sterling’s involvement never slowed.

“My son completed his hockey in April of 2022 when he finished U21….. And now is it for the next group of kids.”

In fact, the arrival of a new generation in his own family reignited his passion for teaching the game.

“I brought first shift to Chedoke so that my ‘hockey’ granddaughter could learn this amazing game. And because of that my love for this game, and my joy of teaching this game has been rekindled.”

Building a Community — One Player at a Time

At Chedoke Minor Hockey, Sterling’s impact extends far beyond the bench. Supporting more than 200 players each season, his role touches every level of the program — from the youngest participants in the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program to players graduating from minor hockey.

“To see the smiles on the player’s faces when they come to the arena every week is what I hope for,” he said. “I want Chedoke Minor Hockey to succeed, and when I watch the games, see how hard the players work at their practices, and that is my joy of the game.”

His approach to leadership has always centered around relationships.

“I have always treated my players with respect. Respect is something you earn from the players. I treat all the players like they are my own.”

Over time, those relationships have turned into something deeper — a lasting connection that extends well beyond a player’s final season.

“I have hockey sons and daughters that i still keep in touch with, and always checking in to see how they are 10+ years after they have left minor hockey.”

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Hockey Family

For Sterling, building a welcoming program means making sure players and families know they belong.

“When players are made aware that they are part of a ‘family’ here at Chedoke, they feel comfortable to be more of themselves.”

That sense of openness is something he works to reinforce with both players and parents.

“When reports come out about other associations having issues with maltreatment, I always reach out to the parents to let the players know that they can talk to their coaches, trainers, parent rep, and if all else fails... come talk to me. I will always listen to them and talk to them.”

His goal is simple: ensure every player feels heard, supported, and respected within the program.

Moments That Make It All Worthwhile

Over two decades of volunteering, Sterling has witnessed countless moments that remind him why he continues to give back.

One memory stands out above the rest.

“I was at Tim Hortons on a Saturday last year. I ran into a former player who i coached for 4 of his last 5 seasons. He walked up to me, shook my hand, and introduced me to his girlfriend as his second father. There is no greater honour than to have someone express it that way.”

Another former player recently returned to the game as a coach within the association.

“Another former player recently had his birthday, and he is currently an assistant coach on one of our Select teams. When I bid him happy birthday coach, I was told that I was the only coach.”

For Sterling, these moments represent the true legacy of grassroots hockey.

“That is what you hope to have your former players think of you after the fact.”

Growing the Game for the Next Generation

Like many minor hockey organizations across Canada, Chedoke faced significant challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration numbers declined, and rebuilding the association became a priority.

Sterling stepped forward as President to help lead that effort.

“Following COVID, registration numbers at Chedoke were at an all-time low. I was elected President, with a goal of starting the re-build of the association.”

Three seasons later, the results speak for themselves.

“Over the last 3 seasons, our numbers have increased by 30%.”

Programs like NHL/NHLPA First Shift have played a key role in welcoming new families to the sport.

“We added the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program at Chedoke, and at the end of this season we will have had 225 players go through the program in 3 years.”

The association has also worked to remove financial barriers wherever possible.

“Chedoke Minor Hockey will help provide free hockey equipment, if we have it, to anyone who needs it. Anything to help.”

Sterling believes initiatives like First Shift are vital to growing the game.

“With the constantly increasing costs of Minor Hockey, First shift is an amazing way to find out if your player is interested in playing this amazing game or not.”

Looking Ahead

Today, Sterling remains focused on continuing to grow Chedoke Minor Hockey and ensuring the program remains a place where young players can develop both on and off the ice.

“My goal moving forward is to continue to grow Chedoke back to its prior successes.”

At one point, the association welcomed more than 500 players, and rebuilding toward that level remains a long-term vision.

“Growth does not happen overnight…we are in year 3 of what will probably be a 7 or 8 year program.”

But the goal is clear.

“The goal at the end is to have over 300 players registered at Chedoke again…and we take it one year and one team at a time until we reach our goal.”

For Sterling, however, the true measure of success will always remain the same — the smiles on the faces of the players walking through the arena doors.

“From the U9’s up to the U18’s, there smiles at the rink is what i strive for.”

Because after two decades of volunteering, his philosophy has never changed.

“It is never about me. It is always about the kids.”

Know a Volunteer Who Deserves Recognition?

Across Ontario, minor hockey thrives because of dedicated volunteers like Dwayne Sterling — individuals who give their time, energy, and passion to ensure young players have a place to learn, grow, and fall in love with the game.

Behind every practice, every game, and every smiling player walking into the rink is someone working quietly behind the scenes to make it all possible.

Stories like Dwayne’s remind us that the true strength of hockey lies in the communities that support it — coaches, organizers, parents, and volunteers who show up year after year, not for recognition, but for the kids.

Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of grassroots hockey in your community? A coach, volunteer, or organizer who goes above and beyond to create a positive experience for players and families?

We want to hear their story.

Submit your story by reaching out to us at: zdeforest@ohf.on.ca