The name Stanfield is practically a hockey legend in Mississauga. It seems that through the storied history of the Dixie Arena, there was always a Stanfield playing at one level or another, either with the Mississauga Reps or junior hockey with the Dixie Beehives. Some even made it to the National Hockey League and Freddie Stanfield wrote a new chapter in Mississauga’s book of hockey achievements as the first home-grown Stanley Cup winner. As the legendary Bobby Orr’s playing partner, Freddie won Lord Stanley’s silverware twice with the Boston Bruins.

     The man behind the success never played at the big league level, but made it possible for thousands of Mississaugans – including his seven sons – to pursue their hockey dreams.

     Gord Stanfield devoted more than 50 years of his life to hockey and created a rich legacy.

Gord served on the executive board of the Toronto Township Hockey League – now the Mississauga Hockey League – for four decades, beginning in the early 1950s. His leadership also specifically benefitted Dixie and Burnhamthorpe area minor hockey organizations. Gord Stanfield was a driving force behind a group, that spearheaded an effort that resulted in the construction of Dixie Arena. The group of the arena’s founding fathers – known as the “Silver Seven” – also included Howard Pallett, Pallett’s brother-in-law Jim Sherman, Lesley Pallett Sr., Jim McCarthy, Wild Goddard and Lindsay Dearth rallied the Dixie and Cooksville communities for support and by the time the last brick was put in place and then Ontario Premier Leslie Frost dropped the first ceremonial puck to officially open the oldest – and for a long time, Mississauga’s only – indoor hockey rink, the building was clear of debt.

     Dixie Arena was sold to a North York development company in the spring of 1986 and eventually demolished to make way for a housing project, having been many things to many residents over the years. Primarily a hockey rink, it also served as a home to figure skating, trade shows, auto shows, auctions, bazaars, the odd fashion show and even bingo nights.

     Gord Stanfield also played major roles in the formation of the Dixie Beehives, the the city’s best loved and most famous Junior B club, and maybe even importantly, in the formation of the Mississauga Reps organization. The Mississauga Reps, in turn, spawned several other AAA level hockey organizations in the city.

     He was a hockey pioneer, the best – and usually the only – advocate for an elite level in minor hockey in the 1950s. His vision and pioneer efforts resulted in the formation of the Mississauga Reps. The list of players who had honed their skills with the Reps en route to the NHL is long and illustrious, including Paul Coffey, Tony Tanti, Freddie Stanfield, Greg Gilbert, Brandon Shannahan, Mike Gartner, Randy Cunneyworth, Ed Hospodar, Mike Kaszycki, Tom McCarthy, Rick Dudley and the brother tandem of Doug and Larry Patey – they all played for a Mississauga Reps team one time or another in their respective minor hockey careers. And Gord Stanfields sons Freddie, Jack, Jim and Vic who made it to the professional ranks.

     Gord Stanfield is a member of the Mississauga Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also elected to the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame for the year 2004, joining his son Freddie Stanfield among the honoured members. Gord Stanfield was also instrumental in the building of another of Mississauga’s outstanding sports institutions, the Dixie Curling Club, home of several Canadian champion players and rinks. Gord Stanfield retired from the Peel Regional Police with the rank of Deputy Chief. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a rich legacy.