Evan Hammond, the voice of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for more than 20 years, has died.
Hammond suffered a medical emergency on Wednesday, Dec. 31 and died in hospital on Jan. 2. He was 45.
Hammond’s death has reverberated around the hockey community, as many teams with the B.C. Hockey League have posted their condolences to family, friends and “Hammer’s” hockey family.
Hammond was the morning show announcer with 93.3 PEAK FM.
“Evan personified being the ‘Sound of the Valley’ as the host of the PEAK morning show and the play-by-play voice of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” a PEAK spokesperson posted online. “Every time he put on a headset to call a game he gave a masterclass in theatre of the mind. Evan’s description of a hockey game was second to none.”
The Bulldogs, in a public message, called Hammond an integral part of the team.
“His passion, professionalism and unmistakable presence helped shape the identity of our organization and connected generations of supporters to our game and to our community.”
The team noted Hammond’s impact extended far beyond the broadcast booth, and that his dedication to the team and love for the game of hockey will leave a lasting impression.
“The world is a little less exuberant with Hammer’s passing,” wrote Victoria Grizzlies’ president David Michaud, who worked with Hammond before leaving the Bulldogs for the Grizzlies.
The Coquitlam Express, headed by former Bulldogs’ director of business operations Tali Campbell, remembered Hammond’s “extraordinary ability to connect with people, making each game feel like a family gathering.” Campbell said in a personal post that “no one loved the Bulldogs and the Alberni community like he did.”
The Surrey Eagles, due to play the Bulldogs at the “Dawg Pound” in Port Alberni on Jan. 3, called him the beloved voice of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
“Evan’s passion for the game and ability to bring every moment to life created lasting memories for Bulldogs fans everywhere.”
“His masterful wordsmithing allowed him to paint the most accurate picture over the airwaves of what was happening on the ice,” former Bulldogs assistant coach Adam Hayduk posted online.
“Rest easy, my friend. You’ve got the best seat in the house for calling the play-by-play on life now,” Bulldogs’ photographer Darran Chaisson wrote.
Hammond was a three-time winner of the B.C. Hockey League’s Broadcaster of the Year award, winning it it 2009, 2013 and sharing it with Vernon Vipers’ play-by-play man Graham Turnbull in 2022. He was one of the longest-standing announcers in the league, having started in 2003-04. In an interview with host Nancy Wilmot of the Scoop on Port Alberni in December, Hammond said he had called more than 1,350 B.C. Hockey League games.
“Hockey permeates all essences of my being,” he said.
Hammond played goalie in junior hockey and with the Flin Flon Jets in Manitoba. Despite his playing background he said he got into hockey broadcasting through his career in radio. He said at times he couldn’t believe he got paid to do what he loved — and to do it in the hockey-mad community he loved.
“How lucky I feel that I am, to do this here.”
In the off-season Hammond could be found on the water, fishing, swimming and enjoying the outdoor life the Alberni Valley had to offer.
A statement released by Hammond’s family called him a beloved son, brother, father and community storyteller.
“Evan was proud to be a voice on local radio and a storyteller for the community he loved. He found joy in sharing local history, celebrating its people and bringing everyday moments to life through conversation and connection. That pride carried into the arena, where Evan served with great honour as the voice of the Bulldogs.”
“While Evan’s role was public, the family’s grief is private,” they stated, asking for patience and understanding as they grieve. The family will determine “the right time and way to celebrate Evan’s legacy” at a later date.
Hammond is survived by three children, his sister and his mother.