A Tribute to Mike Hammond
An enormous blow has been dealt to ice hockey with Mike Hammond’s tragic and premature passing on February 21, 1990 in Peterborough, England. Hammond began a successful career at an early age. He skated for various teams, including Peterborough Phantoms, Dundee Stars, and most notably, Manchester Storm. He was instrumental in leading Manchester Storm to victory in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) championship during the 2018–19 season.
An impressive athlete, Hammond had an admirable career, exhibiting extraordinary agility and speed on the ice. As a forward, he racked up 184 points in 210 games in the EIHL, leaving an indelible mark on British ice hockey.
Mike Hammond: A Cherished Teammate
Hammond was widely revered in the ice hockey community and widely appreciated for both his skills on and off of the rink as well as for his kindness and generosity off it. An active supporter of charitable activities like supporting Movember for men’s health, tributes have come pouring in for “Hammy”, as he was affectionately known to teammates, with friends, teammates, fans taking to social media platforms such as Twitter to offer condolences while remembering his legacy.
Circumstances of Mike Hammond’s Death
Tragically, on July 19, 2023, Hammond lost his life in a fatal car collision on Shawnigan Lake Road, near Elford and the Village in Canada. The unexpected news left the entire ice hockey community mourning.
A Loss That Echoes Across the Sport
Following the confirmation of the tragedy by law enforcement, heartfelt messages filled social media as friends and teammates expressed their sorrow. Manchester Storm, the Nottingham Panthers, and Coventry Blaze, among others, expressed their devastation at the loss. Ice Hockey UK released a statement mourning the loss of a cherished teammate. The untimely death of Mike Hammond has left a profound impact on British Ice Hockey and the sport as a whole.
Remembering Mike Hammond
Beyond his contributions to the sport, Mike Hammond’s friends and teammates remembered the man off the ice, a beloved “brother” known for his kindness and camaraderie. Many shared personal stories, expressing their disbelief at the sudden loss. They shared cherished memories and expressed their sympathy for Hammond’s family during this challenging time.
Moving Forward: Honouring Hammond’s Legacy
As the ice hockey community comes to terms with this tragic loss, plans are being made to honor Hammond’s legacy. Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed, while his loved ones continue to offer support, thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Hammond will long remain an inspiration, with his legacy on British ice hockey continuing for generations to come.
