Former Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey player Mike Hammond has died in a motor vehicle crash in British Columbia.
Hammond starred for Lakehead over four seasons, between 2011 and 2015, before turning to the pro ranks and stints in the ECHL, Denmark, Germany and England, where he played last season for the Nottingham Panthers.
The Thunderwolves paid tribute to Hammond in a social media post on Thursday morning.
“Mike was a talented competitor, who exemplified leadership and dedication to hockey. His attitude towards the game awarded him with OUA accolades as both an all-star and most sportsmanlike player,” the Instagram post reads.
“Hammond played for the Wolves from 2011-2014 and continued to play at the pro level for a decade and as a key member for team Great Britain at the World Hockey Championship.”
Hammond, who spent four seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League before arriving in Thunder Bay 12 years ago, was better than a point-a-game player for the Thunderwolves, putting up 130 points in 11 regular-season appearances.
He spent the 2015-16 season with Cincinnati of the ECHL before heading overseas to start a seven-year stint in Europe. He had 13 goals and 38 points in 51 games with Nottingham in 2022-23.
He helped Great Britain win gold at the Division 1 Group A World Championship in 2018. He had five points at this year’s event, helping Great Britain elevate back to the top group.
The Brighton, England-born Hammond, who grew up in Victoria, will be sadly missed, reads a post from his current club.
“The Panthers would like to send our thoughts to Mike’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Our thoughts too are with all his former teammates and everyone at the club is thinking of Hammy and his family right now.
“Rest in peace, Mike – you will never be forgotten.”
Hammond was an OUA all-rookie team selection in 2012 with Lakehead, and was named an OUA West first-team all-star and most sportsmanlike player in 2014-15. He led the Elite Ice Hockey League in assists, with 57, in 2019.
According to the BBC, the crash occurred Wednesday night.
