There's some big news out of the British Columbia Hockey League.
Former Alberni Bulldogs broadcaster and former Flin Flonner Evan "the Hammer" Hammond has unanimously been named the BCHL Broadcaster of the Year for 2026.
Evan had been the voice of the Bulldogs since the 2003-04 season and was one of the most recognizable and popular broadcasters in Western Canada.
Sadly, he passed away in January.
This is the fourth time that Evan has been recognized for his broadcast talents as the BCHL'S Broadcaster of the Year and winning the Jim Hughson Award.
He also won the award in 2009, 2013 and 2022.
Prior to moving out west, Hammond started his broadcast career at 102.9 CFAR in Flin Flon in the late 90's, working part time while still in high school.
Hammond had a great passion for sports, in particular hockey, and got a chance to get his first play- by-play job for the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL, moving to The Pas in 1999.
These were the glory days of the Blizzard who won 5 straight MJHL Championships with Hammond on the mic for 4 of their league titles, including a trip to Halifax in 2002 for the National Championship.
The Blizzard lost to the host team in the final, but were definitely one of the top teams in the country. Meanwhile, Hammond was starting to establish himself as an elite broadcaster in the country as well.
After broadcasting the Blizzard's fifth straight League Championship in 2003, Evan made his way to Vancouver Island to broadcast in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, where he remained for over 20 years.
Evan is survived by his mother Heather, his sister Erin, his daughter Cally, and his sons Griffin and Foster. He was predeceased by his father Cal.
Evan's mother Heather, who still resides in Flin Flon, had this to say on the BCHL Hockey website about her son being recognized with the Broadcaster of the Year award.
“It is heartwarming that he has not been forgotten and we appreciate it very much. We know ‘Hammer’ would be so pleased and very grateful and hope his legacy lives on.”
Besides being the play-by-play broadcaster of the the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Evan was the morning announcer of the Pattison radio station The Peak 93.3 FM, an active member of the community, and a great father and family man.
He was a larger-than-life character that made everyone that knew him smile and he will certainly be missed.
Rest in Peace.
