News of Evan Hammond’s death has left Port Alberni and the wider British Columbia hockey community grappling with the loss of a figure whose voice shaped the region’s sporting identity for more than two decades. Hammond, who was 45, died in hospital on January 2, 2026, after suffering a medical emergency on December 31, closing a chapter that had become inseparable from the story of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
For the Bulldogs organization, the announcement of his passing carried a weight that extended far beyond the rink. Team officials described him as someone whose presence was woven into the fabric of the franchise—an individual whose enthusiasm, meticulous preparation, and unmistakable delivery helped define how generations of fans experienced the game.
Hammond’s influence stretched across the BCHL, where he spent years chronicling junior hockey with a level of detail and energy that earned him three Broadcaster of the Year awards, in 2009, 2013, and again in 2022 as part of a shared honor. His play‑by‑play work transformed each contest into a narrative event, capturing the speed, emotion, and unpredictability of the sport in a way that resonated with listeners well beyond the confines of the arena.
His voice was equally familiar off the ice. As the morning host on 93.3 PEAK FM, Hammond became part of the daily rhythm of the Alberni Valley, greeting listeners with a warmth that reflected his genuine affection for the community. He often spoke about how fortunate he felt to call games for the Bulldogs, viewing the role not simply as a job but as a privilege that allowed him to share in the triumphs and heartbreaks of a team he deeply admired.
Away from the microphone, Hammond was known first and foremost as a family man. Loved ones remember him as a devoted son, brother, and father who grounded his busy professional life in the relationships that mattered most. When he wasn’t working, he gravitated toward the outdoors—fishing, swimming, and exploring the waters and forests that surround Port Alberni. These moments reflected his connection to the valley’s landscape and the authenticity with which he approached life in a small, tightly knit community.
Tributes from across the BCHL have underscored the magnitude of the loss. Teams throughout the league have shared memories of a broadcaster who made every game feel personal, who treated colleagues with kindness, and who understood that storytelling is as much about people as it is about sport. The Bulldogs emphasized that his contributions extended far beyond the booth: he was a friend, a mentor, and a steady presence whose care for others shaped the culture of the organization.
Hammond’s legacy lives on in the countless broadcasts he delivered, the relationships he nurtured, and the joy he brought to listeners who came to rely on his voice as the soundtrack of Bulldogs hockey. His passing leaves a silence that will be felt for years, but the stories he told—and the way he told them—remain part of the community he loved.
