Big news out of the BCHL, 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  passing  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, 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.

 

This was the glory days of the Blizzard who won 5 straight MJHL Championships with Hammond on the mic for 4 of their league titles and 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 and 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 the 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 and is 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 for this 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 smile that knew him and he will certainly  be missed. RIP