Mike Hammond dead: Great Britain ice hockey player dies in car crash in Canada aged 33 - tributes

Tributes have been paid to Great Britain ice hockey player Mike Hammond who died following a car crash in Canada at the age of 33. Hammond first made his international debut in 2018 where he helped the team win gold at a world championship in Hungary.

Hammond, who played for Nottingham Panthers last season, died in the collision in Shawnigan on Wednesday night (July 19), Nottingham Panthers announced. The Brighton-born forward signed for Panthers last summer from the German side, Hannover Scorpions.

In a statement, Nottingham Panthers said: "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 team-mates and everyone at the club is thinking of Hammy and his family right now. Rest in peace Mike - you will never be forgotten."

Also paying tribute to him is Ice Hockey UK, who said Hammond scored five points at this year’s World Championship Division 1 Group in Nottingham, helping Great Britain win promotion back to the top level.

A statement from the sport’s governing body said: "Great Britain ice hockey are devastated to announce that forward Mike Hammond has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mike’s family, friends and team-mates at this very difficult time."

Hammond also played for Coventry Blaze, Manchester Storm, and Braehead Clan, as well as stints in Germany, Denmark and Canada.

Motorpoint Arena, the home ground for Nottingham Panthers also paid tribute to him. It said: “As the home of the Nottingham Panthers, we are saddened to hear of the report that Mike Hammond, who played for the Panthers last season, has passed away.

“We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and team-mates at this difficult time.”