Mike Hammond was a standout undersized forward with the Cowichan Valley Capitals, along with several other teams at the junior, collegiate and pro level. (Cowichan Valley Capitals)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fatal crash

Professional hockey player killed in Shawnigan Lake crash

Jul 20, 2023 | 11:29 AM

SHAWNIGAN LAKE — An established pro hockey player died following an early morning single-vehicle crash in Shawnigan Lake.

Mike Hammond was identified by Ice Hockey UK as the victim of a Wednesday, July 19 crash.

An RCMP news release stated the driver of a car, a Langford man, was found deceased after apparently losing control on Shawnigan Lake Rd. near Baden Powell Rd.

“Early evidence collected at the scene indicated that the vehicle, a black Porsche Boxster appeared to have gone off the road and struck a tree,” an RCMP release stated.

Shawnigan Lake RCMP responded to the crash scene just before 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

airport operations

Nanaimo Airport nears pre-pandemic numbers with focus on the future

3h ago

electoral consent

Proposed Oceanside pool expansion goes to referendum

5h ago

violent assault

Man suffers serious injuries after violent assault outside Nanaimo business

13h ago

“Police continue to investigate the collision as well as the BC Coroners Service to determine the leading cause of the collision and death of the driver.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514.

Hammond was a well-known hockey player born in England who excelled both overseas and in western Canada.

He was considered one of England’s best players, having represented Great Britain several times on the international stage.

Hammond led the BCHL in scoring during the 2010/11 season with 39 goals and 93 points in 57 games split between the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

He played Canadian collegiate hockey, as well as professionally in the United States and in Europe following his career in the VIJHL and BCHL.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW