Former Nottingham ice hockey player Mike Hammond has died at the age of 33.
On Wednesday night, he was killed in a car accident in Canada, according to his former club Nottingham Panthers.
He had joined the Nottingham Panthers in August 2022, after playing for nine other ice hockey teams, the Daily Mail reports.
The 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.”
💙 Great Britain ice hockey and IHUK are devastated that forward Mike Hammond has passed away. Hammond died last night in a car accident in Canada. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all team-mates. RIP Hammy - we will never forget you.
— Team GB Ice Hockey (@TeamGBicehockey) July 20, 2023
👉 https://t.co/nkC7o9zKuS pic.twitter.com/3FfgVXxHQm
Mr Hammond was fondly known as “Hammy” to his team-mates, and played in Germany, Denmark and Canada.
According to the Daily Mirror, in the Elite Ice Hockey League – Britain’s premier ice hockey division – he also represented Glasgow Clan, Manchester Storm and Coventry Blaze.
He was born in Brighton and regularly played for Great Britain at international level, representing the nation at the Ice Hockey World Championship in 2019 and 2021.
A statement from Manchester Storm said: “We are all devastated by the loss of Mike Hammond. Mike was part of our Storm family for two seasons and he remained a good friend to many here in Manchester.
“We were proud and excited to watch him play a big role in Team GB’s recent success. We send all our love and condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and team-mates. Thanks for all the memories, Mike – rest in peace.”
Coventry Blaze added: “We’re very sorry to share the tragic news of Mike Hammond’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with him, family, friends, Team GB, the Panthers, the Storm and the Clan, among others.”
Glasgow Clan tweeted: “Glasgow Clan are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Mike Hammond. Mike was a hugely popular player during his spell here in 2016/17 and was due to return in 2023/24. On behalf of the club, our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends during this terrible time.”
Ice Hockey UK 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.
“Mike was a cherished GB team-mate, loved by so many, and very much part of the Great Britain family … Rest in peace Mike – you will never be forgotten.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League added: “Thoughts and condolences from everyone at the Elite League are with Mike Hammond’s family, friends and team-mates at this very difficult time.”
Fans have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the ice hockey player.
One person wrote: “Hard to comprehend – such an integral part of British Ice Hockey gone so suddenly. Absolutely devastating. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP Hammy.”
His brother Steve posted to Facebook on Thursday, saying: “I’m lost for words, still trying to comprehend what’s happened. You will be greatly missed love you brother.”
