A beloved voice on Port Alberni’s airwaves and in its hockey arena has been silenced far too soon.
Evan Hammond, a longtime radio host and the play-by-play voice of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, died suddenly on Friday, January 2nd, after suffering a massive stroke. He was 45.
By Saturday, news of Hammond’s passing had rippled through Port Alberni and surrounding communities, where he spent more than two decades behind the microphone and earned the nickname “the Voice of the Valley.”
Hammond was a familiar presence on local radio for 22 years, hosting the morning show on 93.3 The PEAK while also serving as the Bulldogs’ play-by-play announcer since the 2003–2004 season.
The British Columbia Hockey League said it had “lost one of our own,” noting Hammond was a three-time recipient of the league’s Broadcaster of the Year Award.
In a statement, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs described Hammond as “the voice of Bulldogs hockey and an integral part of our team,” crediting him with helping shape the identity of the organization and connecting generations of fans to the game and the community.
The team said his passion and professionalism extended far beyond the broadcast booth, calling him a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend.
Hammond’s impact was felt just as strongly off the ice and off the air.
Pattison Media, which operates 93.3 The PEAK, said Hammond personified being the “Sound of the Valley,” remembered for his humour, kindness, and unmistakable enthusiasm, especially during dramatic Bulldogs victories.
The station praised his ability to paint a vivid picture of the game, describing his broadcasts as a “theatre of the mind.”
Hammond leaves behind three children, Cally, Griffin, and Foster.
In an earlier public message, his sons Foster and Griffin thanked the community for its outpouring of care and support, noting their father’s belief in “the power of connection, story, and community.”
After his passing, the family released a follow-up statement remembering Hammond as a beloved son, brother, father, and community storyteller.
“Evan was proud to be a voice on local radio and a storyteller for the community he loved,” the family said. “He found joy in sharing local history, celebrating its people, and bringing everyday moments to life through conversation and connection.”
While acknowledging the overwhelming desire from the community to honour him, the family asked for patience and privacy as they grieve and determine the right time and way to celebrate his legacy.
Condolences have continued to pour in from across the Alberni Valley, neighbouring communities, and the hockey world, underscoring just how deeply Hammond’s voice and presence were woven into daily life in Port Alberni.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
