In a unanimous decision by the BCHL’s 20 broadcasters, former Alberni Valley Bulldogs play-by-play man Evan Hammond has been voted as the 2025-26 winner of the Jim Hughson Award for Broadcaster of the Year.
Hammond, better known in hockey circles as ‘Hammer’, had been the voice of the Bulldogs since the 2003-04 season and was among the longest serving broadcasters in BCHL history. He sadly passed away in January.
“The Hammond family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the BCHL and its broadcasters for recognizing Evan with the Broadcaster of the Year award,” said Evan’s mother Heather. “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.”
Evan is survived by his mother, his sister Erin, his daughter Cally and his sons Griffin and Foster and is predeceased by his father Cal.
“For over 20 years, Evan was the voice of Bulldogs hockey and an integral part of our team,” said Stefanie Weber, Alternate Governor and Director of Business Operations for the Bulldogs. “Through countless broadcasts, unforgettable moments and seasons of triumph and challenge, Evan brought the Bulldogs to life for our fans and families around the world. His passion, professionalism and unmistakable presence helped shape the identity of our organization and connected generations of supporters to our game and to our community.”
“Evan didn’t just call the action — he told the story, captured the emotion of the moment and helped create memories for many. His legacy will always be a part of Bulldogs hockey and the BCHL.”
“Evan was a passionate person,” said Joe Martin, Head Coach and General Manager of the Bulldogs since 2019-20. “He was very passionate about everything close to him — his kids, the Bulldogs and the Alberni Valley community. This passion brought his energy up whenever it was game time. He loved the great BCHL matchups, playoff hockey and the unique storylines only a few broadcasters could dig up.”
This is the fourth time Hammond has been recognized as the league’s Broadcaster of the Year, previously winning the award in 2009, 2013 and 2022.
“I knew Evan Hammond for more than 20 years,” said Dan Marshall, play-by-play broadcaster for the Nanaimo Clippers since 2007 and a fellow four-time winner of this award. “He was a friend, a colleague and someone who set the bar for broadcasting in the BCHL. Evan loved his family, his community and he was synonymous with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.”
“He brought a tremendous amount of passion to everything he did and his passion set him apart. As talented as he was as a broadcaster, it was his ability to make you feel like you were part of the game, to feel what the players and fans were going through, that made him so special.”
“Very few people that broadcast hockey at any level can convey that like Evan did. He was looked up to by broadcasters everywhere for his talent, but mostly because of who he was. Evan was kind, generous, helpful and humble. The BCHL family will grieve Evan’s loss for a long time, but for those of us who knew him and listened to him, we will be forever grateful for the memories he gave us.”
“Evan was a proud Port Alberni resident and a valued member of the Pattison Media team at 93.3 The Peak for over 22 years,” said Rob Bye, General Manager, Pattison Media – Vancouver Island. “He brought passion, humour and kindness to his work, becoming the true ‘Sound of the Valley.’ His love for hockey and his community was evident in every broadcast.”
“We are incredibly proud and deeply moved to have Evan’s legacy recognized by the BCHL with the honour of Broadcaster of the Year. Evan’s impact was profound, and he is deeply missed.”
Previous winners of the Jim Hughson Award:
2025 – Fraser Rodgers, Penticton Vees
2024 – Dan Marshall, Nanaimo Clippers
2023 – Arch Ecker, Wenatchee Wild
2022 – Evan Hammond, Alberni Valley Bulldogs & Graham Turnbull, Vernon Vipers
2020 – Justis Doucet, Cowichan Valley Capitals
2019 – Trevor Miller, Trail Smoke Eaters
2018 – Graham Turnbull, Vernon Vipers
2017 – Fraser Rodgers, Penticton Vees
2016 – Alex Rawnsley, Powell River Kings & Dan Marshall, Nanaimo Clippers
2015 – Dan Marshall, Nanaimo Clippers
2014 – Marc Fitzgerald, Chilliwack Chiefs
2013 – Evan Hammond, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
2012 – Dan Marshall, Nanaimo Clippers
2011 – Eddie Gregory, Coquitlam Express
2010 – Todd Miller, Vernon Vipers
2009 – Evan Hammond, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
