A GoFundMe page has been set-up in memory of Mike Hammond to support children with the costs relating to ice hockey and ball hockey.
Hammy sadly passed away in a car accident last month in Canada and his family, friends and team-mates will join together this weekend to celebrate and honour his life.
Mike made his debut in 2018 and helped GB win the gold medal at the World Championship Division I Group A in Hungary to win promotion to the top level of world ice hockey.
He memorably scored against the USA the following year, as well as in the come-from-behind 4-3 overtime victory against France to secure top-flight status.
Hammond’s last game saw him score and add two assists in GB’s 5-3 victory over Italy at the Motorpoint Arena in May to secure promotion back to the top level of the World Championship.
His family have said that the outpour of love and respect for Mike and has been enormous and the aim is to channel everyone’s grief into something special and positive.
Mike was a big advocate for helping children and teaching the game of hockey. As such, scholarships are currently being set up through the Island Ball Hockey Association (IBHA) on Vancouver Island to give a select few children a helping hand with the costs related to both ice hockey and ball hockey.
All funds raised through this GoFundMe page will be passed onto the IBHA to be included in their scholarships. Going forward, IBHA will also be setting up annual events that will continue to raise funds for these scholarships in memory of Mike.
To find about about the IBHA, click here.