British ice hockey star Mike Hammond, 33, is killed in a car accident in Canada, as friend posts their final photo together from holiday

Great British ice hockey player Mike Hammond has tragically died in a car accident in Canada.

The Nottingham Panthers confirmed that their 33-year-old star had passed away late on Wednesday night.

Hammond, who played for Great Britain at the 2019 IIHF World Championship and the 2021 IIHF World Championship, began his career in 2015 and went on to play for nine ice hockey teams before joining the Nottingham Panthers in August 2022.

‘The Nottingham Panthers are devastated to report that Mike Hammond, who played for the club last season, has passed away in a car crash,’ the Elite Ice Hockey League side revealed.

‘Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and team-mates. Rest in peace Hammy – you will never be forgotten.’

Great British ice hockey player Mike Hammond has tragically died in a car accident aged 33

Team GB Ice Hockey confirmed that the 33-year-old had passed away late on Wednesday night

A picture of Hammond and his friends together on holiday in Canada was shared on Instagram

Hammond’s brother Steve posted to Facebook on Thursday: ‘I’m lost for words, still trying to comprehend what’s happened. You will be greatly missed love you brother 

Several friends of Hammond, who were on holiday with the ice hockey star at Lake Shawnigan on Vancouver Island, also expressed their grief on social media on Thursday.

‘Words cannot describe how much you will be missed Mikey,’ one said. ‘I am so lucky to have shared such a great day at the lake with you yesterday trading laughs and stories. Rest in peace my brother.’

Another, Dylan Machnee, added: ‘I always thought that the 4 of us would grow old and wise together. 30 years from now we’d do Christmas with the next generations of Hammond’s and Machnee’s, even though you and I may have just ended up the cool uncles.

‘I am so proud of everything you accomplished. I’ll miss our talks, reflecting on all the dumb shit we have done and trying to figure out how we become the better us. I love you brother and I’ll miss you even more.’

Team GB Ice Hockey also took to Twitter on Thursday morning to send their condolences to Hammond’s family.

‘Great Britain ice hockey and IHUK are devastated that forward Mike Hammond has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all team-mates. RIP Hammy – we will never forget you,’ the governing body tweeted.

More to follow.