(Photo
credit: JustSports Photography/Binghamton Devils)
Tariq
Hammond’s volunteer excursions typically follow the same pattern. He will read
to school children, answer questions about life as a hockey player and repeat
the same process over again.
That
was the format at CR Weeks, Deposit Elementary and Olmstead Elementary, all
located within 30 miles of Binghamton, where he spent the better part of his
rookie season with the Devils’ AHL affiliate this past year.
Despite
the routine feel of these volunteer experiences, one moment stands out for the
defenseman. Just like a game schedule, some editions on his school-visit slate
pack an inescapably greater magnitude.
“I
once read to an entire school,” Hammond told Pucks and Recreation, “which was
stunning that the school arranged for me to read to that large a gathering of
school children.”
That
school was Chenango Forks Elementary, a Binghamton institute with an estimated
K-through-5 enrollment of 700 students. The student-teacher ratio there is
14:1, meaning Hammond had the average classroom size multiplied by 50 during
his drop-in.
“Luckily,
I didn’t stumble too hard over the words,” he laughed when reflecting on that
unexpected task.
Stumbles
or not, that community involvement was enough to garner the Calgary native his
team’s nomination for the AHL’s Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, given annually to
an AHL player for contributions to the local community and charititable
organizations. (The 2019 award has since gone to Landon Ferraro of the Iowa Wild.)
Before
his notable achievements this year, Hammond was extensively involved in his
amateur and collegiate stops. By the time he turned pro last spring, it was
almost second nature for him to devote his time in Upstate New York.
Moreover,
he had established a niche in promoting reading. Hammond played for the Okotoks
Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League from 2011 to 2014, and used that
opportunity to volunteer in local literacy programs.
(Photo
credit: JustSports Photography/Binghamton Devils)
“Volunteering
is something I like doing,” he said. “I think it helps make the kids’ day, and
it certainly brightens my day. It is easy to do, but it goes a long way and
impacts everyone involved.”
As
his hockey career progressed, Hammond continued to build a remarkable service
resume. During his days at the University of Denver, where he won a national
title and later captained the Pioneers, he built sustained relationships in the
area that have continued post-graduation.
“In
the offseason, I often spend much of my time in Denver,” he said. “I connect
with alumni that used to play for Denver. We organize charity hockey
tournaments. One of them is called the Dawg Bowl which is often used to benefit
former hockey players with life-threatening illnesses. In fact, last year the
tournament raised money for the Humboldt Broncos.”
Now
in its ninth year, the Dawg Bowl will take place from June 20 through June 23,
with 42 teams in seven divisions. The beneficiary, a member of the Saskatchewan
Junior Hockey League, experienced a tragic bus crash that killed 16 people and
injured 13 others when a semi-trailer truck struck their northbound coach bus
near Armley, Saskatchewan, in 2018.
To
honor the survivors and commemorate those who have died, the highlight of the
Dawg Bowl this year is the Survivor Game, where all the participants will wear
Humboldt jerseys. Beyond the games, fans indulge in food, live music and a
kid’s zone to raise money for a good cause.
Just
as Hammond wasted no time constructing a strong rapport with his Mile High
community, he jumped right into the Binghamton area this past year. He
explained that the B-Devils form partnerships with individual schools and offer
the chance to get involved in different schools.
Besides
learning more about his own off-ice passions, Hammond has extended his teamwork
with fellow New Jersey hopefuls.
“I
often volunteer with a few teammates,” he said, “and it is cool to get away
from the rink to see a different side of my teammates than what I normally
see.”
Beyond
these insights into his colleagues, Hammond also relishes the chance to interact
with local schoolchildren.
(Photo
credit: JustSports Photography/Binghamton Devils)
“All
of the kids I read to are different, and I enjoy meeting each one,” he said
Hammond. “They often ask funny questions about life as a hockey player, and it
is enjoyable to see what they say.”
Beyond
the Devils’ reading program, Hammond has also participated in the Toys for Tots
Spaghetti Dinner and the Devils’ booster-club meetings. His involvement
continues a strong tradition of the Devils’ commitment to delivering a
memorable holiday season.
For
17 years, the local AHL franchise has partnered with the Binghamton, Endicott,
Johnson City and Vestal Police Departments to offer this dinner to benefit the
Broome County Toys for Tots program. The partnership dates back to when the
league returned to the city in 2002 with the Senators, who arrived five years
after the Rangers departed.
Since
becoming New Jersey’s farm base in 2017-18, the Binghamton Devils have followed
that precedent. The Toys for Tots program collects unwrapped toys to deliver to
families in need during the holiday season. In his first shift, Hammond and
other Devils players served an Italian dinner to generous donors and
supporters.
Both
the dinner and the Booster Club Meetings meaningfully impacted Hammond. “The
team does a lot for the community and the Booster Club does a lot for the team,”
he said. “Getting to know them has been influential for me to just simply say
thank you for their support of the Devils.”
With
2018-19 behind him, Hammond has exhausted a one-year minor-league contract with
the Devils. But whether he is back in Binghamton or taking root elsewhere this
fall, one can expect him to continue devoting his time to community service and
honing his skills on the ice.
“Hockey
players and athletes make a huge impact in their community,” he said. “The fans
show up for our games, which is why it is always better to play on home ice.
The fans care about you. It is only right to get involved in your community for
the fans who spend their time coming to watch you play. Your presence really
grows around the town, and it goes a long way in making a difference.”
-
John
Morton
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