The hockey community is mourning after the tragic death of Orca Wiesblatt, who died in a car crash in British Columbia over the weekend. He was 25 years old.
The forward had just signed a contract with the Allen Americans of the ECHL last month. He was preparing to begin his second full professional season in October.
Allen head coach and general manager Steve Martinson said in a statement, “We are all heartbroken.” He added, “Orca was really looking forward to this next step in his hockey career.”
Wiesblatt had impressed in his pro debut last season, scoring 42 points in 37 games for the Athens Rock Lobsters. The team paid tribute online, saying, “Orca will always be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile.”
The Calgary Hitmen, his former junior club in the WHL, also released a statement. “We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him,” the organisation wrote.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Wiesblatt grew up in a tight-knit hockey family. His younger brothers, Ozzy, Oasiz, and Ocean, all went on to pursue careers in the sport.
Ozzy Wiesblatt, currently signed to the Nashville Predators, made his NHL debut in January. Oasiz plays for the Milwaukee Admirals, while Ocean has competed in both the FPHL and the ECHL.
Tributes also came from the Nashville Predators and the Admirals, who said they were “devastated” by the news. “Hockey is a family and we grieve with Ozzy and Oasiz, as well as their mum Kim, brother Ocean, and sister Oceania,” the Admirals wrote.
The Wiesblatts’ journey has long inspired others. Their parents are both deaf, and the children grew up using American Sign Language at home. Hockey became both a passion and a way to expand communication.
That bond showed in Ozzy’s NHL Draft in 2020, when the San Jose Sharks announced his selection using sign language for his mother.
Many will remember Orca Wiesblatt not only as a hard-working forward but also as part of a remarkable family that broke barriers and brought joy to the game.
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