Orca Wiesblatt Dies at 25 in Crash

orca wiesblatt

The hockey community is mourning the tragic loss of Orca Wiesblatt, a talented 25-year-old forward who died in a car accident in British Columbia over the weekend. Wiesblatt, who had just signed with the ECHL's Allen Americans for the 2025-26 season, was remembered not only for his on-ice skill but also for his infectious energy and bright future in the sport.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, on March 6, 2000, Wiesblatt grew up in a remarkable hockey family. As one of four brothers—Ocean, Ozzy, Oasiz, and himself—all pursuing professional dreams, their story is one of resilience and unity. Their parents, Kimberly White and Art Wiesblatt, are both deaf, and the siblings learned American Sign Language (ASL) early on to communicate, fostering a deep family bond that extended to the rink. Older brother Ocean played junior hockey, while Ozzy was a first-round NHL draft pick by the San Jose Sharks in 2020 (31st overall) and now skates for the Nashville Predators organization. Younger brother Oasiz is starring in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, projected as a strong pro prospect.

Wiesblatt's career was characterized by steady growth and aggressive play. He played four seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Calgary Hitmen from 2017 to 2021, earning 104 points (27 goals, 77 assists) in 138 games. Known for his physicality and ability to turn the tide with big hits, he moved to professional hockey in 2023-24, making his debut with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), where he appeared in four games.

Last season, Wiesblatt played for the Athens Rock Lobsters in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), scoring an impressive 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in just 37 games. His performance earned him a contract with the Allen Americans, an ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Ottawa Senators and the AHL's Belleville Senators. Teammates and coaches were excited about his arrival, praising his skill and personality.

Allen Americans Head Coach and General Manager Steve Martinson captured the sentiment in a heartfelt statement: "We are all heartbroken. Orca was really looking forward to this next step in his hockey career. He wasn’t just skilled, he was a momentum-changing hitter. I can still see his grin when he would return to the bench after one of his big hits. That is what we will miss the most, his infectious smile."

The ECHL and its member teams issued a collective statement of condolence: "The ECHL and its member teams mourn the loss and express their condolences to the family and friends of Orca Wiesblatt, who passed away in an automobile accident over the weekend at the age of 25."

Tributes poured in from across the hockey world. On X, users shared memories and prayers for the Wiesblatt family. One fan reflected on watching the family grow: "I've seen the Wiesblatt Family Grow Up, Mature, and Star. A Truly Incredible Family, to put it modestly." Former WHL peers and coaches echoed similar thoughts, with Swift Current City Councillor Ryan Switzer posting: "Very sad day in the hockey world. Former @WHLHitmen standout Orca Wiesblatt lost in a reported car accident. Heavy-hearted thoughts to his family and those who knew him."

Media outlets like Sportsnet and Daily Hive highlighted the family's unique story and Orca's potential, noting the profound impact of his loss on the close-knit hockey community. B/R Open Ice shared: "Orca Wiesblatt, an ECHL forward with the Allen Americans, died at the age of 25 after being involved in a car accident Sunday morning."

As the Wiesblatt family navigates this unimaginable grief, the broader hockey fraternity stands with them. Orca's legacy—as a fierce competitor, loving brother, and beacon of positivity—will endure. Rest in peace, Orca; your smile and spirit will be missed on and off the ice.