The hockey world is in shock following the tragic death of Orca Wiesblatt, a rising Canadian minor league star, who lost his life in a car accident over the weekend in British Columbia.
The 25-year-old was part of a well-known hockey family, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the ice.
Rising Star with a Promising Career
Orca spent four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League (WHL) before advancing to professional hockey last year with the Athens Rock Lobsters, where he tallied an impressive 42 points in 37 games.
This summer, he signed with the Allen Americans, preparing for his debut in the 2025-26 ECHL season.
Allen Americans head coach and general manager Steve Martinson paid tribute, saying: “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.”
A Hockey Family Legacy
Orca was one of four brothers from a family deeply embedded in hockey.
His younger brother, Ozzy, currently plays in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, while the other two brothers, Ocean and Oasiz, also competed in the WHL or AJHL before pursuing professional careers.
Remarkably, all four brothers were born to deaf parents, making them fluent in sign language, which added a unique dimension to their family and sporting life.
Paving the Way for His Siblings
The WHL released a statement acknowledging Orca’s contributions: “In many ways, Orca paved the path for his younger brothers, Ozzy and Oasiz, who followed him into the WHL and enjoyed great success of their own, both winning WHL championships.
As a family, the Wiesblatts have made tremendous contributions to the Western Hockey League.”
Orca Wiesblatt’s talent, determination, and infectious spirit have left a lasting impression on the hockey community, and his loss is deeply felt across Canada and beyond.