The hockey world is mourning the loss of forward Orca Wiesblatt, who died in a traffic accident in British Columbia early Sunday, September 15, 2028. He was 25 years old.
According to reports, Wiesblatt was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Details surrounding the accident remain under investigation.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Standing 5’10” and weighing 185 pounds, the Calgary, Alberta native was known as a versatile left-shot forward. Last season, playing under head coach Steve Martinson, Wiesblatt recorded 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 37 games, added 37 penalty minutes, and finished with a +22 plus/minus rating.
Wiesblatt began his hockey journey in the Western Hockey League with the Calgary Hitmen, where he tallied 79 points (27 goals, 52 assists) in 138 games. His breakout season came in 2019–20, when he posted 57 points (20 goals, 37 assists) in 64 games.
After stepping away from hockey in the 2020–21 season to support family matters, he returned in 2023–24 but battled injuries. A broken ankle sidelined him after just four games in the SPHL, and the following season he missed 10 weeks with a broken wrist. Despite setbacks, Wiesblatt was admired for his resilience and skill.
Coach Steve Martinson praised his impact on the ice:
“Orca was a top scorer on his junior team and could play any position in the lineup. He was a top penalty killer and a punishing body checker. He never had to be reminded to go through people after they passed the puck.”
A Unique Family Story
Wiesblatt’s personal story was as remarkable as his hockey career. The son of two deaf parents, Orca grew up in a household defined by resilience, creativity, and strong family bonds. He and his three brothers—whose names, like his, all begin with the letter “O”—have each played professional hockey. His younger sister, the only sibling not involved in the sport, often joked that she grew tired of hockey after countless hours at the rink watching her brothers play.
A Lasting Legacy
Though his career was hampered by injuries and interruptions, Wiesblatt left a mark as a tenacious forward, a loyal teammate, and a beloved member of the hockey community. His passing is being felt deeply in Calgary, across the leagues he played in, and throughout the broader hockey world.
Hockey Forward Orca Wiesblatt Dies in Traffic Accident at 25
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
