Calgary Hitmen forward Orca Wiesblatt skates with the puck.
The hockey community is mourning the tragic loss of Orca Wiesblatt, a 25-year-old forward and former WHL player. The Calgary native died in a car accident in British Columbia over the weekend. His current team, the Allen Americans of the ECHL, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday.
Wiesblatt’s passing has left teammates, fans, and the broader hockey world in shock, especially as he was preparing for an exciting new season.
A Rising Career of Orca Wiesblatt Cut Short
Orca Wiesblatt was set to join the Allen Americans for the 2024-25 ECHL season. His career had been gaining momentum after a strong year in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) with the Athens Rock Lobsters.
In Athens, Wiesblatt recorded 42 points in just 37 games, proving his offensive skill and consistency. He had previously made his professional debut with Pensacola of the SPHL during the 2023-24 season.
Before entering the pro ranks, Wiesblatt spent four seasons in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen. In 138 games, he tallied 104 points, earning recognition for both his playmaking and his physical style.
Remembered for More Than Just Hockey
Allen Americans head coach and general manager Steve Martinson expressed his grief in a heartfelt statement.
“We are all heartbroken,” Martinson wrote. “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 Athens Rock Lobsters also paid tribute, calling Wiesblatt a fan favourite and a great teammate. Their statement highlighted his energy, toughness, and impact beyond the scoresheet.
The Calgary Hitmen, where Wiesblatt played junior hockey, joined in remembering him, offering condolences to his family and friends.
A Hockey Family
Orca Wiesblatt came from a family deeply connected to hockey. His brother Ozzy Wiesblatt was a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. Ozzy made his NHL debut during the 2024-25 season, marking a major milestone for the family.
Another brother, Oazis, enjoyed a standout season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, putting up 103 points. Meanwhile, Ocean, also part of the hockey world, competed in the FPHL during the 2024-25 campaign.
The family is well known in Calgary’s hockey community, and Orca’s passing has left an irreplaceable void.
A Legacy of Energy and Spirit
Across every team he played for, Orca Wiesblatt was admired not only for his talent but also for his spirit. His style of play, marked by relentless energy and physical presence, made him a difference-maker on the ice. Off the ice, his smile and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.
Both teammates and coaches describe him as the kind of player who could shift momentum with one play. But beyond hockey, they remember him most as a positive force, someone who lifted the people around him.
A Tribute on Opening Night
The Allen Americans have announced plans to honour Orca Wiesblatt on their opening night, scheduled for October 24. The tribute will give fans, teammates, and the hockey community a chance to celebrate his life and legacy.
As the news spreads, the outpouring of grief from across leagues and teams reflects the deep impact he made in just 25 years. His journey may have ended too soon, but the memories of his determination, energy, and smile will remain.
