ECHLer Orca Wiesblatt passes away at 25

Professional hockey player Orca Wiesblatt has passed away at the age of 25, succumbing to an automobile accident that occurred Sunday in British Columbia.

In early August, Wiesblatt signed with the ECHL’s Allen Americans. On Monday, the Americans confirmed Wiesblatt’s passing.

“We are all heartbroken,” Americans head coach and general manager Steve Martinson said in a statement. “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.”

Wiesblatt’s former club, the FPHL’s Athens Rock Lobsters, also released a statement Monday, as team president Scott Hull shared, “Orca will always be remembered as one of the players who helped set the tone for our franchise in its very first season. His passion for the game and his infectious energy made him a fan favorite and a true teammate. But more than that, Orca was an even better person off the ice: kind, humble, and someone everyone was grateful to know. We are devastated by this loss and our thoughts are with his family.”

Prior to beginning his professional career, Wiesblatt spent part of four seasons with his hometown Calgary Hitmen where through 138 total appearances with the WHL club he collected 27 goals and 52 assists for 79 points. In 2019-20, Wiesblatt finished with a career-best 57 points counting 20 goals and 37 assists coming in 64 games.

In 2023-24, Wiesblatt began his professional career, joining the SPHL’s Pensacola Ice Flyers, later making four appearances. Last season, in 37 games with the Rock Lobsters, Wiesblatt collected 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points.

Wiesblatt is the older brother of Nashville Predators prospect Ozzy Wiesblatt.