Who was Orca Wiesblatt? Family and all we know as fans pay tribute to Canadian hockey player following fatal car crash

A Canadian hockey player named Orca Wiesblatt died in a car accident over the weekend in British Columbia, Canada, aged 25. Wiesblatt was a professional hockey player who had signed with the ECHL’s Allen Americans.

The team’s head coach and general manager, Steve Martinson, confirmed the news on September 15. In a statement released on the Allen Americans website, Martison mentioned:

“We are all heartbroken. Orca (Weisblatt) 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.”

Orca just signed with the Allen Americans last month and he played his first full professional season with the FPHL’s Athens Rock Lobsters, according to the website.

In the wake of Wiesblatt’s passing, the hockey community is in mourning. Fans paid tribute to him on social media.

“So sad, thoughts and prayers to the family,” a person wrote on X.

“Heartbreaking news, sending deepest condolences to his mother, Kim, and his brothers and sister,” another person wrote.

“Terrible news for a wonderful family. Rest in peace,” a fan wrote.

“So sad to hear… enjoyed watching him play, and he comes from such a great family! #RIP,” another fan wrote.

“This is just terrible news. My heart is crushed for the Wiesblatt family and all those you knew and loved, Orca,” a netizen wrote.

“Incredibly sad. All 3 of my sons played with him & his brothers at some point with Buffs hockey,” wrote another.

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All you need to know about Orca Wiesblatt

Hockey forward Orca Wiesblatt was born in 2000 in Kelowna, Alberta, Canada, and was raised by a single mother named Kim White. He grew up in Calgary alongside his three brothers, Ozzy, Ocean, and Oasiz, and a sister named Oceania.

According to a 2019 Wiesblatt family interview with SportsNet, Ocean and Orca began playing soccer, and then moved on to ice hockey.

Wiesblatt debuted in pro hockey in the 2024-2025 season with the Athens Rock Lobsters and scored 42 points in 37 games, according to PEOPLE. He previously played four seasons of junior hockey for the WHL (Western Hockey League in Canada) team Calgary Hitmen and scored 104 points in 138 games. The team paid their respects on X.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of former Calgary Hitmen Player Orca Wiesblatt. We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him,” the statement read.

It continued, “On behalf of the ownership, management, coaches, players, and staff of Calgary Sports and Entertainment, we extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies during this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Orca Wiesblatt signed a pro contract with the Allen Americans in August 2025 and was set to make his ECHL debut next month for the 2025-26 season. His former FPHL team, the Athens Rock Lobsters, also shared a social media tribute, sharing they were “heartbroken” by the loss.

“Orca will always be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile. Once a Rock Lobster, forever a Rock Lobster,” it read.

The late hockey star also played for Pensacola during the 2023 SPHL season.

Just like Orca Wiesblatt, his three brothers are also pro hockey players, according to Sportsnet and The Calgary Herald. Ocean played for the FPHL team, Athens Rock Lobsters, last season before moving on to the Danville Dashers.

Likewise, Oasiz is currently signed with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. The NHL team Nashville Predators signed Ozzy during the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and he made his debut last season. He previously played for the Prince Albert Raiders.

In November 2019, Orca and Ozzy played against each other during a WHL match.

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Allen Americans will pay their tribute to Orca Wiesblatt during its opening game of the season on October 24. Orca is survived by his mom, sister, and three brothers.