Hockey Community Mourns the Loss of Orca Wiesblatt
The hockey world is in mourning after the tragic passing of Orca Wiesblatt, a 25-year-old professional hockey player, in an automobile accident over the weekend. Condolences are being offered by the ECHL, the Athens Rock Lobsters, and the Allen Americans, along with numerous friends and family.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Orca Wiesblatt had a promising career ahead of him. He had recently signed a contract with the Allen Americans of the ECHL for the 2025-26 season. Prior to joining the Americans, Wiesblatt played for the Athens Rock Lobsters of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), where he recorded an impressive 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 37 games during the 2024-25 season. His professional debut came with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL in the 2023-24 season.
Remembering Orca's Impact
"We are all heartbroken," said Steve Martinson, Head Coach and General Manager of the Allen Americans, formerly manager of the Athens Rock Lobsters. "Orca (Wiesblatt) 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 Career Spanning Multiple Leagues
Before turning professional, Orca Wiesblatt spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Calgary Hitmen, amassing 104 points (27 goals, 77 assists) in 138 games. He was known for his energy, toughness, and positive personality.
The Rock Lobsters' Remembrance
The Athens Rock Lobsters also shared their condolences. "Orca will always be remembered as one of the players who helped set the tone for our franchise in its very first season," said Scott Hull, President of the Rock Lobsters. "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.”
A Family of Hockey Talent
The Wiesblatt family is well-known in the Calgary hockey community. Orca, along with his three brothers, Ocean, Ozzy, and Oazis, have all achieved success in hockey. Ozzy Wiesblatt was a first-round draft pick for the Nashville Predators in 2020 and made his NHL debut in the 2024-25 season. Oazis Wiesblatt is coming off a 103-point season with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, and Ocean Wiesblatt also played in the FPHL during the 2024-25 campaign.
Remembering the Wiesblatt Family
The Wiesblatt family's story gained national attention when they were featured in a Sportsnet Home Team Heroes segment, highlighting their upbringing by their mother, Kim White, who is deaf. Kim White taught her four sons sign language at a young age, fostering a strong family bond and inspiring many.
