The hockey community is in mourning after the tragic passing of Orca Wiesblatt, a promising young player, at the age of 25. Wiesblatt died in a car accident over the weekend in British Columbia, Canada.
Wiesblatt had recently signed a contract with the Allen Americans of the ECHL for the 2025-26 season, a significant step in his burgeoning career. Last season, he played for the Athens Rock Lobsters of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), where he tallied an impressive 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 37 games. His performance with the Rock Lobsters earned him the attention of the Americans and their head coach, Steve Martinson.
Martinson, who previously coached Wiesblatt with the Rock Lobsters, expressed his deep sorrow. "We are all heartbroken," he said. "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."
Prior to joining the Rock Lobsters, Wiesblatt made his professional debut with Pensacola of the SPHL in the 2023-24 season, appearing in four games. He also spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with Calgary, amassing 104 points (27 goals, 77 assists) in 138 games.
The Athens Rock Lobsters also released a statement, remembering Wiesblatt as a key player in their inaugural season. "Orca will always be remembered as one of the players who helped set the tone for our franchise in its very first season," said Rock Lobsters president Scott Hull. "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.”
The ECHL and its member teams have also extended their condolences to Wiesblatt's family and friends. His loss is deeply felt throughout the hockey world.