Support flowing in after death of Calgary pro hockey player Orca Wiesblatt
The hockey community was rocked earlier this week after pro hockey player Orca Wiesblatt passed away at the age of 25.
Wiesblatt, who is part of a well-known hockey family in Calgary, died in an automobile accident last weekend. He was signed to play with the ECHL’s Allen Americans this season.
“We are all heartbroken,” said Americans head coach and general manager Steve Martinson. “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.”
In the days since Wiesblatt’s unexpected passing, a GoFundMe page has been started to help support his family during this difficult time. Over $10,000 has been donated so far, with the goal being $22,000.
“I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of a dear friend, Kim White and her family I met through the hockey community in Calgary, Alta., when our sons played together,” a family friend, Paula King, wrote. “We spent many hours texting, even during games, because of our communication styles. Our barriers never let us not enjoy the game together. Or our friendship even years later.
“As many of you throughout the years within the hockey world have come to know or learn about this amazing hockey family, my hope with this fundraiser is to help his family and friends navigate this unimaginable loss and to come together to celebrate Orca’s memory and to ease the financial burdens that come with having to say goodbye far too soon to him. This fundraiser will help cover memorial expenses and allow his family to focus on being together for healing during this heartbreaking time.”
Wiesblatt is one of four brothers to have played professional hockey. Ozzy was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft by the Nashville Predators and made his NHL debut last season. Oazis is coming off a 103-point season with the Medicine Hat Tigers and recently signed a three-year deal with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, while Ocean spent the 2024-25 season in the FPHL.
Anyone interested in helping support the Wiesblatt family through this GoFundMe initiative can do so online.
- You might also like:
- Calgary pro hockey player Orca Wiesblatt dead at 25