Sports community mourns young ice hockey player Orca Wiesblatt killed in car crash

A young ice hockey player has died in a car crash in Canada, sending shockwaves through the sporting community.

Orca Wiesblatt, 25, died in the crash in British Columbia on Sunday.

The second eldest of five siblings from a prominent hockey family, he had just signed with the Allen Americans of the ECHL.

The family is known for having several high-level players, and for working to make the sport more inclusive.

Wiesblatt’s younger brother Oasiz Wiesblatt, 21, earlier this year signed a three-year deal with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, the affiliate team of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.

Their brother Ozzy Wiesblatt, 23, also plays for the Admirals and played five games for the Predators last season.

The Admirals extended their condolences to the family on Monday.

“We are devastated at the passing of Orca... Hockey is a family and we grieve with Ozzy and Oasiz, as well as their mum Kim, brother Ocean and sister Oceania.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this extraordinarily difficult time and wish them comfort in his memory.”

The Predators also mourned the 25-year-old, saying it was “deeply saddened” to hear of Wiesblatt’s death.

“The Wiesblatt family’s close bond, resolve and love for hockey is palpable and inspiring.

“Our organisation is grieving alongside Ozzy and Oasiz (and their family).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wiesblatts.

“We’ll continue to support Ozzy and Oasiz during this unthinkable time and ask for respect for the family’s privacy at this time.”

Wiesblatt previously played for the Calgary Hitmen, who also shared a tribute to the young athlete.

“We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him,” the team said.

“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.”

Another of Wiesblatt’s former teams, the Athens Rock Lobsters, said it was “heartbroken” by the news.

“Orca will always be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile,” the team said.

Management firm O2K Sports Management shared a tribute to Wiesblatt, praising his passion for the sport and making it more accessible.

“Orca was an incredible person both on and off the ice, bringing his passion for the game of hockey along with kindness, humility, and his love for family everywhere he went,” it said.

“Along with his siblings, Orca helped raise awareness for the deaf community and showcased the significance of learning and using American Sign Language.

“Orca will be deeply missed ... our thoughts are with the Wiesblatt family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Wiesblatt’s mother, Kim, and their father are both deaf, meaning all five children learnt ASL as their first language.

Ocean Wiesblatt told Sportsnet in 2020 that he learnt English by watching TV, and Kim put the children into sports as a way to expand their communication skills.

The two eldest boys started with soccer, where someone told the family to get into hockey.

Kim’s initial reaction was to say there was no way she could afford the expensive sport, but the kids fell in love with it.

As a single mother, Kim worked multiple jobs to keep them playing.

The family moved to a new town, and Kim recalled feeling isolated but refusing to give up “because it was for my children”.

“Working multiple jobs and giving up everything she had, it’s kind of hard to explain what she did for all of us,” Ozzy Wiesblatt said.

When Ozzy Wiesblatt was drafted 31st overall by the San Jose Sharks, the team used ASL to include his mother in the moment.

“That means a tonne, especially to my mum and the deaf community in general, I think,” Ozzy Wiesblatt said at the time.

“It’s a very nice gesture for him to do that. My mum will never forget that.”

Family friend Jake Neighbours, who plays for the St Louis Blues NHL team, honoured the Wiesblatts earlier this year when creating a collection of hats.

One of the hats features fingers spelling out BLUES in ASL, while another has his jersey number detailed in ASL on the side.

A portion of proceeds from the hat went to a local deaf-centric, community-based nonprofit organisation.

-With NBC