From the legendary Garry Unger to Cale Makar, Calgary is easily home to some of the greatest hockey talents of all time. For someone to be born in the Canadian city, it can be automatically assumed that they will pursue the sport to some level, with the NHL being the ultimate test. However, when a rising talent gets their possibilities snatched away by tragedy, fans understandably can’t help but feel the blues.

B/R Open Ice took to X on September 15 to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of a hockey celebrity from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. “Orca Wiesblatt, an ECHL forward with the Allen Americans, died at the age of 25 after being involved in a car accident Sunday morning,” the social media post notes. As per sources, Wiesblatt was involved in a vehicular accident in British Columbia over the weekend.

Brother of Ozzy Wiesblatt of the Nashville Predators, Orca had recently signed with the Allen Americans and was set to make his ECHL debut this season. Considering how the left winger made ripples in the FPHL last season with the Athens Rock Lobsters, fans couldn’t wait to see what he had in store for the 2025-26 season with his new squad. Sadly, that will never be known.

For Athens, Wiesblatt bagged 42 points in 37 games, while notching up 104 points in 138 games for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL before going professional. Safe to say, Orca displayed incredible talent with the hockey stick and could have attained the status of a local hero even if he didn’t make it to the NHL.

“We are all heartbroken. 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,” said the Americans’ head coach and general manager, Steve Martinson, about Wiesblatt’s passing.

“Orca will always be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile,” the deceased hockey star’s former team, the Rock Lobsters, also mourned his demise. Soon after the news broke, hockey fans from all over stepped forward to express their condolences. “Absolutely tragedy,” one fan wailed, who, like many of us, was eagerly waiting to witness Orca’s next chapter in his hockey career.

Others joined in.

Hockey fans left saddened over the passing of yet another community member

Truth be told, this year has been a tough one for hockey fans. For the Calgary community, even more so. The Calgary Flames’ iconic broadcaster, Greg Millen, passed away earlier this year, and fans could hardly stop registering their heartbreak. Earlier this month, the legendary Ken Dryden also left for the great unknown, leaving the fans in a state of the blues. But obviously, given that Orca was only 25, the pain of his passing seems to be even more acute.

“Horrible news, praying for the family and rest in peace,” one fan brooded on social media, while another bellowed, “Super sad for this young man.” Wiesblatt played for the Calgary Hitmen for four seasons, making him a sort of celebrity in his hometown. The Americans are set to honor his memory ahead of their opening night on September 24, and the fans may hope to finally find solace by remembering their fallen brethren together.

“terrible news. Stick taps for Orca Wiesblatt,” another fan-run hockey page bid its final goodbye to the former Hitmen star. “Crushing,” was all one fan could write. Were you also a fan of Wiesblatt and hoping to catch him in action with the Allen Americans? Share your thoughts in a comment!