Orca Wiesblatt, a 25-year-old professional hockey player, sadly passed away due to a traffic accident in British Columbia, Canada, on the morning of September 14, 2025. The incident took place early Sunday, and it was confirmed that Wiesblatt was driving at the time of the crash. He had recently joined the Allen Americans of the ECHL after playing a crucial role in the first season of the Athens Rock Lobsters in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
Orca Wiesblatt dies in deadly traffic accident
The accident took place on the northbound side of Highway 1 close to the Haslam Creek Bridge, about six kilometers south of Nanaimo in British Columbia.Reports from that day didn’t provide any additional information about other vehicles involved or what exactly caused the accident, but it was marked as a deadly traffic incident.News about the crash spread rapidly through hockey circles, with early reports confirming Wiesblatt’s involvement and that he died at the scene. This spot in British Columbia is personally meaningful, as Wiesblatt had connections to Western Canada from his junior hockey days, including playing for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL.
Athens Rock Lobsters express heartbreak over the loss of Orca Wiesblatt
On September 15, 2025, the Athens Rock Lobsters were among the earliest to express their sorrow for Wiesblatt, posting about it on X, “We are heartbroken to share the passing of former Rock Lobster, Orca Wiesblatt. Orca will always be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile. Once a Rock Lobster, forever a Rock Lobster. ❤️🦞 Our thoughts are with the Wiesblatt family and all who loved him.”Team president Scott Hull elaborated in a statement reported by the Albany Herald, “Orca will always be remembered as one of the players who helped set the tone for our franchise in its very first season. 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.“Steve Martinson, who used to manage the Rock Lobsters and is now coaching the Allen Americans, expressed his sorrow in a statement to the press, “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 see his grin when he came back to the bench after one of his big hits. That’s what we’ll miss the most. Orca’s infectious smile.“.Also Read: Pittsburgh Penguins bring back three-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-Andre Fleury on PTO for preseason gameOrca Wiesblatt’s legacy intertwines with his on-ice skills and off-ice personality. In the 2024-25 lineup for the Rock Lobsters, he sported number 88 and was a left-shooting forward. His return from injury featured remarkable performances, like netting two goals in a game on January 17, 2025, against the Moccasins. Many tributes focus on his bright smile and his contributions as a teammate.
