A 25-year-old man killed in a single-vehicle crash in Nanaimo early Sunday morning has been identified as former Western Hockey League player Orca Wiesblatt.
The crash occurred just before 3 a.m. on September 14th, near the intersection of Bowen Road and Pryde Avenue. Police, firefighters, and paramedics responded to the scene.
Investigators found that the driver of a northbound Ford F-150 pickup lost control, left the road, and hit a light pole. He died at the scene. A passenger, also a 25-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and went to the hospital for precaution.
The BC Coroners Service has been informed. Nanaimo RCMP say speed, alcohol, and road conditions likely contributed to the crash.
In an online statement, the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) said the community is “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,” said Steve Martinson, head coach and general manager of the Allen Americans, Wiesblatt’s current team. “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.”
Wiesblatt recently signed with the Americans for the 2025-26 season after scoring 42 points in 37 games with the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s Athens Rock Lobsters. That team mentioned he would be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile.
It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of former Calgary Hitmen Player Orca Wiesblatt.
We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him. On behalf of the ownership, management, coaches, players, and staff of Calgary Sports and… pic.twitter.com/gt87E0WH1H
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) September 15, 2025
Before turning pro, Wiesblatt played four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen, earning 104 points in 138 games. The Hitmen also expressed condolences to his family and friends in a statement on Monday.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of former Calgary Hitmen player Orca Wiesblatt. We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Wiesblatt was born in Calgary. His brothers Ocean, Oasiz and Ozzy also play professional hockey.
