The Portage Terriers are joining the Wiesblatt family in their grief following the tragic passing of that family's second son, Orca. The Wiesblatt family made many friends in Portage over the seasons their sons played for the team.
Terriers President David Koroscil provided a statement on the organization's behalf.
"On behalf of the Portage Terriers organization, we offer our sincerest condolences following the passing of Orca Wiesblatt. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wiesblatt family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.
Orca played with the Terriers in the 2018/19 season along with his brother, Ocean."
Orca joined his brother for a brief stint after spending time with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen, and the Brooks Bandits, who were still in the Alberta Junior Hockey League at the time.
Orca scored 15 points in 16 games with the club and was known for his fiery spirit, which saw him add 42 penalty minutes to the scoresheet.
He was a contributor come playoff time as well, adding 6 points in 13 playoff games that ultimately saw Portage claim the Turnbull Cup.
A teammate from that year from Portage, Jared Roy, describes having Wiesblatt join the team.
"Him coming here was a bit of a shock to him, so once he got here, his brother Ocean was already here. So, it was nice to have him here. And then every time Orca walked into a room, he was just one of those goofy guys who lit up the room and was always cracking jokes; I don't think he had a serious bone in his body, so he was always nice to be around, that's for sure. Everyone is shocked and saddened."
Portager and Terrier teammate Joey Moffat also shared his experience getting to play with Weissblatt.
"He was one of those guys that always had a smile on his face at the rink and was looking to make everyone laugh around him. Not only was he a huge part of us winning the Turnbull and Anavet cup but he brought an energy into our room that made guys want to come to the rink. My thoughts are with his brothers, Ocean, Oasiz, and Ozzy, as well as his parents and sister. He will truly be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know him."
Lane Taylor also played with Wiesblatt during that season and added his thoughts.
"He was a great guy, always a lot of life in the dressing room and on the ice. Joking around, keeping everybody loose; he was only here for half a year, but by the end of the year, it felt like he was here for more. He was a really good guy, and a great family, and I feel for them at this time."
Another Portager, Logan Calder outlines the type of person he knew Wiesblatt to be.
"Orca was a guy who always made you smile. He was the guy in the room cracking jokes and making the boys laugh, no matter the situation. The guy was always full of energy. It's awful to hear about his passing."
The 25-year-old passed away in a car accident in British Columbia over the weekend and the tragic incident was announced Monday.
Wiesblatt went on to play another year in the WHL in Calgary following his stint with the Terriers. From their he turned pro in 23/24 with Pensacola of the SPHL. The Calgary native was set to play for the Allen Americans of the ECHL this season.