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CALGARY, AB – MARCH 20: Orca Wiesblatt #28 of the Calgary Hitmen in action against the Lethbridge Hurricanes during a WHL game at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on March 20, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans hockey team is mourning the loss of player Orca Wiesblatt, who died over the weekend in a vehicle accident. The 25-year-old had recently signed with the ECHL team.

Orca Wiesblatt is the brother of NHLer Ozzy Wiesblatt. 

Orca, a defenseman, had just joined the Americans last month after playing for the Athens (FPHL) team under Head Coach Steve Martinson last season.

The Americans plan to honor Wiesblatt on their opening night, October 24.

What they’re saying:

“We are all heartbroken,” said Martinson, who is also the team’s General Manager. 

“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.”

Allen Americans hockey team

Dig deeper:

The Allen Americans hockey team, which plays in the ECHL, is connected to the NHL through an affiliation agreement. 

The ECHL is a developmental league, and these affiliations are a common way for NHL teams to develop hockey prospects.

The Allen Americans have had several NHL affiliations throughout their history, including with the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Hockey Club.

The Source: Information in this article is provided by the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club.

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