Jacob Winterton: Hockey World Mourns OHL Player's Loss

0:00Former Ontario Hockey League player Jacob Winterton has passed away at age 25 after battling stage 4 bone cancer. His younger brother Ryan, a 22-year-old forward for the NHL Seattle Kraken, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Tuesday, March 24. Jacob played two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, suiting up for the Flint Firebirds in the 2018-19 season and the Ashewa, generals the following year. After that, he spent four years at the University of Guelph, where he studied real estate. The Hockey World has rallied around Ryan and the family, with players like former Washington Capital's defenseman, Connor Carrick, Montreal Canadiens. Blueliner Arbor Jekesh and St. Louis Blues defenseman Logan Mayu, offering their support online. Jacob received his diagnosis in April 2025 when shoulder pain revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs. He faced it with remarkable strength, as noted by the Canadian Cancer Society, and the OHL issue to statement of condolences on Wednesday.

1:01Tributes poured in from figures like TSN analyst Darren Drager, who remembered Jacob as an outstanding teammate whose leadership elevated every group. He joined. His legacy of courage and positivity will endure in the sport he loved. Durham News Today, powered by AI, bringing you what matters. I'm Corey, with the story.