Ozzy Wiesblatt Is Enjoying A Bigger Role With The San Jose Barracuda

Ozzy Wiesblatt, self described “rat on the ice”, is in his second full season with the San Jose Barracuda. A former first round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2020 draft, he’s gone from being a healthy scratch and briefly sent to the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL to being an every day player for the Barracuda. Only playing in 45 games total last season, Wiesblatt is currently on pace to play almost 70, having missed three games only due to a suspension at the beginning of the season. I sat down with him over Zoom to talk about how his playing style has changed over the last few years, life in the AHL, and growing up with Deaf parents.

Who Is Ozzy Wiesblatt?

Wiesblatt describes himself as a fierce competitor who can play the skill game or the physical game for the Barracuda. He has played on every line for San Jose at different points this season, and he loves to “get under people’s skin”. With 21 penalty minutes in 21 games so far this season and the aforementioned suspension in the first game of the season, it’s not hard to see that the way he plays the game is, to be generous, irritating for his opponents.

After spending parts of five seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL, Wiesblatt made the jump to the AHL in the 2022-23 season. However, he’s known that this is what he wanted to do even before the WHL drafted him in 2017.

I’ve always believed in myself and my game. Still lots of work to do, but I’ve always wanted to play in the NHL.

Wiesblatt on when he knew he could be drafted and turn pro

Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Wiesblatt played in the AMHL. His two older brothers, Ocean and Orca, both played for the AJHL and committed to Vermont University, and Wiesblatt was planning on going to the NCAA, but when Wiesblatt was drafted 25th overall by Prince Albert, he decided to go the major junior route.

Wiesblatt couldn’t say enough nice things about his time with the Raiders of the WHL.

They have an awesome, awesome culture. It instilled a lot of the habits I have today, and Marc Habshied [head coach] was huge for me as a player and a person.

Wiesblatt on his time with the Raiders

AHL Adjustment

Wiesblatt’s style has changed from his time in juniors to his time in the AHL, and part of that was due to the difference between the leagues. He had to learn the importance of versatility, because the AHL requires players to play in many different situations, whether that’s a scoring role on the top line, a checking role on the fourth line, or anything in between. Something that hasn’t changed, though, is his physical play. “I like to get under people’s skin,” Wiesblatt says, with a smirk, as he talks about how his teammates chirp him for his play style. With 53 penalty minutes in 74 AHL games, Wiesblatt likely isn’t making friends out of his opponents.

Last season, Wiesblatt played in only 45 games for the Barracuda, and though he never played a game for the Wichita Thunder, he did get sent down on paper. Wiesblatt, a former first round pick, wanted a bigger role for San Jose this season, and that affected how he prepared for this season. He doesn’t want to call last season a wake-up call, but it did push him to “work [his] butt off”. He’s in the best shape of his life right now, and though “there’s still a lot of work to be done”, he’s currently on pace to exceed his career high in points by three.

I just want to win games and I think the rest will take care of itself.

Wiesblatt on his goals this season

Family Matters

Both of Wiesblatt’s parents are Deaf, and he and his siblings grew up speaking ASL (American Sign Language). When he was drafted by Doug Wilson Jr and the San Jose Sharks, he was drafted both in speech and in ASL, something that resonated not only with the Wiesblatt family, but the Deaf community as a whole.

When I got drafted, it [immediately] felt like I was part of a family and it was awesome for them to do that for my mom, I think the community really appreciate it as well. It was just really cool to see and a dream come true for myself and for my [family] to be there beside me was pretty cool. It felt like we were all experiencing it together.

Wiesblatt on his draft day experience

Wiesblatt’s never used ASL on the ice to taunt his opponents, like DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks, but it has occurred to him. Unfortunately, hockey gloves make ASL tricky, but maybe one day.

What’s Next For Ozzy Wiesblatt?

Wiesblatt has yet to make his NHL debut, but player development is a marathon, not a sprint. He has all the pieces and potential to make it to the show, but until then, Barracuda fans can enjoy him doing what he does best, and antagonising anyone who gets too close to him.

Photo credit: Maddie Dutra