Former Ontario Hockey League player Jacob Winterton has died after being diagnosed with stage IV bone cancer. He was 25.
Jacob’s younger brother, Ryan, who plays for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, announced the news on Tuesday, March 24.
“Today I lost my best friend,” Ryan, 22, shared via Instagram, alongside a carousel of photos from their lives. “You weren’t just someone I loved, you were someone I looked up to, someone who guided me, believed in me, and helped shape the person I am today. Watching you fight so hard and still having to say goodbye is a pain that never really fades. I’ll miss your voice, your advice, and the way you made everything feel a little less heavy.”
Ryan continued, “Some days will be harder than others, but I’ll hold on to the love, the lessons, and the memories you left me with. You’ll always be a part of me, in everything I do. Forever loved, forever missed. Until we meet again Cobs 🤍.”
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Members of the hockey community expressed their condolences on Ryan’s post.
“Big hug Wints,” former Washington Capitals player Connor Carrick wrote. “A brother is such a gift and the loss you are feeling must be heart aching. I’m very sorry for your loss friend.”
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj commented, “love you brother ❤️.”
“❤️❤️ ❤️ thinking of you and the family man,” wrote St. Louis Blues defenseman Logan Mailloux.
Jacob spent two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, playing with the Flint Firebirds in 2018-19 and the Oshawa Generals in 2019-20.
After his time in the OHL, he played four seasons at the University of Guelph where he studied real estate.
“The OHL sends thoughts and condolences to the Winterton family, as well as Jacob’s friends during this difficult time,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday, March 25.
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TSN hockey analyst Darren Dreger called Jacob “a wonderful son, brother, teammate and friend.”
“My family has had the privilege of being a part of his life,” Dreger, 57, shared via X on Wednesday. “His character and heart, immeasurable. His talent and leadership made every team he played on, at every level, better. Rest Cobs. You fought a helluva fight.”
Jacob was diagnosed with cancer in April 2025, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“What started as pain in his shoulder turned into a diagnosis no one expects to hear: stage IV bone cancer that had spread to his lungs,” the organization said at the time. “Since then, Jacob has faced every day with strength, determination and an unshakable positive attitude that continues to inspire everyone around him.”
