Nashville Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt appreciates the sacrifices of his mother, who is deaf, so that he could pursue his dreams of playing in the NHL, which he's now accomplished. Forward Ozzy Wiesblatt is getting in experience at the NHL level after being acquired by the Nashville Predators from the San Jose Sharks, and it's been a long journey for him that's also included a personal tragedy. Wiesblatt was raised by a single mother who is deaf, meaning he's learned how to communicate through sign language. <a href='https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/2025/10/17/plenty-of-pinch-me-moments-for-wiesblatt' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>He greatly appreciates</a> everything she did for him and his siblings. She gave up everything. She did everything she could to let us follow our dreams. We are all so grateful for that and truly appreciate it. Sadly, Wiesblatt's brother Orca passed away in an automobile accident last month; he was a hockey player himself and was going to be playing in the ECHL this year. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1967621757453647940'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> But for Ozzy, he continues pressing forward and living out his dream with the Predators. It's all been very surreal. I just try to compete as hard as I can every night, try to do the best I can to help this team get wins. It's just one day at a time with me. I'm really just trying to enjoy this. You know, it's an honour to be in the NHL. Every kid's dream. <h3>Wiesblatt is now with the Predators after being taken by the Sharks</h3> Wiesblatt played at various levels before his NHL career, including with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. But he <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/trades/western-conference-rivals-complete-trade-for-former-world-juniors-star' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>was traded</a> in June of 2024 to the Predators for Egor Afanasyev by the Sharks. He got in 5 games of NHL experience last year with the Predators, but didn't register a point. So far this year, he already has 2 assists in as many games.