Former Ontario Hockey League player Jacob Winterton died after being diagnosed with stage IV bone cancer. He was 25 years old.
Jacob’s younger brother, Ryanwho plays for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, announced the news on Tuesday, March 24.
“Today I lost my best friend,” Ryan, 22, shared on Instagram, alongside a carousel of photos from their lives. “You were not only 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 hard and still have to say goodbye is really painful. I will miss your voice, your advice, and the way you made everything feel better little by little.
Ryan continued, “Some days will be harder than others, but I will hold on to the love, lessons, and memories you left me with. You will always be a part of me in everything I do. Forever loved, forever missed. Until we meet again Cobs 🤍.”
Members of the hockey community expressed sadness at Ryan’s post.
“Big Hug Wints,” former Washington Capitals player Connor Carrick he wrote. “My brother is a gift and the loss you feel must be heartbreaking, I am so sorry for your loss my friend.”
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj commented, “love you brother ❤️.”
PETERBOROUGH, ON – DECEMBER 13: Jacob Winterton of the Flint Firebirds skates against the Peterborough Petes in an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Center on December 13, 2018 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Claus Andersen / Getty Images“❤️❤️ ❤️ thinking of you and the family man,” wrote the defender from St. Louis Blues 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 residential.
“The OHL sends its thoughts and condolences to the Winterton family, and to Jacob’s friends at this difficult time,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday, March 25.
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TSN hockey commentator Darren Dreger he called Jacob “a good son, brother, teammate and friend.”
“My family was privileged to be a part of his life,” Dreger, 57, shared with X on Wednesday. “His character and heart, immeasurable. His ability and leadership made every team he played for, at every level, better. Rest Cobs. He put up 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 expected 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 unwavering positive attitude that continues to inspire everyone around him.”
