Hockey world mourning death of Whitby’s Jacob Winterton

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Former Oshawa Generals forward Jacob Winterton, who was born in Markham and spent his formative years in Whitby, has died of cancer at the age of 25.

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In a post on Instagram, his younger brother Ryan Winterton, a forward with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken who had taken a leave of absence from the team on Monday, said he had lost his “best friend.

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“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,” Ryan said.

“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.”

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Whitby native played in OHL for Oshawa, Flint

The Generals, who Jacob Winterton played for in 2019-20, shared their condolences on social media, saying they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

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The Flint Firebirds also said they had lost “one of our own far too young” with Winterton suiting up for the Michigan-based club during his rookie OHL season in 2018-19.

The OHL said in a tribute on its website that the league sends its “thoughts and condolences to the Winterton family, as well as Jacob’s friends during this difficult time.”

Winterton played minor midget hockey with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders before being picked in the 10th round of the 2017 OHL draft by Flint. He posted 18 goals and 19 assists in 125 OHL games and continued his hockey journey at the University of Guelph, suiting up for the Gryphons for four seasons while earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

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Winterton remembered as ‘thoughtful teammate’ at Guelph

The school said Winterton’s post-graduate studies were delayed last year after undergoing cancer treatment, but that he continued to be a “regular presence” this season with the team holding a Hockey Fights Cancer game in November to help with his treatment.

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While Winterton’s work ethic, hockey IQ and steady presence stood out on the ice at Guelph, he was also a “thoughtful teammate … and a kind-hearted individual whose presence enriched the Gryphons community.”

“Jacob was the strongest, most courageous person I have ever known,” head coach Josh Dixon said in a tribute on the Gryphons website. “He will be dearly missed and his memory will live on in the countless people associated with Guelph Gryphons hockey that he has inspired.”

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‘Wonderful son, brother, teammate and friend’

TSN’s Darren Dreger also said his family has had the “privilege of being a part” of Winterton’s life, described him as a “wonderful son, brother, teammate and friend.

“His character and heart, immeasurable,” Dreger said in a post on social media. “His talent and leadership made every team he played on, at every level, better. Rest Cobs. You fought a helluva fight.”

Ryan Winterton said his brother will be “forever loved, forever missed.

“Some days will be harder than others, but I’ll hold on to the love, the lessons and the memories you left me with,” he said in his post. “You’ll always be a part of me, in everything I do.

“Until we meet again Cobs.”

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