Jacob Winterton, the older brother of NHL star Ryan Winterton, has tragically died at the age of 25 after a battle with cancer.
Seattle Kraken center Ryan posted an emotional tribute to his brother, who played in the Ontario Hockey League, on Instagram with a series of photos.
He wrote on Wednesday: ‘Today I lost my best friend. 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.
‘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.’
Winterton spent two seasons in the OHL, playing for the Flint Firebirds in the 2018-19 season and with the Oshawa Generals during the 2019-20 season.
Jacob Winterton (right), the brother of NHL star Ryan Winterton (second left) has died aged 25
Winterton spent two seasons in the OHL, playing for the Flint Firebirds and Oshawa Generals
The Kraken announced that Ryan was taking a leave of absence to ‘attend to a family matter’
He registered 18 goals, 19 assists and 37 points in 125 OHL games before moving on to play four seasons at the University of Guelph.
‘The OHL is saddened by news of the passing of former Flint Firebirds and Oshawa Generals forward Jacob Winterton, taken far too soon following a battle with at the age of 25,’ the league said in a statement.
‘The OHL sends thoughts and condolences to the Winterton family, as well as Jacob’s friends during this difficult time.’
Ryan followed in his brother’s footsteps by playing in the OHL before making the leap to the NHL with Seattle.
The Kraken announced on Monday that he was taking a temporary leave of absence to ‘attend to a family matter’.
