A profound sense of grief has settled over Southern Alberta’s hockey community following a tragic collision that claimed the lives of three junior players from the Southern Alberta Mustangs on Monday morning.
According to the RCMP, the fatal crash occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 2 and 55th Avenue in Stavely. Investigators say a passenger vehicle carrying the players was traveling eastbound when it collided with a northbound semi-truck hauling gravel. The force of the impact was severe, and all three young athletes were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso, both 18-year-olds from Kamloops, British Columbia, and Caden Fine, 17, from Birmingham, Alabama. All three were members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs, who compete in the U.S. Premier Hockey League’s Premier Division. The semi-truck driver, a 40-year-old man from Stavely, suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.
In a statement shared on social media, the Mustangs organization confirmed the loss and expressed heartbreak over the deaths of what they described as not only teammates, but sons, brothers, and friends. The team asked for privacy as families and players cope with the devastating news. At the local arena, jerseys bearing the players’ names were displayed alongside hockey sticks in a quiet memorial, reflecting the depth of the loss.
As the community continues to mourn, the Mustangs announced that their upcoming February 8 game in Priddis against the Calgary Bandits has been cancelled. In its place, the team plans to host a charity game on Sunday to honor the three players and support their families. Members of the local hockey community are expected to attend in large numbers, showing solidarity during a time of deep sorrow.
Tributes have poured in from across the province and beyond. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shared her condolences online, noting that the entire provincial hockey community stands united in grief. The Calgary Flames also released a message of support, extending thoughts and prayers to those affected. Messages from teams, players, and fans across Canada and the United States highlight how widely the tragedy has been felt.
Teammates and coaches have remembered Wright, Casorso, and Fine as driven competitors who brought enthusiasm, commitment, and camaraderie to the ice. Coaches noted their strong work ethic and dedication to the team, qualities that reflected the values of the Mustangs organization. For their families, the loss is immeasurable, cutting short lives filled with promise and potential.
The RCMP investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with officials examining factors such as road conditions, traffic flow, and visibility. While no charges have been laid, authorities have reiterated the importance of caution at rural intersections, particularly those with heavy commercial traffic.
As Stavely and the wider hockey world come together to grieve, vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the young men whose lives ended far too soon. In the face of overwhelming loss, the outpouring of compassion and unity serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the hockey community and the lasting memory of JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine.