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In a tragic incident, the Southern Alberta Mustangs, a junior hockey team from Stavely, Alberta, confirmed the deaths of three players following a vehicle accident on Monday afternoon. The collision, involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle, has left the hockey community and families devastated.
The deceased players, identified as Cameron Casorso and JJ Wright, both 18 years old from Kamloops, British Columbia, and Caden Fine, 17, from Birmingham, Alabama, were on their way to a practice session when the tragedy occurred. This loss profoundly affects their families and the communities they represented.
The accident
According to the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the accident occurred just before noon at the intersection of Highway 2 and 55 Avenue in Stavely. A gravel truck was traveling northbound on Highway 2 when it collided with the eastbound passenger vehicle carrying the young hockey players. All three occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene, while the truck driver, a 40-year-old local resident, sustained minor injuries.
Stavely, a small town located approximately 115 kilometers south of Calgary, has been shaken by this event. In a statement, the Mustangs expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “There are no words that can adequately express the depth of our grief. These young men were more than hockey players—they were teammates, sons, brothers, friends, and deeply loved members of our Mustangs family and the communities we call home.” The team emphasized the importance of family in their organization and is currently supporting their players, staff, and families during this challenging time.
Community response and tributes
In the wake of this tragedy, an outpouring of grief and support has emerged from across the hockey community. Former teammates, coaches, and friends have shared their memories of the young athletes. The Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, where Cameron and JJ developed their skills, released a heartfelt statement recognizing the significant impact these players had on their community and the sport.
Messages of condolence
Prominent figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, have offered their condolences to the Mustangs organization and the families affected by the loss. The mayor of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, reached out to the Stavely community, recalling his town’s own tragic history with a bus accident that claimed the lives of 16 players from the Humboldt Broncos in.
The Birmingham Bulls, Caden Fine’s former team, shared their memories of him, emphasizing his infectious smile and tenacious spirit on the ice. They stated, “Once a Jr. Bull, always a Jr. Bull,” capturing the essence of camaraderie that exists in the hockey world.
A memorial in Stavely
Inside the Stavely Arena, a tribute has been established to honor Caden, Cameron, and JJ. A table adorned with hockey sticks and the players’ jerseys serves as a poignant reminder of their contributions to the sport and the lives they touched. The Mustangs have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the memories of these young men are cherished and honored.
Continuing the legacy
This tragic event marks a significant loss for the hockey community, particularly in Kamloops, which recently faced another sorrowful incident involving a young player. The resilience of the community is evident as they come together to support one another during this time of grief. The Kamloops Minor Hockey Association has a history of fostering strong relationships among players and families and will undoubtedly rally together once again in the face of this tragedy.
As the Southern Alberta Mustangs navigate this difficult period, their commitment to supporting each other shines through. The organization has pledged to work closely with authorities and to provide assistance to their players, staff, and the families impacted by this heartbreaking accident.