‘Unimaginable heartbreak’: Tributes pour in after southern Alberta junior hockey players killed in crash

Three Alberta junior hockey players who were killed in a crash were honoured ahead of the Calgary Flames game on Monday night.

“Earlier today, the Calgary Flames and the entire hockey world were saddened to learn of the passing of three members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team who were tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident south of Calgary,” a Scotiabank Saddledome announcer said.

“We now ask you to rise if you’re able and join us in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of these three young men.”

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The crash took place at the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 527 at about 11 a.m. on Monday.

Caden Fine, a 17-year-old centre with the Southern Alberta Mustangs, was in the car, along with left-winger JJ Wright and goalie Cameron Casorso, both 18 years old.

The team says the trio were on their way to practice.

The other vehicle involved was a gravel truck, driven by a 40-year-old Stavely, Alta., man.

He received minor injuries and was treated at the scene, RCMP said.

Fine, a native of Birmingham, Ala., Wright, from Kamloops, and Casorso, originally from Calgary but living in Kamloops, were all pronounced dead at the scene.

• A look at the three Alberta junior hockey players killed in highway crash

The news was shared by the Southern Alberta Mustangs, which spoke of the “unimaginable heartbreak” the loss of their fellow players.

“Our hearts are with the families, friends, billet families, teammates, coaches and everyone who loved them,” the team said, asking for privacy for the families of the victims at this time.

“The Southern Alberta Mustangs organization is working closely with authorities and will continue to support our players, staff and families in every way possible during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Edmonton Oilers are planning to observe a moment of silence ahead of Tuesday’s game.

Alberta mayor says community grieving

Jen Handley, mayor of the town of Nanton, Alta., where the players all lived, said the community south of Calgary is mourning the loss of Fine, Wright and Casorso.

In a Facebook post, she said the players have a special role for the families that live in her town, including her own.

“This is not distant for us. Several families in Nanton, including my own are billet families for this team,” she said.

“We don’t just ‘host’ these boys. They become part of our homes: another plate at the table, another pair of skates by the door, another son we worry about when the roads are bad and it’s late.”

Handley said the sport runs deep in the community and the victims will not be forgotten.

“To their families there is no sentence that can make this less brutal. Your sons mattered, and they will be spoken of with love in our towns for a long time to come,” she said.

Handley added the town would share details about how the community can support the family of the victims and properly remember the three players.

Condolences pour in for victims

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shared messages of condolence with the families and friends of the victims on Monday.

On Tuesday morning, Carney shared an additional message about the crash.

“It’s a tragedy,” he said. “It’s a nightmare of every parent, every teammate, family (and) friends.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the team.”

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi said the deaths were “an incalculable loss” for the families and friends of the victims.

Other junior hockey teams also shared messages.

With files from CTV News’ Camilla Di Giuseppe, Melissa Gilligan and Damien Wood