The deaths of three junior hockey players in a small southern Alberta town are under investigation by police and provincial officials, as the tragedy continues to resonate across the country and throughout Canada’s hockey community.
The players, members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs, were killed Monday morning in a highway collision while travelling from the neighbouring town of Nanton to practice at the Stavely Agricultural Society arena. They were identified as 17-year-old Caden Fine of Birmingham, Alta. and 18-year-olds JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso, both from Kamloops, B.C.
RCMP say the collision happened at an intersection on Highway 2 just outside Stavely, involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck hauling gravel.
“At this point in the investigation, we don’t believe there was anything criminal involved,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney of the Alberta RCMP, adding the investigation remains ongoing.
“Preliminary investigation shows that the semi was travelling northbound on Highway 2 and the passenger vehicle was going eastbound across Highway 2 at the time of the collision,” Slaney said.
The Alberta government says it will also review the intersection, calling it a standard practice following fatal collisions.
In a statement Tuesday, the provincial transportation ministry said the review will examine traffic and collision data, lighting and other factors to determine whether safety improvements are needed.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we want to extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected,” the ministry said. “Above all, our focus remains on safety and on ensuring we learn everything we can from this tragic event.”
‘A very bad corner’
Some community members say concerns about the intersection’s safety have been raised in the past.
“It’s a very bad corner,” said Nanton resident Karen Dubois, who brought a candle to a growing memorial outside the arena in Stavely.
“I get nervous crossing it myself.”
In the town of just over 500 people, grief has been shared quietly and collectively. Jerseys, flowers and candles have been placed at the memorial outside the arena where the Mustangs practiced.
“These kids become part of our family,” said Stavely resident Dale Ohler.
“They’re part of the community, but they’re also part of our families, too.”
In junior hockey, many players live with local families, known as billet parents, who provide housing, meals and day-to-day support while the athletes play away from home. Speaking on behalf of the families and the hockey organization, Nanton Mayor and billet parent Jennifer Handley said the loss has deeply affected multiple communities.
“To their families, I know there are no words that can make this loss less brutal,” Handley said.
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“Your sons mattered, and they will be spoken of with love in our towns for a long time to come.”
The impact of the tragedy has extended well beyond southern Alberta. At Rogers Place in Edmonton on Tuesday night, players and fans observed a moment of silence before puck drop between the Oilers and Maple Leafs.
‘Hits close to home’: McDavid
“It’s something that hits close to home — three guys heading to practice,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
“Obviously tragic. You’re thinking about their families for sure.”
The Southern Alberta Mustangs released a statement describing the team as a family and saying the family is hurting.
As investigators continue their work, residents say the focus remains on remembering the three young players and supporting those left behind.
