Tragedy struck when three junior hockey players lost their lives in a car accident while en route to Canada for practice. Among them was a 17-year-old from Alabama.
The Southern Alberta Mustangs expressed their grief on social media, stating, “We are heartbroken beyond imagination to confirm that three Southern Alberta Mustangs players were killed in a car accident on their way to team practice today.”
The vehicle carrying players JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Kayden Fine collided with a gravel truck near Staveley, approximately 16 miles south of Calgary, around 11 a.m., according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The semi-truck driver, 40 years old, sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Both 18-year-old Casorso and forward JJ Wright hailed from Kamloops, British Columbia, while 17-year-old Fine was a forward from Birmingham, Alabama.
Sadly, all three young men were pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation surrounding the tragic incident is currently underway.
The organization intends to continue coordinating with authorities and provide support to players, staff, and the affected families.
The Kamloops Minor Hockey Association expressed similar sentiments, noting the profound impact on the local hockey community. “These three young men were teammates and friends to many. We grieve together as one hockey family.”
The Mustangs, situated in Staveley, are in their inaugural season within the Premier Division of the US Premier Hockey League.
A memorial with jerseys and sticks representing the fallen players was set up at Staveley Arena on Monday evening.
In response to this heartbreaking event, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences on social media, stating that his “heart breaks for the families of the three young hockey players” and that the entire Southern Alberta Mustang community is in the nation’s thoughts during this unimaginable time.
Additionally, the Calgary Flames observed a moment of silence before their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs that same evening.
