The hockey world is grappling with sorrow after a tragic accident claimed the lives of three promising young players on their way to Canada on Monday morning. At approximately 11 a.m., Southern Alberta Mustangs team members JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine perished when their vehicle collided with a semi-truck in Stavely, Alberta, as reported by CTV News. The collision was fatal for all three, with on-site pronouncements confirming their deaths. Fine, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, was 17 and played center for the team, while 18-year-olds Wright and Casorso from Kamloops, British Columbia, were a left-winger and a goalie, respectively.

A statement from the team expressed profound sorrow, saying, “With indescribable pain, we confirm the loss of three Southern Alberta Mustangs players in a vehicular accident today en route to a team practice. Words fall short in conveying the depth of our grief. These young men were far more than just athletes—they were beloved teammates, sons, brothers, friends, and cherished members of our Mustangs family and communities.”

The Southern Alberta Mustangs organization has pledged to collaborate closely with authorities and offer unwavering support to players, staff, and families during this challenging period. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated, “The semi-truck driver, a 40-year-old man from Stavely, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Regrettably, all three young men in the passenger vehicle—two 18-year-olds from Kamloops, B.C., and a 17-year-old from Alabama, U.S.A.—were pronounced dead at the scene.”

Officials also confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. In wake of the tragic incident, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X: ‘My heart breaks for the families of the three young hockey players killed in a car accident near Stavely, Alberta. ‘Canadians are keeping the entire Southern Alberta Mustangs community in our thoughts as they face this unimaginable grief’.

Tributes for the trio have began pouring in following the tragic ordeal. On Monday night, NHL side the Calgary Flames held a minute of silence for the teenagers prior to their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. A memorial has also been set up for the trio – which featured their respective jerseys and sticks – at the Stavely Arena.