The hockey community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of three young men. 

On February 2, Claresholm RCMP responded to a collision involving a gravel-hauling semi-truck and a small passenger vehicle on Highway 2 near Stavely, Alberta. 

Cameron Casorso and JJ Wright, both 18, from Kamloops, B.C., and 17-year-old Caden Fine of Birmingham, Alabama, were travelling to a Southern Alberta Mustangs practice when the crash occurred. Their deaths have left loved ones, teammates, and supporters devasted. 

In a message shared on social media, the Mustangs organization described the loss as coming with “unimaginable heartbreak.” 

“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 Mustangs association says they will continue to support players, staff, and families in every way possible. 

The impact is being felt well beyond those who knew the players personally. Across the country, athletes, coaches, and families connected to the game are feeling the weight of the loss.  

Paul Dyck, head coach and general manager of the Steinbach Pistons, says hearing about the tragedy has been difficult. 

“I think it resonates and hits home for anybody involved in sport or anyone that works with youth that travels to and from games and practices, and it's just sad.” 

He says the situation also stirs memories of previous devastating incidents in the sport, including the Swift Current crash in the 1980s and the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy. 

Dyck notes that while he has not yet addressed the loss with his players, those conversations are expected, along with making supports known. 

“I'm not aware if there's a connection with any of our guys to some of the players there. But it is a very small world in the hockey community. And there'd certainly be support available for the guys, so I'm sure there'll be a little discussion around it today.” 

As devastating as it is, moments like this often highlight the deep connections that exist within the sport. No matter the distance, teams and communities continue to come together. 

“We often use the analogy or expression that we're family and it's a hockey family. The community is very quick to react to these situations and offer support and love. Despite the fact it feels like there's not a lot you can necessarily do, but I know just reaching out and showing love goes a long ways,” says Dyck. 

With files from Dave Anthony