STAVELY, Alberta — The Saskatchewan‑Alberta hockey world is reeling after a deadly crash on Highway 2 Monday that took the lives of three junior hockey players traveling to practice with the Southern Alberta Mustangs. Among the victims was 19‑year‑old Caden Fine, a promising center from Birmingham, Alabama, whose love for the game shone bright on and off the ice.
Caden, wearing #22 for the Mustangs, had a steady climb through competitive hockey before joining the Mustangs’ roster this season. Friends describe him as hard‑working, humble, and always ready with a ready grin, even in the toughest moments.
The crash happened south of Calgary, near Stavely, as the three teammates were heading to an afternoon practice session. RCMP officers from the Claresholm detachment responded to the scene on Highway 2 at 55th Avenue, finding a single vehicle involved. Police have not yet released further details on the cause or any other parties involved in the collision.
Alongside Caden, the other players who died were JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso, both from Kamloops, British Columbia. Wright was a left winger known for his speed and enthusiasm, while Casorso guarded the net with a quiet confidence that earned respect from teammates.
The Mustangs organization posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing deep sorrow. They called the trio more than teammates — sons, brothers, and friends — and asked for privacy and compassion as families begin to grieve. Coaches and staff are offering support to players, families, and billet homes in the wake of the tragedy.
Community reactions have poured in from across Alberta and beyond. Youth hockey associations, former teammates, and local fans remembered Caden, JJ, and Cameron as spirited young men who lived for the game. “They had big dreams and even bigger hearts,” one local coach said.
Plans for memorials and tributes are emerging, with sticks and helmets left outside rinks and games paused in their honor. Friends and family are also sharing photos and stories of the young men’s lives, the moments on the ice, and the bonds that hockey built between them.
Investigations into the crash remain ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. For now, the hockey community continues to mourn, holding tight to memories of laughter, late‑night talks after games, and the unbreakable spirit these three players brought to the ice.
