As the tragic news of the deaths of three Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team members in a car accident near Stavely, Alberta, sinks in, Jen Handley reminisces about the team’s last weekend together. Handley, a billet parent for two team members, recalls how the team spent the weekend bonding over games and karaoke.
Reflecting on the camaraderie shared during that weekend, Handley expresses the profound impact of the loss on the team and the community. Cameron Casorso, JJ Wright, and Caden Fine, aged 18 and 17, were on their way to practice when their vehicle collided with a semi-truck north of Stavely. The RCMP confirmed their fatalities at the scene.
Casorso and Wright hailed from Kamloops, British Columbia, while Fine was from Birmingham, Alabama. The community has set up a memorial outside the Stavely Arena, with Nanton illuminating its iconic grain elevators in red and blue in honor of the players.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of condolences from across Canada and the hockey community, evoking memories of the 2018 Humboldt bus crash. Handley highlights that although the team is based in Stavely, many players, including the deceased, reside in Nanton, frequently commuting for games and practices.
Residents like Karen Dubois have paid their respects at the memorial, emphasizing the profound impact on the close-knit community. Hockey holds a significant place in the identities of both Stavely and Nanton, intensifying the sorrow caused by the loss.
Southern Alberta Mustangs players were an integral part of the Stavely community, engaging in various community activities beyond hockey. The Town of Stavely released a statement expressing the profound impact of the loss on the community, recognizing the players’ contributions and promising futures.
While investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, no criminal charges are anticipated, according to RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney. The intersection where the crash occurred had a previous fatal incident in September. Alberta’s Transportation Ministry is conducting its review of the crash and the intersection.
Handley emphasizes the community’s unity in supporting one another during this challenging time. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the players’ families with travel and related expenses, reflecting the solidarity and empathy felt across the nation in times of tragedy.