Southern Alberta Mustangs Return to Ice After Tragic Loss of Three Players
The Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team has taken a poignant step forward, returning to the ice nearly a week after a devastating car crash claimed the lives of three young players. In a heartfelt display of resilience, families, teammates, and the broader hockey community gathered to honor the legacy of Cameron Casorso, Caden Fine, and JJ Wright, whose lives were tragically cut short.
A Community United in Grief and Support
On February 2, 2026, the vehicle carrying the three players collided with a gravel truck at the intersection of Highway 2 and 55th Avenue near Stavely, Alberta, approximately an hour south of Calgary. The incident resulted in the immediate deaths of 17-year-old Caden Fine from Birmingham, Alabama, and 18-year-olds Cameron Casorso and JJ Wright from Kamloops, British Columbia. The crash has sent shockwaves through the local and national hockey circles, prompting an outpouring of condolences and assistance.
In response, the Mustangs organized a fundraiser game night against the Stavely Spurs alumni team, marking their first return to the ice since the tragedy. This event served not only as a tribute but also as a means to rally financial and emotional support for the affected families.
Owner Lisa May Expresses Gratitude and Calls for Respect
Lisa May, owner and medical staff member of the Mustangs, publicly expressed her deep gratitude for the overwhelming kindness shown by the local community and the hockey world. "We are grateful for the support, and we ask respectfully that everyone continues to give the players, the team, and the families the space they need to navigate this together," May stated. She emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of the lost players in the team's future endeavors.
May highlighted the profound impact the trio had on the organization, noting, "JJ, Cameron, and Caden were not just a part of our roster, they were a part of who we were as an organization. They will live in the stitches of our jerseys, in the strides our players take, and in the way this team shows up for each other every single day." Her words underscored the deep personal connections within the team and the lasting legacy of the young athletes.
Moving Forward with Caution and Determination
The Mustangs are cautiously resuming their activities, with plans to return to regular season games starting on February 14, where they will face the OLCN Scouts at home. May explained the necessity of this return, stating, "Because if I don’t, my fear is that they will never go back on the ice." The team has engaged in practices and light-hearted activities, such as penguin slides on the ice, to reintroduce normality and routine amidst the grief.
Currently, the team is managing two memorial funds and a GoFundMe campaign, with all proceeds directed toward funeral expenses, memorials, and other related costs. This financial support reflects the community's solidarity and commitment to aiding the families during this difficult time.
Honoring a Legacy Through Sport
As the Mustangs navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on protecting those closest to the lost players and allowing them the space to grieve. May concluded with a call for continued unity, "We appreciate your support and we ask that you continue to stand with this community as we move through this together." The return to hockey symbolizes not just a resumption of play, but a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the young athletes and the bonds that define the sport.
