The Alberta government has announced it will conduct a review of a highway intersection where a tragic car crash occurred, resulting in the deaths of three junior hockey players. This incident took place on February 3, 2026, at a highway entrance to Stavely, which is located just over an hour’s drive south of Calgary.
In the crash, three members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs hockey team were traveling east across the highway when their vehicle collided with a northbound semi-truck that was hauling two trailers of gravel. The accident raised immediate concerns regarding the safety of the intersection where it occurred.
The provincial transportation ministry has emphasized that it takes fatal collisions seriously and that reviews of such incidents are standard practice. The upcoming review will examine various factors related to the intersection, including traffic and collision data, lighting conditions, and any other aspects that may contribute to roadway safety. This investigation aims to identify potential improvements to prevent future tragedies.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. In a statement released by the ministry, officials expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we want to extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected,” they said. “Above all, our focus remains on safety and on ensuring we learn everything we can from this tragic event.”
The three victims were identified as JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso, both 18 years old from Kamloops, British Columbia, and 17-year-old Caden Fine, who was from Alabama. The driver of the truck involved in the collision, who is a resident of Stavely, sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The Southern Alberta Mustangs are part of the U.S. Premier Hockey League’s Premier Division, and their loss has deeply impacted the local community. Jen Handley, the mayor of neighboring Nanton—a town where many players live with billet families—commented on the challenges posed by highway crossings in rural areas. “Such highway crossings are a fact of life for rural towns,” she noted.
To support the grieving team and community, a benefit hockey game is scheduled for Sunday, which aims to bring together players and local residents to honor the memory of the deceased and provide companionship during this difficult time. The tragic events surrounding the crash have triggered a broader conversation about roadway safety in rural areas, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of traffic regulations and road designs.
This incident not only underscores the heartbreak endured by the families of the young athletes but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety measures in preventing future fatalities. As investigations continue and the community rallies in support, there is a collective hope for gradual improvements to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
