The Mustangs Players Obituary

The news of this “nightmare” has struck the Western Canadian and American hockey communities with an intensity that is difficult to put into words. These three young men were “vibrant and beautiful” souls who had moved far from home to pursue their dreams of playing competitive junior hockey in the U.S. Premier Hockey League (USPHL). To lose such “vibrant spirits” while they were simply on their way to the rink is a reality that has left the hockey world searching for comfort in the midst of “indescribable” sorrow.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the collision occurred around 11 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 2 and 55th Avenue in Stavely. Their vehicle, traveling east, was struck by a northbound semi-truck hauling gravel. The Mustangs organization, in an official statement, shared their “unimaginable heartbreak,” noting that these boys were “more than hockey players — they were teammates, sons, brothers, friends, and deeply loved members of our Mustangs family.”

“Vibrant Hearts” and Cherished Teammates

The three players were the very “meaning and warmth” of the Mustangs locker room, each bringing a “bright heart” to the team:

• JJ Wright (18): A left-winger from Kamloops, B.C., JJ was known for his “vibrant spirit” and passion for the game. He had played in 25 games this season, scoring one goal and eight assists, and was a proud alumnus of the Kamloops Jr. Blazers.

• Cameron Casorso (18): A dedicated goalie also from Kamloops, B.C., Cameron was described as an “outgoing joy to be around” who always had a smile on his face. He appeared in 10 games this season, posting a solid 4-3-1 record.

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• Caden Fine (17): A centre from Birmingham, Alabama, Caden was the youngest of the trio. Known for his “unwavering spirit” and incredible sense of humor, his sister Audra remembered him as someone who was “so funny” and brought a “bright light” to the family home.

The “outpouring of support” following the tragedy has been widespread, with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers holding moments of silence, and Humboldt Broncos offering their deepest condolences, standing as one “hockey family” in the face of this “profoundly sad” departure.

Honoring Their Memory: Official Support and Charity Details

As the Stavely and Nanton communities gather to navigate this “heartbreaking loss,” the focus remains on honoring the lives of JJ, Cameron, and Caden and supporting their families. According to official announcements:

• Charity Game: A “vibrant and beautiful” benefit game is being organized for Sunday, February 8, 2025, to bring players and residents together in support of the team and the grieving families.

• Fundraiser: A GoFundMe has been established on behalf of the coaches and owners to help lift the “indescribable” financial burden of travel and funeral costs.

• Memorial: A memorial featuring the players’ white and red jerseys and crossed hockey sticks remains at the Stavely Arena for those wishing to pay their “meaning and warmth” respects.

• Community Support: The town of Nanton, where the boys lived with their billet families, is offering “unwavering” support and counseling for all those affected by this “profoundly sad” event.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Wright, Casorso, and Fine families. Their stories did not end on Highway 2; they continue through every “vibrant and beautiful” memory held by their teammates and the “bright light” of their legacy that will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, JJ, Cameron, and Caden; your presence was a blessing to the game, and your spirits will remain a guiding light for your families and the hockey community forever.