In a tragic incident, three young hockey players from a junior team in southern Alberta lost their lives in a fatal car crash while en route to a practice session. The Southern Alberta Mustangs, part of the United States Premier Hockey League and located in Stavely, Alberta, confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media.
Expressing their profound sorrow, the team described the deceased players not just as athletes but as cherished members of their close-knit community. The fatal collision occurred near the intersection of Highway 2 and 55th Avenue in Stavely between a semi-truck and a small passenger vehicle. The two 18-year-olds from Kamloops, British Columbia, and the 17-year-old from Alabama in the car tragically succumbed to their injuries at the crash site, while the truck driver, a 40-year-old resident of Stavely, sustained minor injuries.
Stavely, situated approximately 115 kilometers south of Calgary, was the location of the devastating accident. Authorities from the Claresholm RCMP are actively investigating the incident, with the area now cleared for regular traffic flow. The Mustangs team is collaborating with law enforcement and providing ongoing support to their players, staff, and families during this difficult time.
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), a prominent amateur hockey organization with over 150 teams competing in various divisions, includes the Mustangs, comprising players aged 16 to 20 years. Last season, the Mustangs, along with four other Alberta-based teams, joined the league’s Premier Conference, marking their inaugural season in the league alongside the Bassano Beavers, Three Hills Titans, Hanna Havoc, and Diamond Valley Rockies.