Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Three junior hockey players, including an American teenager, died in a car crash while traveling to team practice on Monday, officials said, as the province of Alberta mourns their deaths.

The Southern Alberta Mustangs of the U.S. Premier Hockey League announced the incident in a statement on Facebook.

"There are no words that can adequately express the depth of our grief," the team said.

"These young men were more than hockey players -- they were teammates, sons, brothers, friends and deeply loved members of our Mustangs family and the communities we call home."

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers responded to a collision between a semi-truck freighting gravel and a small vehicle before noon near Stavely, located about 71 miles south of Calgary.

All three players, passengers in the small car, were pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver has been identified as a 40-year-old man who sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The players have since been identified as 18-year-olds JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso of Kamloops, B.C., and 17-year-old Caden Fine, from Alabama.

The RCMP said it was investigating.

Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada in a statement said: "My heart breaks for the families of the three young hockey players killed in a car accident near Stavely, Alberta. Canadians are keeping the entire Southern Alberta Mustangs community in our thoughts as they face this unimaginable grief."

Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta said, "The whole Alberta hockey family is standing in sorrow and in prayer."

"I know Albertans will wrap these families and this team in love and support as they navigate a pain no one should ever have to bear."

Hockey is a cultural fixture of life in Canada, especially in its rural communities where junior teams serve as a focal point of local identity and pride. Such tragedies are often felt throughout the country and the hockey world.

Prior to puck drop Monday night between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL, a moment of silence was held for the three players who died.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and teammates of the three Southern Alberta Mustangs players who tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident," the Flames said on social media.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew them."

The incident comes eight years after 16 people, including 10 players, two coaches and support staff of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, died in a car crash in April 2018.

In a statement Monday, the Broncos said, "There are no words -- only heavy hearts."

"We stand with you. We mourn with you we are with you," the team said.

The Kamloops Minor Hockey Association said Wright and Casorso grew up playing hockey through their association, while the Birmingham Bulls in the United States said Fine was a former member of its team.

"Even though you are no longer here, your kindness, love and memories will stay in our hearts forever," the Bulls said on Facebook.

"May you Rest n Peace. You will never be forgotten. Sticks out for Caden!"