Calgary Daily Digest — Feb 3, 2026

Big game in Edmonton: Matias Maccelli scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 on Feb. 3, 2026, with Matthew Knies adding a goal and an assist and John Tavares netting his 20th of the season. Anthony Stolarz stopped 34 of 36 shots as Toronto (27-21-9) went into the Olympic break on a three-game win streak while Edmonton (28-20-9) has one more game before the pause.

Heartbreaking crash: Three junior players headed to a Stavely, Alta., practice were killed in a collision with a gravel semi on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 — identified as JJ Wright (18), Cameron Casorso (18) and Caden Fine (17). The community of Nanton and the Southern Alberta Mustangs are mourning; officials and neighbours urge donations to a GoFundMe and will hold a benefit game at the Stavely Arena on Sunday.

Small town in mourning: Stavely and nearby towns have paid tribute after the fatal highway crash that killed the three Mustangs players, sparking national condolences, a moment of silence in the House of Commons and comments from NHL stars like Connor McDavid. RCMP are investigating the intersection (stop signs with flashing lights) where the crash happened; the truck driver had minor injuries and provincial reviews of the site are expected.

Toys ‘R’ Us Canada seeks protection: Toys “R” Us Canada filed for creditor protection as it restructures, saying inflation, labour costs, supply issues and e-commerce hurt the business; it now owes vendors at least $120 million. All 22 stores remain open for now, but the company — which had 81 stores before a 2021 sale to Putman Investments — may cut locations further.

Alberta wants a say on judges: Premier Danielle Smith told Prime Minister Mark Carney in a Jan. 23, 2026 letter that Alberta will withhold funding for new provincial judicial positions unless Ottawa gives the province a formal role in selecting judges. Smith proposed a joint committee and asked loosened bilingualism rules; critics warn funding threats could worsen court delays and constitutional watchdogs stress judicial independence.

Pesticide request denied: Health Canada’s PMRA rejected Saskatchewan and Alberta’s emergency request to use 2% liquid strychnine on Richardson’s ground squirrels for the 2026 season, disappointing farmers who say populations are surging. Provinces argue the pests threaten hay and pastures (Alberta estimates annual risk over $800 million) and say they’ll pivot to other supports, research and stewardship instead.

Tributes and memorials grow: Outside the Stavely arena people left flowers and jerseys after the Feb. 2 crash that killed JJ Wright (18), Cameron Casorso (18) and Caden Fine (17); a GoFundMe and a benefit game (planned for Feb. 8) will help families with travel and funeral costs. Locals describe the intersection as dangerous and officials say a transportation review is underway.

Calgary to review free-fare downtown zone: Councillors John Pantazopoulos (Ward 6) and Andrew Yule (Ward 3) want a comprehensive review of the long-standing downtown free-fare zone (in place since 1979), looking at safety, ridership and financial impacts. The motion follows a tight 8-7 budget vote in Dec. 2025 — eliminating the zone could bring about $4 million more a year but might reduce downtown transit use; recommendations are due by June.

Symbolic vote on supervised consumption site: Calgary’s executive committee is set to vote on supporting the provincial plan to close the Safeworks supervised consumption site at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre in exchange for a promised treatment program. The site had more than 12,500 visits in Q3 2025 (about 542 monthly visitors); experts warn closure could raise public drug use and overdoses, while the municipal vote would be largely symbolic since health care is provincial.

Nylander returns — Leafs get lift: William Nylander scored his 18th goal and added two assists to power the Maple Leafs to a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Feb. 2, 2026; Joseph Woll made 28 saves and Toronto has won two straight since Nylander’s return. Nylander leads the club in scoring and his presence has boosted confidence as the Leafs head into the Olympic break.

Nylander’s three-point night in Calgary: In the same 4-2 win over the Flames, Nylander set up teammates and finished with three points as Toronto improved its record (26-21-9 in that report) and Joseph Woll bettered his personal mark to 13-7-4. Calgary’s Nazem Kadri and Joel Farabee each had a goal and assist; Toronto extended its winning streak against Calgary to eight games and will visit Edmonton next.