Humboldt coach resigns in first season after crash
HUMBOLDT, Saskatchewan — Nathan Oystrick has stepped down as coach and general manager of the Humboldt Broncos.
The 36-year-old Regina native was hired in July, three months after 16 members of the junior hockey team — including coach Darcy Haugan — were killed when the team’s bus and a semi-truck collided at a rural intersection on the way to a playoff game.
In a tweet, Oystrick said: “Despite the extreme stress and constant pressure of working with the organization, I gave them everything I possibly could and am proud of their performance, and mine, this season.”
Oystrick said more information would follow.
Ryan Straschnitzki, who was one of 13 survivors in April when the Humboldt Broncos’ team bus was hit by a semi-trailer, was “all good” after his bus was rear-ended by a truck earlier this week, his father said.
For the first time since they were paralyzed in an April bus crash, Humboldt Broncos players Ryan Straschnitzki and Jacob Wassermann will take the ice for a sled hockey exhibition in Denver on Friday.
Sukhmander Singh, the owner of Adesh Deol Trucking, has been charged with noncompliance with safety regulations in relation to the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy.
A statement released by the Broncos Friday said the team and Oystrick have decided to “part ways.”
“The Broncos wish to thank Nathan for his work with the organization and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors,” the team said in the statement.
The Broncos promoted 39-year-old assistant coach Scott Barney to interim coach.
Neither Oystrick nor the team have said why they have decided to part ways.
The Broncos are fourth in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with a record of 21-13-2-1.
Prior to becoming a coach, Oystrick played in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks. He was one of more than 50 applicants for the Broncos’ coaching job.