Humboldt Broncos coach steps down during first season after tragic bus crash

HUMBOLDT, Sask. – Nathan Oystrick has stepped down as head 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 former 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.

No one from the team could immediately be reached for comment, but a statement is expected from its board of directors this afternoon.

The Broncos are fourth in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with a record of 21-13-2-1 this season.

Prior to becoming a coach, Oystrick played in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks.

Oystrick was one of more than 50 applicants for the Broncos' coaching job.

"What I appreciate about Nathan in general is that he is committed to people first,'' former team president Kevin Garinger said when he was hired. "And through the commitment to people, comes a commitment then to an organization, a community and ultimately a hockey team."

Garinger could not be reached for comment.

The team's 2018-19 season opener was shown across the country on TSN.

The Broncos were chosen as newsmaker of the year and news story of the year in 2018 in an annual survey by The Canadian Press.