Humboldt Broncos and coach 'part ways' after less than 6 months
Nathan Oystrick was hired in July to replace Darcy Haugan, who died in April 6 crash
Nathan Oystrick, who was hired as the Humboldt, Sask., Broncos' coach and general manager in July, has announced he is no longer with the team.
Oystrick announced on Friday in a tweet that he had stepped away from the hockey team.
Sources close to the team confirmed that Oystrick had been fired.
An official statement released by the Broncos said the team and Oystrick had 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 endeavours," the team said.
I have stepped away from the Humboldt Broncos. 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. <br>I will issue a proper statement shortly.
—@Oystie74Oystrick's announcement 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."
In a later statement provided to CBC News, Oystrick thanked his friends and family for supporting him through a "personally and professionally challenging role. Your kindness has made one of the most difficult stages of my career one that I am proud of."
Oystrick also thanked the Broncos players for their hard work, saying he was pleased with what they had accomplished together in a short time, but notably did not extend thanks to the Broncos' organization.
"On behalf of myself and my wife Lindsay, we wish the community the very best and continued healing as you work toward finding some sort of peace. We are honoured to have had the chance to meet so many of you."
The team said Scott Barney will become interim head coach. Barney had been an assistant coach under Oystrick.
'I'm there for them': interim head coach
Barney, a former professional hockey player from Oshawa, Ont., joined the team as its assistant coach in late August. He replaced Mark Cross, who was killed in the crash.
"We're trying to push forward everyday and make the guys better hockey players and better people," Barney told CBC News in an interview before the Broncos home opener in September.
Barney said he had an open door policy and was ready to listen to his players.
"If it's for 10 minutes or three hours, I'm there for them."
At the time, Barney said he was encouraging the Broncos players to deal with their emotions head-on and ignore the off-ice pressures.
"Go out there and have fun. Hockey is a fun game."
On April 6, 2018, a bus carrying the Broncos to a playoff game in Nipawin, Sask., collided with a semi-trailer, killing 16 people and injuring another 13. Head coach Darcy Haugan was among those who died.
The Broncos currently have the fourth most points in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, with a 21-13-2-1 record.
Oystrick's last game as coach was a 6-2 loss against the Melfort Mustangs on Dec. 15. The Broncos have had two wins in their last 10 games, going 2-7-0-1.
With files from Bonnie Allen