For the Humboldt Broncos, it was another emotional day Tuesday with the introduction of former NHL defenseman Nathan Oystrick as the organization’s new head coach and general manager. He replaces the late Darcy Haugan, who was killed in the April bus crash that took the lives of 16 people.
“I look forward to leading the Humboldt Broncos, though I’ll never forget the circumstances which brought me here,” a solemn Oystrick said at his introductory press conference.
Referring to Haugan, Oystrick said, “I hope that I can make him proud while doing this job.”
Today the Humboldt Broncos announced Regina-born Nathan Oystrick as their next head coach and general manager. Link to full release: https://t.co/qru3ggHFAY #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/cUXGqEclY7
— Humboldt Broncos (@HumboldtBroncos) July 3, 2018
A Regina native, the 35-year-old Oystrick is returning to his home province looking to help rebuild the Broncos.
“My wife and I are excited to move to Saskatchewan and to be joining a tremendous community of Humboldt,” the new coach and GM stated. “We’re grateful for the warm welcome that I’ve received so far since I’ve been here.”
In a statement released by the team, Oystrick acknowledged the enormity of the rebuilding task at hand following this year’s tragic accident that devastated the organization and community of Humboldt.
“I understand how much the Broncos have always meant to the community of Humboldt but I also understand what the team has come to mean to so many people across North America and beyond. “I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to get started.”
Oystrick was the head coach of Colorado Academy high school in 2017-18, which was the team’s inaugural season. Prior to that, Oystrick was an assistant coach for Atlanta Gladiators, the Boston Bruins’ ECHL affiliate.
He also played 65 games in the NHL between the Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues, and was named an AHL All-Star in the 2010-11 season.