The man who became the public face of the Humboldt Broncos in the days after the hockey team’s bus crashed in the spring has stepped down as president of the organization.
Kevin Garinger said at a club board meeting Tuesday, he would not seek re-election as president.
Garinger said he wants to devote more time to his family, his job as CEO and director of education with Saskatchewan’s Horizon School Division, and a doctorate he’s pursing in educational leadership.
“It’s been a decision that’s not been taken lightly. I feel it’s the right time for somebody else to be able to take over and continue to move this organization forward,” he said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
Garinger teared up when asked how much of an effect the April 6 fatal collision had on his decision to not seek re-election. He said no one ever expected anything like that to happen and he indicated he needs counselling to help him deal with the tragedy.
“In stepping back like this … to make sure that I can look after myself before I look after others. That’s something I need to do for my family. I’m in that place where I’m wanting to pursue the supports that are necessary for myself.”
WATCH BELOW: Kevin Garinger gives emotional address days after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash
Along with Garinger, Darrin Duell opted not seek reappointment as treasurer, and Dalyn Graf, Colby Jasken, and vice-president Randy MacLean vacated their positions as board members.
“The staff and board of directors of the Humboldt Broncos would like to extend their deepest gratitude to these five individuals for their service to the club over the past few years, particularly in recent months, which were undoubtedly the most trying, stressful and demanding the team has ever endured,” the club said in a statement.
Garinger said he will continue to sit on the board and provide support and guidance for the incoming president, Jamie Brockman.
Brockman, who previously served as president of the club from 2012 to August 2017, said he put his name forward to join the board of directors but had no intention of becoming president again until circumstances changed.
“I want to express my extreme gratitude to the past board of directors along with the executive from last year for stepping up the way they did,” Brockman said in a statement.
“Their lives were turned upside down and I am grateful for the work they did.”
Sixteen people were killed and 13 others were injured in collision April 6 involving a semi-trailer truck at a highway intersection northeast of Saskatoon.
Two of the players who survived remain in hospital while a third player who was left paralyzed, Ryan Straschnitzki, is pursuing sledge hockey with an eye to making the national team and competing at the Winter Paralympic Games.
Garinger said all the survivors are an inspiration.
“There are 13 young men who are with us. We are grateful for that. It’s an amazing feeling to know they’re continuing to progress and heal, in spite of very difficult circumstances.”
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, a 29-year-old Calgary resident, is facing 16 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and 13 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily injury.
Sidhu’s second court appearance on the charges was adjourned to Oct. 2 after his lawyer requested more time to review particulars of the case.
The fatal crash rocked the hockey community in Canada and the world. A fundraiser for the team raised millions of dollars in just days.
A Saskatchewan court recently approved a $50,000 interim payment from the fundraiser to each of the families and the victims to cover travel and other costs.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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