ST. JOHN'S, N.L. —­ Prominent Newfoundland hockey coach Rick Babstock, 57, was arrested Tuesday and charged with sexually assaulting a boy almost 40 years ago.

Babstock - who has coached thousands of kids in St. John's, N.L. - faces charges of indecent assault and gross indecency.

The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between August and September, 1971, in Placentia, N.L., a small town of about 4,000.

He was in court Tuesday afternoon to hear his charges, but has since been released under the condition that he stay away from the complainant, and have no contact with persons under 16 unless accompanied by someone aged 25 or older.

He's due back in court March 9.

Babstock, who is now retired, was inducted into the Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of fame in 2002.

During his almost four-decade career, he coached current and past NHL players, including Ryan Clowe, Harold Druken and Ted Purcell.