Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness has announced his retirement from the NHL. His first head coaching job was also on the Winnipeg Jets but in 1988-89.
During his time in the NHL, he has been a head coach for the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars. He was also an assistant or associate coach for the Jets, Islanders, Coyotes, Canucks, Lightning and Stars.
Bowness coached a total of 2,726 games over his time with these teams as a coach. He finishes with a 310-408-48-37 record as head coach. His best season as head coach being this last one with the Jets, where they went 52-24-6. Even though they were bounced in the first round, the Jets finished second in the conference, which has helped Rick Bowness become a Jack Adams finalist.
This does not come as a surprise for many, as he and his wife were dealing with health problems all year. Which did result in him taking a leave of absence, when his wife Judy had seizure. Even with the health concerns, Rick was able to make his first All-Star appearance this season.
Rick Bowness will retire as one of the most historic coaches in NHL history. While never winning a Stanley Cup, Bowness coached in five different decades. He was behind the bench for over 2700 games. Bowness has had an impact on NHL hockey for a long time.
