According to Scott Maxwell of Daily Faceoff, the Winnipeg Jets have hired Rick Bowness of Moncton, New Brunswick as their new head coach on Friday. The news of Bowness’s hiring may be a little bit of a surprise as there were rumours he might retire at the end of last season when he was coaching the Dallas Stars.
Bowness is rejoining the Winnipeg Jets. He was previously coaching them in the 1988-89 season. He had a record of eight wins, 17 losses and three ties. In addition to the Stars, Bowness has coached the Ottawa Senators (1992 to 1996), the New York Islanders (1996 to 1998), the Phoenix Coyotes (2003 to 2004). He has coached the Stars the last two seasons. Overall, Bowness has a record of 212-351-76.
The Jets decided not to rehire Dave Lowry of Sudbury, Ontario, who was the interim head coach. Lowry took over from Paul Maurice of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on December 17 when Maurice resigned. Maurice has since been named the head coach of the Florida Panthers.
Bowness also brings NHL playing experience to the Jets. He played seven seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Jets. In 173 games, Bowness had 18 goals and 37 assists for 55 points, 191 penalty minutes, and was a -76.
