Rick Bowness, born on January 25, 1955 in Moncton, Canada, is a former NHL right winger who made a name for himself not only as a player but also as a highly respected coach in the hockey world. Throughout his professional career, he played for notable teams such as the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets. However, it was his transition to coaching that truly solidified his legacy in the NHL.
Born with a passion for hockey, Bowness was drafted as a second-round pick in the 1975 NHL draft. This marked the beginning of his professional hockey career, as he joined the Tulsa Oilers shortly after being drafted. It was here that he honed his skills and set the stage for his future in coaching.
After serving as a player-coach in 1982 and 1983, Bowness made the transition to coaching full-time in 1984 as an assistant coach for the Winnipeg Jets. From there, his coaching career took off, leading him to coach for NHL teams such as the Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Dallas Stars.
One of Bowness's most notable achievements came in 1992 when he became the first-ever coach of the Ottawa Senators franchise. He made history by leading the Senators to their first franchise win on October 8, 1992, after defeating the Montreal Canadiens. This victory marked the beginning of a successful coaching career filled with accolades and respect from the hockey community.
Outside of his coaching career, Bowness is a devoted husband and father of three children. His son, Ryan, followed in his father's footsteps and served as the assistant general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 2023. The Bowness family's passion for hockey runs deep, showcasing a true love for the sport that has shaped their lives in more ways than one.
Throughout his storied career, Bowness has left a lasting impact on the NHL and the world of hockey as a whole. His dedication to the game, passion for coaching, and ability to lead teams to victory have solidified his place as a legendary figure in the sport. His experience coaching alongside greats like Wayne Gretzky has only added to his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL.
As a player and coach, Rick Bowness has left an indelible mark on the hockey world. His tireless work ethic, strategic mind, and leadership abilities have earned him a place among the elite in the NHL coaching ranks. His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come, inspiring future players and coaches to strive for excellence on and off the ice.
Related links