"Was probably told to retire or be fired" "Sheldon Keefe, welcome to Winnipeg": NHL fans react to Rick Bowness' retirement

NHL fans were sent into a frenzy after Rick Bowness, the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, announced his retirement.

Darren Dreger, a TSN hockey insider, sparked rumours with a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting Bowness' decision. The Jets later released a statement confirming the news.

With over 2,600 games under his belt in the NHL and being a first-time Jack Adams Award finalist, Bowness' departure marks the end of an era for many fans.

Among the reactions that flooded social media platforms, one sentiment seemed to echo a common concern: the circumstances surrounding Bowness's retirement.

"Bowness was probably told to retire or be fired," commented one fan.

Another fan wasted no time in proposing a replacement:

"Sheldon Keefe, welcome to Winnipeg."

Many fans grappled with the implications for the Jets, especially considering the promising season they had just experienced.

"Brutal for Winnipeg after the season they had," lamented one fan.

Speculation about Bowness's successor was rife, with fans eagerly throwing names into the ring.

"Hearing Gerard Gallant is the front runner for the job," one fan claimed.

"Maurice and Bowness both walk away from this job," observed one fan.

Despite the mixed emotions surrounding Rick Bowness's retirement, some chose to focus on the positive aspects of his career.

"Odd timing cause he's a Jack Adams finalist, but congratulations to Rick," remarked one fan.

Others expressed similar sentiments, with comments like:

"Not surprising. I wish him well."

However, amid the farewells and reflections, some fans couldn't resist injecting a dose of humor into the conversation.

"Announce the Keefe firing," quipped one fan.

Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness calls time on 38-year career

Rick Bowness, a seasoned NHL coach with 38 seasons of experience, has announced his retirement from coaching, per the Jets.

Bowness, a native of Moncton, New Brunswick, had a tremendous influence as the Winnipeg Jets' head coach for two seasons. He worked hard to rebuild the Jets into a formidable team, leading them to the playoffs twice. Under his leadership, the Jets went 98-57-9.

In the 2023–24 season, Winnipeg soared to new heights, setting multiple franchise records. They recorded 25 road wins, embarked on two eight-game winning streaks and managed a 14-game point streak.

Bowness guided teams to 17 playoff appearances. He reached the Stanley Cup Finals on three occasions, serving as an associate coach with the Vancouver Canucks in 2011, an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015, and as head coach of the Dallas Stars in 2020.

With an unparalleled 2,726 games coached, Bowness leaves an indelible mark on NHL history.