Moncton-born Rick Bowness carved out an impressive nine-year NHL career, with the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and the original Winnipeg Jets. Drafted 26th overall in 1975, he tallied 18 goals and 37 assists in 173 games before transitioning to coaching where he left an even greater legacy. After two seasons of coaching the AHL's Moncton Hawks, Bowness got his first NHL head coaching role with the original Winnipeg Jets. Bowness went on to lead the Boston Bruins before becoming the first head coach of the expansion Ottawa Senators in 1992-93. He later led the New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and current Winnipeg Jets, coaching a total of nine NHL franchises. His 2,726 games behind the bench are the most of any coach in NHL history. A finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year in 2023-24, Bowness cemented his reputation as a dedicated leader and mentor, shaping the game over five decades.