Episode 19

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Published on:

31st May 2024

EP 19 Playoff “Bowness” Edition with Rick Bowness

Special guest Rick Bowness, recently retired head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, shares his experiences and insights from his notable coaching career spanning nearly four decades. Bowness discusses the challenges and changes he faced in Winnipeg, the evolution of coaching and player relationships, and his thoughts on the current NHL playoff landscape. 

Host promotes upcoming special five part series on the Rangers' historic 1994 triumph.

The hosts touch on Don Waddell taking over the ship in Columbus and the complexities facing the next general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The episode wraps up with the human side of Rick Bowness's story and reflections on the changing culture of the NHL, including Game 6 of the Flyers vs. Oilers in 1987, where the Spectrum shook.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

[01:41] Conference Final Thoughts

[04:19] Dallas Stars Analysis

[06:00] Interview with Rick Bownass

[06:26] Rick Bownass on Coaching and Retirement

[08:26] Future of Winnipeg Jets

[23:31] Evolution of NHL Coaching

[25:06] The Evolution of Coaching Communication

[25:52] The Impact of Video Replay in Modern Hockey

[28:33] Reflecting on Rule Changes in Hockey

[30:25] A Tribute to Rick Bowness

[34:53] Don Waddell's New Challenge with the Blue Jackets

[41:48] The Human Side of the Story- Rick Bowness & Anecdotes on the 1987 Flyers Vs Oilers 

[45:44] Memorable Moments in Stanley Cup History 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Rick Bowness discusses the factors that led to his decision to retire, including health considerations and his desire to explore other opportunities within hockey.
  • Rick Bowness emphasizes the importance of changing the team's culture and the significant progress made in player responsibility and team dynamics.
  • The game has evolved significantly, with a greater emphasis on detailed communication and the need for coaches to establish trust and clear communication with players.
  • Video replay and technological advancements have transformed how games are analyzed and decisions are made, adding a new layer of complexity to coaching.


RESOURCE LINKS 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

NHL Wraparound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787


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At Game Seven Group, we specialize in transforming individuals into cohesive teams through our team-building events, coaching, and speaking. We believe every team has the potential to achieve extraordinary results.


BIO:

Richard Gary Bowness is a Canadian former professional ice hockey coach and player. He was selected in the second round, 26th overall, by the Atlanta Flames in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. Bowness has also played for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and original Winnipeg Jets.

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.