(DIR) Home
Morrissey shares emotional goodbye with Winnipeg Jets coach Bowness
(HTM) Source
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Breadcrumb Trail Links
1. Winnipeg Jets
2. Sports
3. NHL
4. Hockey
# Josh Morrissey shares emotional goodbye with Jets coach Bowness
Get the latest from Paul Friesen straight to your inbox Sign Up
Published May 06, 2024 • 2 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if
you have an account.
Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey improved his game under coach
Rick Bowness. Photo by KEVIN KING /Winnipeg Sun
## Article content
Two years ago, the Winnipeg Jets were in a state of flux.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues
below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
* Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott
* Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one
* Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to
* Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
* Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
* Exclusive columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott
* Unlimited online access to Winnipeg Sun and 15 news sites with one
* Winnipeg Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to
* Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
* Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
* Access articles from across Canada with one account.
* Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
* Enjoy additional articles per month.
* Get email updates from your favourite authors.
## Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Longtime coach Paul Maurice had resigned, leaving a team that not only
missed the playoffs but had no clear direction, its core players
entering what was supposed to be their prime.
Article content
Defenceman Josh Morrissey credits Rick Bowness with much of the
ensuing turnaround.
"There was lots of noise around our team," Morrissey told the
_Winnipeg Sun_ from his home in Calgary on Monday. "He really wanted
to preach that we are a family. He really believed that we needed to
treat one another in that fashion and have that level of care, and it
would result in a better environment but also better play on the ice.
"He empowered our group to be better, to be more of a team … and that
every cog in the wheel was equally important."
Bowness led the Jets to the playoffs both of the last two seasons.
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues
below.
Article content
Morrissey is probably the player who has blossomed most under him.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Play Video
So when Bowness called Morrissey on Sunday night to tell him he was
retiring, the Jets assistant captain immediately recalled the first
phone call he got from his new head coach.
"It was emotional to talk to him," Morrissey said. "From my first
conversation with him, he's really preached his belief in me the
player, the leader and the person. It's really special when you have
someone that believes in you and tries to get the most out of you and
believes you have more to grow into … just really made me believe in
myself."
For someone involved in the NHL for 49 years, Morrissey says Bowness
still exuded a passion he could only marvel at.
"I've been part of the NHL world for nine years, and to think I've got
another 40 years to equal what he's done is pretty insane," he said.
"To think that was Year 48 and 49 for him will stick with me. He
brought it all emotionally … every single day."
pfriesen@postmedia.com
X: @friesensunmedia
Share this article in your social network
______________________________________________________________________
Served by Flask-Gopher/2.2.1