Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness tested positive for COVID-19 Friday afternoon, the team announced, and will not be behind the bench for the club's season opener against the New York Rangers Friday night.
The announcement comes after Bowness ran morning skate and appeared for the team's pre-game press conference.
Bowness, 67, was hired by the Jets over the off-season as a replacement for Dave Lowry, who had taken over after Paul Maurice resigned from the team back in Dec. 2021.
In 638 regular-season games coached in the NHL, spanning from the 1998-89 season to the 2021-22 season, Bowness has recorded 211 wins and 351 losses.
Prior to joining Winnipeg, Bowness had most recently been with the Dallas Stars until he stepped away from running their bench this off-season.
The former NHL player's coaching career has also seen him previously lead the Bruins, Senators, Islanders and Coyotes.
In the six pre-season games he coached to begin the 2022-23 season, the Jets went 4-1-1.
According to the team, assistant coach Scott Arniel will step in to assume head coaching duties in the interim.
Editor's Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sports and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country's public health website for the latest.
