Scotty Bowman

Bowman, William (Scotty)

William (Scotty) Bowman, hockey coach (b at Montréal 18 Sept 1933). Bowman's junior hockey career ended in 1952 and he began coaching in the MONTREAL CANADIENS system from 1954 to 1966 when he joined the St Louis Blues as coach and general manager in 1967. He enjoyed success as a coach at every level, particularly bringing the underdog Blues to the STANLEY CUP finals twice after winning the Western Division championships in 1969 and 1970.

He moved on to coach the talent-laden Montreal Canadiens in 1971, winning the Stanley Cup there in 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979. He coached and managed 8 years in Buffalo (1979 to 1987) but his efforts as general manager were less successful and he was fired when the Sabres failed to make the playoffs. He coached 2 seasons in Pittsburgh (1991-93), winning the Stanley Cup there in 1992. He moved on to coach the Detroit Red Wings in 1993, winning his seventh Stanley Cup in 1996-97 and his eighth in the 1997-98 season. While with the Red Wings Bowman made 2 significant NHL records: in 1995 he coached in his 1607th game, and in 1997 the Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to give Bowman his 1000th victory. Bowman decided to retire in 2002, a decision he chose to keep to himself until season's end. The Red Wings won an additional Stanley Cup that season, a fitting tribute to their coaches final season.

Scotty Bowman's nine Stanley Cup victories as a coach surpasses the record held by Toe BLAKE. He holds the NHL record for wins and winning percentage by a coach. Bowman is an Honoured Member of the HOCKEY HALL OF FAME (inducted in 1991), and he is the only coach to lead 3 separate teams to Stanley Cup victory.

Following retirement Bowman served as a consultant to the Red Wings, In 2008 he accepted a position as Senior Advisor for the Chicago Blackhawks, working with his son Stan Bowman, the teams assistant general manager.