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William Scott “Scotty” Bowman, OC, hockey coach (born 18 September 1933 in Montreal, QC). Scotty Bowman holds the record for most Stanley Cups won over the course of his career as a hockey coach, having won the trophy nine times in thirteen finals appearances.
Career Highlights in Canada
Scotty 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.
Bowman moved on to coach the talent-laden Montreal Canadiens in 1971, winning the Stanley Cup there in 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979.
Career Highlights in the United States
Scotty Bowman coached and managed 8 years in Buffalo (1979–87) but his efforts as general manager were less successful and he was fired when the Buffalo Sabres failed to make the playoffs. Bowman coached two 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 two significant National Hockey League (NHL) records: in 1995 he coached in his 1,607th game, and in 1997 the Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to give Bowman his 1,000th 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.
Retirement
Following retirement Scotty Bowman served as a consultant to the Red Wings (1993–2002). In 2008 he accepted a position as Senior Advisor for the Chicago Blackhawks, working with his son Stan Bowman, the team’s assistant general manager.
Honours
Scotty Bowman's nine Stanley Cups victories as a coach surpasses the record held by Toe Blake. He holds the NHL record for wins and winning percentage by a coach, in addition to being the only coach to have led three separate teams to Stanley Cup victory.
Bowman is an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame (inducted in 1991). He was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2011.
