Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Rick Bowness is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former NHL player who serves as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Born on January 25, 1955, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Bowness has spent more than four decades working in professional hockey.
His family includes his wife, Judy Bowness, their three children, Ricky, Ryan, and Kristen Bowness, and several grandchildren. His parents were Bob and Thelma Bowness, and biographical accounts also identify three siblings named Shirley, Laureen, and Laurie Bowness.
Hockey has played an important role across multiple generations of the Bowness family. Rick’s father was a competitive hockey player, while all three of Rick’s children have worked in professional hockey organizations.
Throughout his lengthy career, Bowness has repeatedly credited his wife and children with providing the support that allowed him to pursue opportunities across North America.
Rick Bowness’ Wife: Is He Married?
Rick Bowness is married to Judy Bowness, his longtime partner and the mother of their three children.
The couple have been together for more than five decades, having met when Rick was approximately 16 years old.
According to a 2020 feature published by The Score, Rick and Judy developed their relationship during their teenage years in Nova Scotia.
They subsequently built a family while Rick pursued a professional playing career and later transitioned into coaching.
The couple’s marriage has been documented in NHL media guides and numerous interviews with the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Who Is Judy Bowness?
Judy Bowness is the wife of NHL head coach Rick Bowness and the mother of their children, Ricky, Ryan, and Kristen.
She has spent much of her adult life supporting her husband’s career in professional hockey.
Rick’s coaching responsibilities have required the family to live in several Canadian and American cities, including Winnipeg, Boston, Ottawa, Phoenix, Vancouver, Tampa, and Dallas.
Judy played a central role in maintaining family stability throughout these relocations.
In a February 2024 interview with the Winnipeg Jets, their son Ryan described Judy as the person who held the family together while Rick frequently traveled for work.
He explained that she coordinated school schedules, children’s activities, and everyday family responsibilities.
Her support allowed Rick to continue pursuing a demanding coaching career.
When Did Rick Bowness Get Married?
Rick Bowness and Judy married in the late 1970s.
The World Biographical Encyclopedia, drawing on a biographical entry associated with Marquis Who’s Who, identifies Judy as Judith Mary Egan and lists their wedding date as July 23, 1977.
Although this date appears in the biographical directory, it has not been independently corroborated through an official NHL wedding announcement.
What is firmly established is that Rick and Judy have maintained a marriage spanning nearly five decades.
How Rick and Judy Bowness Built Their Family
Rick and Judy’s marriage has developed alongside an unusually long career in professional hockey.
During an interview published by Sportsnet in May 2024, Rick expressed appreciation for Judy’s willingness to move between cities as he pursued coaching opportunities.
He explained that their family had grown accustomed to the uncertainty associated with professional sports.
In a May 2024 Winnipeg Jets media feature, Bowness reflected on how hockey shaped the family’s lifestyle.
He recalled that moving between cities had become normal for their children because they had never known a life without professional hockey.
Despite these challenges, the family maintained close relationships.
Judy Bowness’ Health and Rick’s Family Priorities
One of the most challenging periods in Rick and Judy’s marriage occurred during the 2023–24 NHL season.
On October 23, 2023, the Winnipeg Jets announced that Judy had experienced a medical emergency and that Rick would take a leave of absence.
He temporarily stepped away from coaching to remain with his wife.
Associate coach Scott Arniel assumed coaching responsibilities during his absence.
Rick returned to the team in November 2023 after Judy had received medical care.
Later that season, Bowness also underwent a minor medical procedure.
These experiences influenced his decision to retire from coaching on May 6, 2024.
He explained that family health and personal well-being had become more important than continuing immediately behind an NHL bench.
Judy Supported Rick’s Return to Coaching in 2026
After retiring, Rick and Judy spent more time together at their homes in Florida and Nova Scotia.
They enjoyed boating and visiting their children and grandchildren.
On January 12, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets contacted Bowness about becoming their head coach.
According to NHL.com, Rick was on his boat in Florida with Judy when he received the call.
He discussed the opportunity with his wife before accepting the position.
During his introductory news conference, Rick explained that Judy missed the NHL lifestyle and supported his decision to return.
He also said that both of them were doing well and felt comfortable with the demands of returning to professional hockey.
The decision demonstrated how closely Judy has remained involved in her husband’s career choices.
Rick Bowness’ Children
Rick and Judy Bowness have three adult children: two sons named Ricky and Ryan and a daughter named Kristen.
Their names are confirmed in the Vancouver Canucks’ official historical media guides and subsequent NHL reporting.
All three children have worked in professional hockey, although their individual careers have followed different paths.
1. Ricky Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Oldest Son
Rick Bowness Jr., commonly known as Ricky Bowness, is the oldest son of Rick and Judy.
He grew up in a family that moved frequently because of his father’s hockey career.
Although Ricky did not pursue professional hockey as a player, he developed an interest in the business and communications side of the sport.
He eventually studied sports business management and worked in athletics administration.
Ricky Bowness’ Professional Career
Ricky worked in media relations with the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.
He also held a sports information position at the University of Denver, where he was associated with the university’s hockey program.
In 2017, he was working at the University of Denver when the school’s men’s hockey team won the NCAA Division I national championship.
According to reporting published by The Boston Globe in January 2020, Ricky later transitioned into communications work outside professional hockey.
Despite pursuing a different career path from his father, he maintained connections throughout the hockey industry.
Who Is Ricky Bowness’ Wife?
Ricky Bowness is married to Jodee Bowness.
Jodee has built a career in professional sports management.
According to NHL.com reporting published in March 2026, she serves as vice president of ticket sales and service for the Colorado Avalanche.
Her role adds another professional hockey connection to the extended Bowness family.
The couple have established their family life in the Denver, Colorado, area.
2. Ryan Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Youngest Son
Ryan Bowness is Rick and Judy’s younger son and a professional hockey executive.
Born on August 5, 1983, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ryan grew up around professional hockey because of his father’s playing and coaching career.
Unlike his older brother, Ryan pursued competitive hockey as a player before transitioning into scouting and management.
He played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Brampton Battalion and Oshawa Generals.
In the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Ryan in the eighth round, 236th overall.
He subsequently played university hockey at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.
Ryan Bowness’ Career as an NHL Executive
After his playing career, Ryan began working in professional hockey management.
He spent several seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets organizations, working in scouting, player development, and hockey operations.
Ryan later joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as a professional scout.
He was part of the Penguins organization when the team won the Stanley Cup in 2017.
In June 2022, he was appointed assistant general manager of the Ottawa Senators.
He subsequently became associate general manager in Ottawa.
According to the New York Islanders’ official management biography, Ryan later joined the Islanders as assistant general manager and director of player personnel.
His professional success has allowed him to continue the Bowness family’s longstanding involvement in the NHL.
Ryan Bowness’ Wife and Children
Ryan Bowness is married to Victoria Bowness.
According to the New York Islanders’ official biography, the couple have two children: a son named Brendan and a daughter named Blake.
In February 2024, Ryan discussed his children’s close relationship with their grandfather during a Winnipeg Jets podcast.
He explained that Rick particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whenever family schedules allowed.
At the time, Brendan was approximately three years old and enjoyed following his grandfather around during visits.
Ryan described the bond between Rick and his grandchildren as especially meaningful.
3. Kristen Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Daughter
Kristen Bowness is Rick and Judy’s daughter and a professional hockey development executive.
Like her brothers, Kristen grew up moving between NHL cities while her father worked as a coach.
However, her relationship with hockey developed differently.
According to an NHL.com feature published on March 6, 2026, Kristen initially disliked spending so much time at hockey arenas during childhood.
She recalled accompanying her brothers to early practices and regularly attending NHL games.
When the family moved to Arizona in 1999, she gradually began developing a stronger interest in the sport.
Hockey eventually became an important part of her professional life.
Kristen Bowness’ Career in Hockey Development
Kristen initially worked in education before moving into professional hockey administration.
She became involved in community hockey development with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Her responsibilities included helping introduce young people to hockey and supporting programs for athletes with disabilities.
She later joined the Nashville Predators, where she worked in amateur hockey and fan development.
In March 2026, NHL.com identified Kristen as the youth program director for the Utah Mammoth.
Her work focuses on grassroots hockey, youth participation, and expanding opportunities for girls and women in the sport.
She has also contributed to initiatives connected with the NHL and NHLPA Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee.
Rick Bowness’ Relationship With His Daughter Kristen
Rick has expressed pride in Kristen’s achievements and her dedication to expanding participation in hockey.
During their March 2026 NHL.com interview, he praised her work ethic and her ability to develop programs independently of the family’s established hockey reputation.
He also recalled participating in a coaching clinic in Utah alongside Kristen during his retirement.
The experience allowed him to observe her professional skills and commitment firsthand.
Kristen explained that family gatherings frequently turn into conversations about hockey because so many relatives work in the sport.
She described the family as one in which members encourage and celebrate one another’s achievements.
Rick Bowness’ Grandchildren
Rick Bowness is also a grandfather.
His son Ryan and daughter-in-law Victoria have two children, Brendan and Blake Bowness.
Their names are confirmed by the New York Islanders.
During the February 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto, Rick enjoyed spending time with Ryan and his grandchildren.
According to the Winnipeg Jets, the family used the event as another opportunity to reconnect.
Ryan joked that his father sometimes seemed more excited about seeing the grandchildren than seeing him.
The relationship demonstrates how important family gatherings have become as Rick’s children have grown older.
Rick Bowness’ Parents
Rick Bowness was born to Robert “Bob” Bowness and Thelma Bowness.
He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, but grew up in the Fairview area of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
His father was a hockey player who strongly influenced Rick’s interest in the sport.
A biographical directory identifies his parents more fully as Robert Swales Bowness and Thelma Mae Bowness.
Rick Bowness’ Father: Bob Bowness
Bob Bowness was Rick’s father and one of the most influential people in his early life.
Bob played competitive senior hockey in Canada and spent time in the Montreal Canadiens organization.
In a February 2016 interview with The Hockey News, Rick explained that his father attended a Montreal Canadiens training camp alongside several future hockey legends.
Those players included Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Dickie Moore, and Bernie Geoffrion.
Although Bob did not establish a long NHL playing career, he continued playing senior hockey and passed his passion for the sport to his son.
How Bob Bowness Introduced Rick to Hockey
Rick’s earliest hockey memories involved watching his father play.
In his 2016 interview with The Hockey News, he recalled accompanying Bob to arenas during his childhood.
Watching his father compete inspired Rick to start skating himself.
He subsequently practiced on backyard rinks, lakes, and other available skating surfaces.
Bob’s influence helped shape Rick’s ambition to pursue hockey professionally.
In December 2021, the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly recognized Rick’s coaching achievements and recalled that his father had played for the Moncton Hawks when Rick was born in 1955.
Bob’s involvement in hockey established a sporting tradition that later extended to Rick’s children and grandchildren.
Rick Bowness’ Mother: Thelma Bowness
Thelma Bowness was Rick’s mother.
She raised Rick and his siblings alongside Bob in Atlantic Canada.
Her identity is documented in biographical records, including the World Biographical Encyclopedia.
Unlike her husband, Thelma has not been featured extensively in hockey interviews.
However, her place in the family’s history is supported by community records from Nova Scotia.
Available biographical reporting indicates that Thelma died in August 2014.
Reliable information about her occupation, education, and other personal details remains limited.
Rick Bowness’ Siblings
Biographical reporting identifies three siblings of Rick Bowness: two sisters named Shirley and Laureen Bowness and a brother named Laurie Bowness.
These names appear in a family biography published by eBiographyPost.
Community records from St. Matthew’s United Church in Halifax also connect Laureen and Laurie Bowness to parents Bob and Thelma.
However, unlike Rick’s wife and children, his siblings have not been extensively documented in official NHL biographies.
1. Shirley Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Sister
Shirley Bowness is identified as one of Rick’s sisters in secondary biographical reporting.
She grew up in the Bowness family in Atlantic Canada.
There is limited independently verified information about Shirley’s occupation, age, education, or personal relationships.
Consequently, further details about her life should not be treated as established facts.
2. Laureen Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Sister
Laureen Bowness is another of Rick’s reported siblings.
Her name also appears in a December 2019 community bulletin from St. Matthew’s United Church in Halifax.
The bulletin identifies Laureen Paget and Laurie Bowness as commemorating their parents, Bob and Thelma Bowness.
This provides additional support for the family connection.
However, information about Laureen’s professional career and personal background remains private.
3. Laurie Bowness: Rick Bowness’ Brother
Laurie Bowness is identified as Rick’s brother in secondary biographical reporting.
His name appears alongside Laureen’s in the St. Matthew’s United Church community bulletin.
Although this establishes a documented connection to Bob and Thelma Bowness, Laurie has not been prominently featured in professional hockey coverage.
Reliable information about his occupation, sporting involvement, and personal life is limited.
Rick Bowness’ Childhood and Family Background
Rick Bowness was born on January 25, 1955, in Moncton, New Brunswick.
He grew up in Fairview, Nova Scotia, near Halifax.
His father’s involvement in senior hockey helped inspire his interest in the sport.
Bowness developed his skills through youth and junior hockey programs in Atlantic Canada.
He later played for the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
In 1975, the Atlanta Flames selected him in the second round, 26th overall, of the NHL Amateur Draft.
He subsequently played professional hockey with the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets.
During his NHL playing career, he appeared in 173 regular-season games, recording 18 goals and 37 assists for 55 points.
Although his playing career eventually ended, his passion for hockey led him into coaching.
Rick Bowness’ Coaching Career and Family Support
Rick Bowness began his professional coaching career as a player-coach with the Sherbrooke Jets of the American Hockey League during the 1982–83 season.
He later joined the Winnipeg Jets coaching staff and worked his way toward becoming an NHL head coach.
His first NHL head coaching opportunity came during the 1988–89 season with Winnipeg.
He subsequently coached the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and Winnipeg Jets.
Bowness also held assistant or associate coaching positions with the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Throughout these changes, Judy and their children adjusted to different cities, schools, and communities.
During the 2019–20 season, Bowness led the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He later joined the Winnipeg Jets as head coach in 2022.
During the 2023–24 season, he guided Winnipeg to a 52-win campaign and became a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.
After announcing his retirement in May 2024, he spent more time with Judy, their children, and grandchildren.
Rick Bowness Returns to the Columbus Blue Jackets
On January 12, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets named Bowness their head coach following the departure of Dean Evason.
The appointment brought him back to coaching after approximately 20 months away from the NHL bench.
Under his leadership, Columbus recorded 21 wins, 11 losses, and five overtime losses over the final 37 games of the 2025–26 season.
On April 16, 2026, the Blue Jackets announced an agreement for Bowness to remain head coach for the 2026–27 season.
The decision allowed him to continue a professional journey that had already spanned more than four decades.
Throughout his career, Bowness has consistently emphasized that his achievements would not have been possible without Judy’s support and the understanding of their children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Bowness’ Family
Who is Rick Bowness’ girlfriend?
Rick Bowness is married to Judy Bowness, his longtime partner. They met as teenagers and have spent nearly five decades together as a married couple.
Is Rick Bowness married?
Yes. Rick Bowness is married to Judy Bowness. The couple have three adult children and several grandchildren.
Who is Rick Bowness’ wife?
His wife is Judy Bowness, who has supported him throughout his playing and coaching careers. She is the mother of their children Ricky, Ryan, and Kristen.
When did Rick Bowness get married?
A biographical directory lists July 23, 1977, as Rick and Judy Bowness’ wedding date. However, that exact date has not been independently verified through official NHL reporting.
How many children does Rick Bowness have?
Rick Bowness has three children: two sons named Ricky and Ryan and a daughter named Kristen.
Who is Rick Bowness’ oldest son?
His oldest son is Rick Bowness Jr., commonly called Ricky. He previously worked in hockey media relations and university athletics administration.
Who is Rick Bowness’ younger son?
His younger son is Ryan Bowness, a former hockey player who became an NHL executive. He serves as assistant general manager and director of player personnel for the New York Islanders.
Who is Rick Bowness’ daughter?
His daughter is Kristen Bowness, a hockey development executive who was identified as the Utah Mammoth’s youth program director in March 2026.
Does Rick Bowness have grandchildren?
Yes. Rick Bowness is a grandfather. His son Ryan and daughter-in-law Victoria have two children, Brendan and Blake. The total number of grandchildren across all three of Rick’s children has not been independently established.
Who are Rick Bowness’ parents?
Rick Bowness’ parents were Bob and Thelma Bowness. His father played senior hockey in Canada and helped inspire his career.
Who is Rick Bowness’ father?
His father was Robert “Bob” Bowness, a former competitive hockey player who spent time in the Montreal Canadiens organization and played senior hockey in Atlantic Canada.
Who is Rick Bowness’ mother?
His mother was Thelma Bowness. Biographical records identify her as Thelma Mae Bowness, although relatively little information about her personal life has been published.
Does Rick Bowness have siblings?
Secondary biographical accounts identify two sisters, Shirley and Laureen, and a brother named Laurie. Some of these family connections are also reflected in Nova Scotia community records.
Is Ryan Bowness related to Rick Bowness?
Yes. Ryan Bowness is Rick’s younger son. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2001 and later established a career in NHL hockey operations.
Where is Rick Bowness’ family from?
Rick Bowness was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, and grew up in Fairview, Nova Scotia. His family maintains strong connections to Atlantic Canada.
What NHL team does Rick Bowness coach?
Rick Bowness is head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returned to the NHL in January 2026 and agreed to continue coaching the team during the 2026–27 season.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
