Scott Arniel appointed Winnipeg Jets head coach

The Winnipeg Jets have officially appointed Scott Arniel as their ninth head coach in franchise history and the fourth since the team’s relocation to Winnipeg. Arniel, aged 61, previously served as the associate coach for the Jets over the past two seasons, contributing to the team’s impressive record and playoff appearances. During his interim head coaching role, filling in for Rick Bowness, Arniel achieved a 15-7-3 record in 25 games due to Bowness’s absences for family and health reasons.

Arniel, who was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the 1981 NHL Draft, played a significant part in the team’s early years and later returned for another stint in 1990-91. Throughout his playing career with the Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins, Arniel accumulated 338 points and 599 penalty minutes in 730 games.

His coaching journey began in 1995 as a player/assistant coach and evolved into various coaching roles with teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers, where he achieved notable successes, including a Stanley Cup Final appearance with the Rangers in 2014.Arniel’s extensive experience in both playing and coaching roles, coupled with his contributions to multiple NHL teams, underscores his wealth of knowledge and expertise in the hockey world.