Dave Lowry Attempting to Separate Personal and Professional Relationship with Adam Lowry

While the 2020-21 campaign is still months away from opening, the Winnipeg Jets just finalized their coaching staff in preparation for the upcoming season, which has now paired a father-son duo together in the “true north.”

Despite preparing for the Brandon Wheat Kings’ training camp, coach Dave Lowry received a phone call from coach Paul Maurice – who asked if he’d consider joining the Jets’ coaching staff next season. Just a short time later, the team officially announced his hiring and named him as one of their assistant coaches.

Though he was naturally excited for the opportunity to return to the NHL for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign, Lowry admitted he first needed to make sure his son felt comfortable with having his dad as part of Winnipeg’s coaching staff. Now with @Adam Lowry’s permission, the 55-year old believes they’ll be able to execute a smooth transition period whenever hockey returns to North America this winter.

“We had to have Adam’s blessing on it,” Lowry discussed. “I’d totally understand if he wasn’t comfortable with me coming in and being part of the staff, this is something that I wouldn’t have continued to pursue. With Adam’s blessing, I recognize that he’s an established player in the National Hockey League, and it should be an easy transition.”

When offered this position four years ago, Lowry revealed he turned down the option to help coach the Jets because he wanted to give his son a chance to establish himself before coming aboard. While there’ll likely be an adjustment period for both of them in the near future, the Ontario native is confident they’ll both be able to move past that phase and actually enjoy working together on and off the ice.

“I look at it that we’re both professionals,” Lowry explained. “I’m a coach and he’s a player, that’s the way this works. There may be some different looks he might give me, but this is something we’ve both talked about and something we’re comfortable doing going forward. I’m sure it’s something we’re going to enjoy”

Prior to becoming the Wheat Kings’ head coach in 2019, Lowry spent some time coaching with the Los Angeles Kings (2017-2019) and the Calgary Flames (2009-2012) while also helping Team Canada capture a gold medal during the 2015 World Juniors.

Looking to utilize the knowledge he’s gained over the last several seasons, Lowry explained how he prides himself on making connections and building strong relationships with the people he works with. Even though this season, whenever it starts, will bring unusual challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the man who played 19 seasons in the NHL is hopeful he’ll be able to learn quickly and help make a strong impact throughout his inaugural campaign in Winnipeg.

“I think the biggest thing is it’s all about building relationships and connecting with players,” Lowry detailed. “For me the big thing is to be there when they need you. To really learn and identify what makes each player tick, and [discover] how do they learn. With an established coaching staff, I’ll be able to pick their brain to be able to figure out how to work and how to teach these individual players.”