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Scott Arniel’s Second Chance as Head Coach of the Winnipeg Jets
Scott Arniel’s journey as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was a challenging chapter in his career, lasting just over 19 months. His tenure, characterized by a .439 winning percentage over 123 games, ended prematurely after a troubling start to the 2011-12 season. This experience left Arniel disappointed not only with the results but with his approach to coaching.
Reflecting on his time in Columbus, Arniel expressed, “I certainly wasn’t happy with the job I attempted to do. If I was ever going to get a second chance, I wanted to make sure I was ready.” His commitment to improvement is evident in the years he spent preparing for another opportunity in the NHL, a chance that felt uncertain for over a decade.
In May, Arniel was finally promoted to head coach of the Winnipeg Jets following Rick Bowness’s retirement, marking a significant step in his coaching career. Since his appointment, the Jets have thrived, even clinching the franchise’s first-ever Presidents’ Trophy with an impressive record of 55 wins, 22 losses, and 4 overtime losses with one game left in the regular season.
The transition to Arniel’s leadership has been virtually seamless. His familiarity with the team, having filled in for Bowness during health-related absences in previous seasons, has fostered a smooth adjustment, as Arniel noted, “It wasn’t like I came in fresh. It helped an awful lot.”
Under his guidance, the Jets have not only maintained their identity, which emphasizes solid defensive play spearheaded by two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but have also significantly improved on the offensive front. The team’s power-play percentage has rocketed to first in the league at 29.4 percent, after struggling in the lower ranks the previous season. Overall, their offense climbed from 15th to a tie for fourth place, showcasing significant growth in productivity.
Despite these offensive enhancements, Winnipeg’s defense remains robust; they lead the league in goals allowed at 2.33 per game, a slight improvement from the previous season’s 2.41. Arniel’s influence is a big part of this success, as captain Adam Lowry pointed out, stating, “He’s intense, but he’s real fair.” The captain highlighted Arniel’s balanced approach to coaching, which includes motivating players to reach their full potential without compromising respect for them.
Mark Scheifele, a center for the Jets, echoed these sentiments, noting that Arniel has made crucial adjustments while fostering a culture of accountability among the players. Alain Vigneault, a veteran NHL coach and former mentor to Arniel, praised his ability to grow from past experiences, emphasizing the challenges of securing a second head coaching opportunity in the league.
As the relationship between coach and players evolves, Arniel has been proactive in nurturing these connections. He took the initiative to meet with key players over the summer, discussing system changes and understanding their concerns, a move that reflects his commitment to building a collaborative team environment.
Arniel’s path included time in the American Hockey League before landing assistant coaching roles in New York and Washington, all the while honing his craft. His persistent efforts during the extensive wait for another NHL chance were instrumental in shaping his readiness for this role.
Now, with his sights set on leading the Jets deeper into the playoffs, Arniel recognizes the broader application of second chances beyond sports. “It doesn’t even have to be in sports… But you’re always looking for a second chance,” he remarked. Arniel is not only ready to seize this opportunity but is also making the most of it.
Source
globalnews.ca