Jimmy Howard is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons. He was born on March 26, 1984, in Ogdensburg, New York, and grew up playing hockey in upstate New York.
Howard played college hockey at the University of Maine, where he was a standout goaltender for three seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2005.
Howard quickly established himself as a reliable goaltender for the Red Wings, earning a spot as the team's backup goaltender in his rookie season. He became the team's starting goaltender in the 2009-2010 season and held that position for the next decade.
During his time with the Red Wings, Howard was known for his consistency and durability. He played in over 500 games for the team, recording 246 wins, 196 losses, and 70 ties. He also had a career save percentage of .912 and a goals-against average of 2.62.
Howard was a key player for the Red Wings during their playoff runs in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008 and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top goaltender, in 2010.
In addition to his success with the Red Wings, Howard also represented the United States in international competition. He played for the US at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and helped lead the team to a fourth-place finish.
After 14 seasons with the Red Wings, Howard announced his retirement from professional hockey in October 2020. He finished his career with a record of 246-196-70, a save percentage of .912, and a goals-against average of 2.62.
Throughout his career, Howard was known for his work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the game of hockey. He was a beloved teammate and respected opponent, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
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