Former Red Wings Goalie Jimmy Howard Retires

Former Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard officially announced his retirement on January 28th via his Instagram page. Drafted by Detroit in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Howard would play three seasons at the University of Maine before turning pro.

He spent four seasons with Detroit’s minor league affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and was named to the All AHL Rookie Team in 2006 and the AHL All-Star Game in 2008. He made his NHL debut in 2005, stopping 22 out of 24 shots in a win versus the Los Angeles Kings. He made the full-time jump to the NHL in 2009-10, playing 63 games. Howard ended his rookie year with a 2.26 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, leading him to a second-place finish in the Calder Trophy race. 

Jimmy Howard would go on to play fourteen seasons with Detroit. He was named to three All-Star Games and sits third in Red Wings goaltending history in both games played and wins. He also represented the United States internationally numerous times, at the U18 World Championship, the World Junior Championship, the World Championship, and the Olympic Games. 

In his message to the fans, Howard stated that “I’m forever thankful to the fans, everyone within the Red Wings organization, my teammates and my family for their ongoing support, loyalty, and dedication. As I enter this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, coaching my son’s hockey team, and new opportunities the future will hold.”

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