Henry Vernon "Harry" Howell (born December 28, 1932, in Hamilton, Ontario)^[1] is a former professional hockey player and longtime star for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. A stalwart, stay at home defenceman, in 1967 Howell was the last player in the pre-expansion era to win the Norris Trophy,^[2] and famously (and prophetically) said that 'he was glad he won the trophy then, because Bobby Orr would from then on forward.'^[3]

Howell's playing weight was 195 and he stood 6 foot 1 inches tall. He played seventeen years wearing number 3 for the Rangers^[4] then he played another eight years in professional hockey; two with Oakland/California Seals, three with the Los Angeles Kings, and one each with three WHA teams: New York Golden Blades/New Jersey Knights, San Diego Mariners, and Calgary Cowboys.^[5]

Howell played 1411 NHL games and 170 WHA games, scoring 101 goals and 360 assists for 461 points.^[6] He was named a First Team All-Star in 1967, and played in All-Star Games in 1954, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1970. When he left the NHL, Howell had played more games as a defenceman than anyone else, and remains sixth in all time games played as a defenseman. He also holds the record for most games played in the NHL wearing the same New York Rangers sweater: 1160.^[6]

After retirement, he went on to coach the Minnesota North Stars in the 1978-79 season. Also in 1979, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.^[7]

In 1990, he finally won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Edmonton Oilers when he served as a scout.^[8]

Howell's #3, along with Andy Bathgate's #9, was retired by the New York Rangers during a special ceremony prior to the February 22, 2009 match versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.^[9][10]

Also in 2009, Howell was ranked No. 10 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats (John Wiley & Sons).

[edit] Awards and achievements

• 1989–90 - NHL - Stanley Cup (Edmonton)

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] See also

• Captain (ice hockey)
• Hockey Hall of Fame

[edit] Images

Harry Howell, Hockey Hall of Fame

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Harry Howell's biography at Legends of Hockey
• Harry Howell's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• Anderson, Dave. "Two Rangers Sweaters Will Rise Where a Cup Banner Didn't," The New York Times, Sunday, February 22, 2009.