Harry Howell

The Quiet Backbone of a Generation on the Blue Line

In a sport filled with flash, fire, and ferocity, Harry Howell built a career on the virtues of steadiness, intelligence, and poise. He wasn’t the most physical defenseman. He didn’t rack up scoring titles. But night after night, season after season, Harry Howell was the rock upon which coaches could build a lineup.

A true defensive defenseman in every sense of the term, Howell played the game with dignity, skill, and remarkable endurance. He didn’t need headlines. He earned the respect of his teammates, opponents, and coaches through reliability, leadership, and elite hockey sense. Over the course of 25 professional seasons, he became synonymous with consistency—an ironman in an era where longevity was hard-earned and rarely rewarded.

When the game was chaotic, Howell brought calm. And by the time he hung up his skates, he had quietly become one of the most respected and decorated defensemen in NHL history.

From Hamilton to Hockey's Highest Level

Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1932, Henry Vernon "Harry" Howell came up during the golden era of Canadian hockey development. He played his junior hockey with the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters, a New York Rangers affiliate, where his polished skating and positional discipline made him stand out. It was clear early on that Howell had a deep understanding of the game—a knack for being in the right place, making the smart play, and absorbing pressure without panic.

He made his NHL debut at the age of 19 with the New York Rangers in the 1952–53 season. While the Rangers were far from a powerhouse during that era, Howell stood out immediately as a dependable presence on the back end. He would go on to anchor the Rangers’ defense for the next 17 seasons, through rebuilding years and brief playoff runs, always serving as the team’s steadying force.

Career Stats and Accomplishments

• NHL Games Played: 1,411
• NHL Goals: 94
• NHL Assists: 324
• NHL Points: 418
• NHL Seasons: 21 (1952–1973)
• Norris Trophy Winner (Best Defenseman): 1966–67
• NHL First All-Star Team: 1 selection
• NHL Second All-Star Team: 5 selections
• Rangers Captain: 1955–1957
• Played in the WHA from 1973–1976 (with San Diego Mariners and Calgary Cowboys)
• Professional Games Played (NHL + WHA): 1,581
• New York Rangers jersey #3 retired in 2009
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1979

Moments and Milestones in a Quietly Great Career

The Last Pre-Orr Norris Trophy Winner
In 1967, Howell won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman—fittingly, just before Bobby Orr would take over the award for the next eight consecutive seasons. In his acceptance speech, Howell famously quipped, “I might as well enjoy this now, because I expect this will be Bobby’s from here on out.” He was right—but that single Norris win cemented Howell’s reputation as the league’s premier stay-at-home defenseman in a rapidly changing NHL.

Ironman of the Original Six Era
Howell retired as the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman, appearing in 1,411 NHL contests—a staggering total, particularly in the bruising, condensed 70-game seasons of the Original Six era. He missed remarkably few games over his career, and his durability was legendary. In a sport known for attrition, Howell was a fixture.

Transitioning into the WHA and Mentorship
In the twilight of his playing days, Howell transitioned to the World Hockey Association, joining the San Diego Mariners and later the Calgary Cowboys. While he wasn’t the player he once was, his presence in the WHA was a steadying influence on young players. He became a mentor to rising stars, helping bridge the generations and lending legitimacy to the upstart league.

Collecting Harry Howell: Notable Cards from a Hall of Fame Career

1954 Topps #5 – Rookie Card
One of the earliest and most sought-after cards in Howell’s portfolio, this issue captures him at the very beginning of his NHL journey with the Rangers. With its classic layout and bright design, this is the centerpiece for any serious Howell collection.

1957 Topps #15
A beautifully designed mid-career card that captures Howell during his peak years. Known for clean photography and rich coloring, it’s a favorite among vintage collectors focused on Original Six legends.

1972–73 O-Pee-Chee #230
Howell’s final NHL card as a member of the Oakland Seals. This card bookends his NHL career and holds historical value as a reminder of just how long his career spanned.

Legacy: The Gold Standard of Defensive Discipline

Harry Howell’s greatness was not in bursts of brilliance, but in the accumulation of excellence—shift after shift, game after game, season after season. He was the type of player who never drew attention to himself, but whose absence was felt the moment he wasn’t on the ice. Coaches trusted him, teammates leaned on him, and opponents respected him—even when they couldn’t get past him.

He played through three decades of evolution in the NHL, from the rugged days of the Original Six to the fast-paced expansion era. And through it all, he never lost his identity: a cerebral, composed, and quietly dominant defenseman who always put team success ahead of personal accolades.

When the New York Rangers finally retired his jersey in 2009, they honored more than just a great player—they honored a symbol of stability. For a franchise that went decades without a championship, Howell was a reminder of integrity, loyalty, and excellence through adversity.

In a sport that often rewards flash and offense, Harry Howell showed that there is something deeply admirable—and timeless—about a player who shows up, does his job, and leaves the ice just a little better than he found it. He was a professional in every sense of the word, and one of the most respected players to ever lace up skates.

Harry Howell wasn’t loud, but his career spoke volumes.