As we have heard, “Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die.” Well that sure can be said about Harry Howell, a prominent figure in ice hockey, as a player and a coach.
Estimating all of the New York Rangers’ histories, Harry Howell was the one who played more games, being a Hall of Fame defenseman.
Harry is also specifically known for his smart and steady play during his 21 seasons in the NHL Not to mention, Harry made history as the last stay-at-home defenseman for Norris Trophy.
Moreover, Howell has also been the on-ice mentor to the stars for the great early-1970s Ranger teams. In fact, Harry was a great mentor too.
To illustrate, let’s see the early life of Harry Howell till his death in-depth, starting from quick facts as below:
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Henry Vernon Howell |
| Known as | Harry Howell |
| Nickname | Harry |
| Birth Date | 28 December 1932 |
| Birth Place | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Residence | Ontario, Canada |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | N/A |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Father’s Name | John Vernon |
| Mother’s Name | Dorothy Howell |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Died | 9 March 2019 |
| Height | 6’1″ (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 88 kg (195 lb) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body type | Athletic |
| Profession | Ice Hockey Player |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Marilyn Elizabeth |
| Children | 2 |
| Name of Children | N/A |
| Beginning of Professional Career | 1952 |
| Retirement | 1976 |
| Sports team | Guelph Biltmore’s |
| Coach | 3 Yrs, 72-67-8, 152 Pts. |
| Honors |
|
| Films | Rebel Love (1985), NHL on CBS (1957), and Murder in Coweta Country (1983) |
| Awards | James Norris Memorial Trophy (1967), First All-Star Team Defense (1967) |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $4 million |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Died at the age of | 86 years |
| Merch | Troops Hockey Card, Slabbed Autographed Card |
| Last Update | December, 2024 |
Henry Vernon Howell, better known as Harry Howell, was born on December 28, 1932, in Hamilton. He, unfortunately, passed away on March 10, 2019, in Ancaster, Ontario.
Harry lived with his parents John Vernon (Vern), and his mother, Dorothy Howell. He also had two younger siblings. Additionally, his family owns Howell’s brother’s Furs.
Also, Harry married Marilyn Elizabeth and had two children.
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Harry Howell | Hockey Career
Debuting with the New York Rangers
After winning the Memorial Cup in 1952, he debuted with the New York Rangers. Howell was off to a great start as he scored his first NHL goal against Toronto Maple Leaf’s goalie Harry Lumley.
By his fourth season (1955-56), he made history as the youngest team captain at age 22. He later passed it on to his teammate Red Sullivan in 1957.
Harry immediately carried the reputation of being a durable, dependable “iron man” player. He only missed 20 regular-season games in his first 17 seasons as a Ranger.
During his time with the New York Rangers, he considered him a prized defenseman by his teammates. He was so relentless in his pursuit to be the best that his teammates referred to him as “Harry the Horse.”
Oakland Seals
Harry had a back injury that affected his performance. Later, Harry got spinal fusion surgery in April 1969.
Because of his limitations as a player, the Rangers offered him a position as the team manager.
But, Howell refused to put his days as a player behind. The Oakland Seals were more than happy to fulfill his wishes and offered to “buy” him from the Rangers.
Harry Howell | Achievements
Howell became the first Ranger ever to play 1,000 regular-season games. To honor him, the Rangers hosted a “Harry Howell Night” on January 25, 1967, at Madison Square Garden.
This was also the first time the Rangers had ever held such a grand celebration for one of their players. They even flew out “two planeloads” of his friends and family from Hamilton for his special day.
Howell was also presented with a medallion by the New York City mayor John Lindsay on this big day.
Winning the Norris Memorial Trophy
Howell was at the peak of his career from 1966-67. Meanwhile, this 34-year-old Ranger player had NHL career highs in goals (12. Along with contributing 28 assists and points (40).
Harry Howell also won the James Norris Memorial Trophy annually awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman.
Harry said he was glad to have won that year because someone else might take over in the next decade. And well, he was right. Bobby Orr would be collecting this award for eight consecutive seasons.
Frank Boucher Trophies
Starting from 1965, Howell won three consecutive Frank Boucher Trophies. He is one of the only four Rangers to have committed this feat.
Harry Howell | NHL Seasons & Stats
From 1969-70, Harry played his first season’s seventh all-star game with the Oakland Seals. Later, he played the part of the season with the rebranded California Golden Seals before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
Later, Harry rounded out from National Hockey league Career between 1970-73.
In conclusion, Harry Howell was in 1,411 regular-season games in the NHL, scoring 94 goals with 324 assists.
Additionally, Howell ranked 11th all-time in the NHL for several games played as a defenseman.
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Harry Howell | World Hockey Association
Harry continued to receive offers to lead teams as a manager, but Howell felt he was still energetic and young enough to be on the ice.
Same as with Los Angeles Kings wanted him to coach their Western Hockey League affiliate in Portland, Oregon in 1972-73.
Then Harry gets into the newly established World Hockey Association (WHA) to continue hockey. In 1973, the team relocated to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, later rebranded as the Jersey Knights.
California businessman Joseph Schwartz introduced more about WHA after rebranding the San Diego Mariners in April 1974.
Player-Coach
Starting from the first season in San Diego, Howell played a player-coach leading the Mariners to the playoffs.
As a result, they defeated the Toronto Toros in the first round.
Meanwhile, Harry suffered a shoulder injury in the post-season leading him to retire in September 1975.
He made a slight comeback for the Calgary Cowboys of the WHA in January 1976, but he signed up as a free agent. Until the age of 43, Howell played 31 games with the Cowboys.
Harry Howell | Coach
Harry Howell was an assistant general manager for Cleveland Barons (formerly known as the California Golden Seals) as an assistant general manager on September 10, 1976. He took over for Bill McCreary, who was fired.
Likewise, Harry coached Team Canada at the 1978 world championship in Prague, Czechoslovakia. And there, they finished with a bronze medal.
The Cleveland Barons went on to merge with the Minnesota North Stars. Howell was appointed as a coach for the revamped north Starts franchise on July 5.
Here, Howell served as a coach for 11 games in the 1978-79 season.
Harry Howell | Scout
Some speculate that Harry was not satisfied with himself as a coach and retired to be the team’s chief scout.
In 1987, Howell entered a professional scouting position with the Edmonton Oilers. They were even a part of the 1990 Stanley cup-winning team.
In 2000, Howell followed the footsteps of manager Glen Sather from the Oilers up to the New York Rangers. Harry continued scouting till 2005 before officially retiring at the age of 71.
Besides hockey, Harry was also in movies like Rebel Love (1985), NHL on CBS (1957), and Murder in Coweta County (1983).
Harry Howell | Net Worth
Despite Harry having never confessed his actual net worth, famous hockey players estimated Net Worth is $1 million – $4 million, the same might be of Harry Howell.
Although never disclosed, Howell’s net worth is estimated at $1 million – $4 million as this is the general net worth of most famous hockey players during his time.
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Harry Howell | Cause of Death
This Legendary player and coach, Harry, the Hall of fame defenseman, died at the age of 86 on March 9, 2019. It was just a month after the demise of his beloved wife, Marilyn Elizabeth.
Howell’s fans honored him with heartfelt condolences. He was an iconic coach and a legendary player.
Obituary
Harry had a successful career in NHL, but his first priority was always his family. Howell was an utterly balanced man who knew how to ace both on and office.
To honor Howell, an arena in Flamborough (previously named Wentworth Twin Pad) was changed to “Harry Howell Arena”.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Are Harry Holt and Harry Howell related?
Australian politician Harry Holt and Canadian hockey player Harry Howell are not related. Harry Hold was the 17th prime minister of Australia and a leader of the liberal party.
