The National Hockey League mourns the passing of legendary defenseman, consummate professional, and Hockey Hall of Famer Harry Howell. He will be remembered not only for his consistency and leadership on the ice but the ultimate class with which he carried himself.
As the New York Rangers' all-time leader in games played, Harry the Horse was the definition of dependability, missing only 17 games in his first 16 seasons with the Blueshirts. Howell won the Norris Trophy in 1966-67 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 following an NHL career that comprised 1,411 games over 21 seasons. In 2009, the Rangers retired his jersey No. 3 to the rafters of Madison Square Garden.
The pride of Hamilton, Ontario, Howell was humble and kind. He and his beloved wife of 64 years, Marilyn, who passed away last month, were pillars of the communities in which they resided. We send our deepest condolences to the Howell family as they - along with the entire hockey world - grieve the loss of a universally-admired player and gentleman.
