Former University of Maine standout and Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard announced his retirement on Instagram on Thursday after 14 seasons in the National Hockey League.
Howard, 36, was a free agent and didn’t sign anywhere during the offseason. He finishes his career at 246-196-70 with a 2.62 goals against average and 25 shutouts in 543 games. He played his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings. He had a career worst 4.20 GAA and an .882 save percentage in 2019-20, forcing Detroit to look elsewhere for goalie help. He helped backstop the Wings to seven straight playoff appearances from 2009-10 to 2015-16. He also made two All-Star games, most recently during the 2018-19 season.
Howard also played three seasons at Maine, leading the Black Bears to the 2003-04 NCAA Div I National Championship Game in Boston and a 1-0 loss to Denver. He set team and league records while playing in Orono. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to play and 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,” Howard wrote on Instagram.
