Player's Profile
- Name: Jimmy Howard
- Position: G
- Catches: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 204 lbs
- Birthdate: 1984-03-24
- Eligible for Draft: 2002
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Ogdensburg, New York
- Acquired: Detroit's first choice (64th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
- Playing In: Pro
Jimmy Howard
Prospect Grade: 7.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
History
2001-02: Played with the U.S. National Development program, playing in 26 games while posting a GAA of 1.89 and a save percentage of .933. He also won gold with Team USA at the U-18 World Championships, playing in six games all the while putting up a miniscule 1.33 GAA and a stingy .954 save percentage. His great performances earned him the "USA Hockey Dave Peterson Award" as Goalie of the Year given to the top goaltender in USA Hockey.
2002-03: Howard decided to continue his development with Maine of the NCAA Hockey East. As an 18-year-old freshman, Howard split time with senior Frank Doyle, despite Howard’s record-breaking shutout streak that lasted for over 187 minutes. A bad game against Russia in the world championships seemed to set Howard back for the rest of the season at Maine, although he did manage to win Hockey East’s Rookie of the Year award. This was enough for Detroit to draft Howard with the 64th pick overall.
2003-04: Howard’s sophomore season at Maine was a tumultuous period of highs and lows. 2003-04 saw Howard again splitting time with Doyle, but losing a considerable amount of time due to a freak knee injury incurred during practice. His performance on the ice was up and down, had five shutouts in the final fourteen games of the season and posted 63 saves in a 2-1, three-overtime win over Harvard, yet was pulled after allowing four goals against Massachusetts in the Hockey East finals. Howard ended the season on a bittersweet note -- losing to Denver in the NCAA Championship game, despite only allowing one goal on 20 shots.
2004-05: Howard’s junior year was just as turbulent as his sophomore year as he battled mono early in the campaign. He rebounded nicely after Christmas and led the Black Bears into the NCAA playoffs with his 1.58 GAA and .940 save percentage. His Bears were eliminated again from the post season despite Howard only allowing one goal. Howard finished the season with a 1.92 GAA and .924 save percentage while amassing six shutouts in 36 games.
Talent Analysis
Howard is a big butterfly goalie who covers the net well and plays with poise. He has very good balance and skating ability. A natural talent, Howard shows good concentration and focus while playing. He also has a well developed hockey sense and reads the play well. He is a solid stickhandler who isn't afraid of using his stick to clear the crease. He possesses very quick reflexes both with his glove hand and with his pads. Howard will need to work on his consistency as it´s his biggest downside so far. He will also have to cover the upper part of the net more effectively and increase his rebound control.
Future
May become a starter one day.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: September, 13th 2008
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