It's the end of an era in the Motor City, as former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard officially announced his retirement, and thanked the fans of the city on his social media account.
He's the third winningest goaltender in franchise history, behind only Chris Osgood and Terry Sawchuck. In 14 seasons, he compiled a 246-196-70 career record with a 2.62 goals-against average and 24 shutouts in 543 games.
He joined John Keating and Chris Osgood on Fox Sports Detroit‘s broadcast of tonight's tilt against the Dallas Stars, and went a bit further into his decision to hand up the pads.
“I don't know if it was much of a secret,” he said. “Elliotte Friedman kind of leaked it there on CBC not too long ago. I just knew there was a stretch after Thanksgiving and the 1st week of December that I sat (my wife)Rachel down and I was like, ‘Look, I'm done. Im sick and tired of being hit by pucks. It's just not any fun anymore.'”
“I'm ready to move on and be around the house more and coach my boy's team.”
Howard did receive a call from former Red Wings GM Ken Holland, who now fills that role with the Edmonton Oilers. However, Howard told Holland that he was happy with how his retirement was going so far, and didn't have any interest in heading up to northern Canada.
“Kenny did reach out,” Howard said. “I told him he was a little late to the party, I was going to be announcing my retirement soon.”
You can watch the full segment of Howard on FSN below:
After 14 seasons in the NHL, all with the @DetroitRedWings, goaltender Jimmy Howard has announced his retirement from pro hockey. He joins us on Red Wings LIVE to chat with Keats & Ozzie about what led to his decision and the all important question: What comes next? #LGRW pic.twitter.com/dYD9wbzhCW
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 29, 2021
We'll miss having Howard with the Red Wings, and wish him the best of luck in his retirement and future endeavors.
