Jimmy Howard was born March 26, 1984, in Ogdensburg, NY. The second round, 64th overall selection of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Howard is a graduate of the US National Jr. Team.
In the fall of 2002 Howard enrolled at the University of Maine where he played three seasons with the club before opting to turn professional in 2005. After three strong seasons of collegiate hockey, Howard would make his NHL debut with Detroit during the 2005-06 season, while seeing the majority of his playing time with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. After spending the entire season in Grand Rapids, Howard saw action if four games with the Red Wings during the 2007-08 NHL season.
Howard won the Red Wings starting position during the 2009-10 season. He would appear in 63 games for the club, posting a record of 37-15-10 to go along with a 2.26 goals-against-average and a .924 save percentage. His strong play was recognized at year's end when he was nominated for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best first-year player.
In 2012-13, Howard set new career-bests with a 2.13 goals-against-average, helping the Red Wings to a post-season berth.
During the 2014–15 season, Howard recorded a 16–7–7 record, with a 2.11 goals-against-average and a .921 save percentage prior to the NHL All-Star break. He was named to the All-Star Team, but he was unable to play due to a groin tear. He would go on to miss five weeks of action and would struggle to regain his form upon his return.
On the international stage, Howard has represented the United States at the World Junior Championship, the World Championships as well as at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
