The King of Consistency
Hewell's journey began in Hamilton, Ontario, where he honed his skills on the frozen ponds. Drafted by the New York Rangers in 1952, he quickly found his footing in the NHL, known for his effortless skating, pinpoint passes, and uncanny ability to anticipate plays.
For 24 seasons, he donned the Rangers' blue and white, becoming a fixture on the blue line. He averaged over 28 minutes of ice time per game, a testament to his durability and trust from coaches. While not a prolific scorer, his defense was his calling card. He led the league in plus-minus three times, showcasing his knack for keeping pucks out of his own net.
Beyond consistency, Howell was a leader, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. He served as captain for five seasons, guiding the Rangers through both highs and lows, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 1972.
His impact wasn't confined to New York. Representing Canada in international tournaments, he captured two World Championships and an Olympic silver medal, displaying his versatility and skill on the global stage.
Though he left the ice in 1976, Howell's legacy endures. He remains the Rangers' all-time leader in games played by a defenseman (1,109) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.