Ron Howell was a standout in two sports, football and hockey. Howell played his junior hockey in Guelph and was called up for four games by the New York Rangers in 1954 and 1955.  Howell continued to play hockey at the minor pro and senior level while also playing in the CFL.  Hockey talent apparently ran in the family as Ron Howell's brother was Harry HOwell who had a long NHL career that included a James Norris trophy as the outstanding defenseman in the NHL.  Howell joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1955 which was the start of a career that lasted until 1966. Like several other players from that era, Howell played both offense and defense.  Early in his career, Howell was better known for his offensive talent, but shifted to play almost esclusively on defence in the latter half of his career. While Howell didn't pile up league leading stats offensively, he was very much an impact, big play guy on offense.  In his rookie season, he had only 17 carries, but one was a 50 yard gallop for a touchdown and he caught two touchdown passes among his six pass receptions.  Howell was also used extensively on kick returns and had 53 punt returns in his rookie season for 580 yards, including a 90 yard return for a touchdown.  In 1957, Howell had an 83 yard punt return for a touchdown, in 1958 he had a 69 yard punt return for a touchdown and in 1959, he had two punt returns for touchdowns including an 82 yard gallop. Those five touchdowns on punt returns are even more impressive when you recall there was no blocking on punts in that era. Howell's impact was also felt on defense.  In 1958, Howell had two interceptions, including one that he returned 50 yards for a touchdown.  Offensively, Howell's best years were 1958 and 1959.  In 1958, Howell was fifth in the East in pass receiving with 34 catches for 756 yard, and in 1959 he had 25 catches for 624 yards.  Howell was an East All-Star in both years, at Flying Wing in 1958 and the newly named Flanker position in 1959.  Howell was also named the Outstanding Canadian in 1958.  Howell's excellent play in 1958 continued into the Grey Cup against Winnipeg when Howell caught 12 and 36 yard passes from Bernie Faloney for touchdowns.  Unfortunatley for Howell, the Bombers beat Hamilton that year 35-28 in a game played in Vancouver.  Howell saw much less action on offensie in the next few years, but had three interceptions as a defensive back in 1961 and another three in 1962.  Howell went to BC partway through the 1962 season.  After not playing football in 1963, Howell returned to the CFL in 1964 and played two years with the Argos in 1964 and 1965, and one year with Montreal in 1966.  Howell recorded 11 interceptions in those three years, including 5 in both 1964 and his final season in 1966.  Ron Howell passed away on March 16, 1992.

Complete Hockey Stats for Ron Howell