Joe Howard (sledge hockey)


Joseph "Momo" Howard is an ice sledge hockey player from United States. Howard lost both of his legs at the age of 15. In 1982, he was introduced to ice sledge hockey, and competed in his first Winter Paralympics at the 1998. At those games, the USA came in seventh place but Howard set a record with six goals in one match. At the 2002 Winter Paralympics, Howard contributed with three points in a 5-1 defeat of Canada. In the Gold Medal game, After an overtime shootout victory, the Americans prevailed defeating defending champions Norway 4-3.
Going undefeated, outscoring opponents 26-6 in the tournament.
Joe was named MVP of the Gold Medal game. Scoring three goals and adding one assist. He was named a first team all-star.
Howard's hard-fought first-place finish was extra special. He fulfilled a promise he made to his mother, who was unable to attend as she was ill with cancer, by winning the Gold. Following the USA's victory over Estonia, he proposed to his girlfriend of five years Carol Tribuna on the center of the rink. He took part in the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver, where USA won gold. Going undefeated and not allowing a goal during the tournament, outscoring their opponents 19-0, They beat Japan 2-0 in the final. Howard had both assists, and helped earn his second Paralympic Gold Medal

Awards and honors