CORALVILLE, Iowa – Justin Howard won an Illinois high school state championship in 2019 and is hoping that successful pedigree translates over to the college level.
A sophomore goaltender with the University of Iowa hockey team, Howard has been on the ice since second grade. Back home in the Chicago area, Howard played AA hockey for the Sabres, Huskies and Cyclones and AAA hockey for the Chicago Fury in addition to helping Metea/Waubonsie Valley to the combined high school title three seasons ago.
The native of Naperville, Ill., was recruited to the Hawkeyes by general manager Kevin Brooks.
“I enjoy being able to represent a serious Big Ten club team and wear the popular Hawkeyes logo and colors,” Howard said. “I feel that we have a very good team with a lot of talent. I expect us to be making a run at nationals this year. I would really like to help Iowa win a national championship before I graduate.”
Off the ice, Howard is majoring in Finance.
This weekend, the Hawkeyes play a home-and-home series with Iowa State, starting Friday at 7 p.m. from ISU/Ames Arena and wrapping at Xtream Arena Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
General admission tickets for the game at Xtream Arena are available at https://fevo.me/heartlandershawkeye while student tickets (must have UI email address) are available at https://fevo.me/heartlandershawkeyestudent.
Please note that ticket prices include the 7 p.m. Iowa Heartlanders-Toledo Walleye ECHL game.
“We have been practicing very hard for this upcoming Iowa State series,” said Howard. “I feel that we have a very talented group of guys, and our efforts will show in the upcoming series.”