Career
Howard lost both of his legs at the age of 15. In 1996, he was introduced to ice sledge hockey, and competed in his first Winter Paralympics at the 1998. At those games, the United States of America 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.
Going undefeated (6-0), outscoring opponents 26-6 in the tournament. Joe was named Most Valuable Player of the Gold Medal game.
Scoring three goals and adding one assistant 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 United States of America"s victory over Estonia, he proposed to his girlfriend of five years Carol Tribuna on the center of the rink. Howard had both assists, and helped earn his second Paralympic Gold Medal Currently the only person in the world with two Paralympic Gold Medals in the sport of Sledge Hockey.
