Eddie Giacomin, a legendary goaltender enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and an iconic figure in the history of the New York Rangers during the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away at the age of 86 due to natural causes, as confirmed by a Rangers spokesperson. The NHL Alumni Association spokesperson also conveyed the news of Giacomin’s passing at his residence on Sunday evening.
Known for his stellar performances, Giacomin was often serenaded by chants of ‘Ed-die! Ed-die!’ from the enthusiastic crowds at Madison Square Garden. The NHL expressed its condolences to Giacomin’s family, friends, and the numerous fans who were captivated by his illustrious career.
Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Giacomin was a six-time All-Star and clinched the prestigious Vezina Trophy for the league’s top goaltender in the 1970-71 season. His tenure with the Rangers spanned over a decade, from 1965 to 1976, culminating in a memorable appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in 1972. Notably, his jersey number ‘1’ was retired and hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden since 1989.
The Rangers paid tribute to Giacomin, emphasizing that he epitomized the spirit of the team and stating, “Eddie is synonymous with our organization’s rich history.” Following his time with the Rangers, Giacomin concluded his career with the Detroit Red Wings, amassing 290 victories and a notable .902 save percentage before retiring in 1978. His remarkable contributions to the sport were duly recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1987.