Eddie Giacomin, the legendary New York Rangers goalie whose acrobatic saves and magnetic personality endeared him to a generation of fans, passed away on Sunday at his home in Birmingham, Mich., at the age of 86. His death, confirmed by his daughter, Nancy Schwartz, marks the end of an era for hockey enthusiasts who remember his pivotal role in the Rangers’ resurgence during the late 1960s and early 1970s. A Hall of Famer, Giacomin left an indelible mark on the sport, leading the N.H.L. in shutouts and single-season victories three times and co-winning the Vezina Trophy.
His career was characterized by a unique blend of skill, daring, and an unparalleled connection with the Madison Square Garden faithful. Giacomin’s journey from a young prospect to one of the league’s most recognizable figures is a testament to his perseverance and talent, overcoming early challenges to achieve professional acclaim. His contributions extended beyond mere statistics, shaping the identity of a franchise and inspiring countless fans with his passionate play and unmistakable presence in the net.
This article offers an in-depth look at the life and extraordinary career of Eddie Giacomin, exploring the pivotal moments that defined his time in the N.H.L. We will trace his path from his early days and his unexpected arrival in New York to his transformative years as the Rangers’ cornerstone, highlighting the defining characteristics of his play and the successes he brought to a team longing for glory. His story is one of a true original, whose impact reverberated far beyond the confines of the rink.
1. Early Life and Hockey Aspirations
Edward Giacomin’s remarkable journey began on June 6, 1939, in Sudbury, Ontario, a region renowned for its rich hockey heritage. Born to Antonio and Cesira (Bartolucci) Giacomin, his parents were immigrants from Italy, instilling in him a strong work ethic from an early age. His father, a construction worker, rose to the position of foreman, providing a foundation of diligence and determination that would come to define Eddie’s professional life.
From a young age, Giacomin harbored ambitions of playing professional hockey, a dream that fueled his early endeavors in the sport. His path, however, was not without significant challenges, testing his resolve before his career truly began to flourish. These formative experiences undoubtedly shaped the resilient goaltender he would become.
In the summer of 1959, following his first season in the Eastern Hockey League, Giacomin faced a life-altering event. He incurred serious burns to his legs and feet in a kitchen fire, an injury that could have derailed his aspirations permanently. Despite the severity of his condition, which required skin grafts, he demonstrated extraordinary determination by returning to the league that very autumn, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. It was through his brother Rollie, also a goaltender, that an initial opportunity arose with the Eastern Hockey League’s Washington Presidents, setting the stage for his professional entry.
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2. Path to the NHL and the Rangers
Before reaching the pinnacle of professional hockey, Giacomin honed his skills in various leagues, a common trajectory for many aspiring players of his era. He played for Clinton, Washington, and New York of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League, and for Montreal in the Eastern Professional Hockey League. This period of development allowed him to refine his technique and gain valuable experience against seasoned competitors.
His consistent performance eventually led him to the American Hockey League, where he played for the Providence Reds for five seasons, starting in 1960. During his tenure with the Reds, Giacomin established himself as a reliable and formidable goaltender, drawing attention from N.H.L. scouts. His talent was undeniable, making him a prime target for teams looking to bolster their netminding.
The New York Rangers recognized his potential and, on May 18, 1965, made a significant move to acquire him, giving up four players in the trade. By this point, Giacomin was already 26 years old, considered a relatively late age to reach the N.H.L. He made an initial impression but struggled in his first season with the last-place Rangers, finishing the 1965-66 campaign with an 8-20 record and six ties, even experiencing a demotion to Baltimore of the AHL for seven games. This early adversity would soon give way to an unprecedented ascent.
Read more about: Eddie Giacomin, Rangers Goalie and Hall of Famer, Dies at 86: A Look Back at an Enduring Legacy
3. Breaking Through: The 1966-67 Season
Despite the initial challenges of his first N.H.L. season, Eddie Giacomin returned for the 1966-67 campaign with renewed vigor and determination. It was during this pivotal season that he truly “blossomed as a star,” establishing himself as a formidable presence in the Rangers’ net. His performance not only elevated his own career but also signaled a new era for the New York franchise.
In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, Giacomin was selected as a first-team all-N.H.L. player that season, marking the first of his six career All-Star Game selections. He showcased his dominance by leading the N.H.L. in both wins, with an impressive 30 victories, and shutouts, recording a career-high nine clean sheets. These statistics underscored his emergence as one of the league’s elite goaltenders.
His exceptional play had an immediate and profound impact on the team’s fortunes. Giacomin’s stellar season helped the Rangers break a long-standing four-season playoff drought, propelling them back into contention for the Stanley Cup. This breakthrough year not only cemented his place with the Rangers but also solidified his standing as a rising force within the National Hockey League, proving that his earlier struggles were merely a prelude to greatness.
4. All-Star Selections and Vezina Trophy
Eddie Giacomin’s exceptional talent and consistent performance were widely recognized throughout the National Hockey League, leading to numerous accolades during his illustrious career. Following his breakthrough 1966-67 season, he was selected for the first of his six N.H.L. All-Star Games. He went on to be named an All-Star five straight times between 1967 and 1971, a testament to his sustained excellence and dominance in the league.
His statistical achievements further highlighted his stature as an elite goaltender. Giacomin led the N.H.L. in shutouts and single-season victories three times, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver winning performances. These impressive numbers underscored his pivotal role in the Rangers’ success, providing a backbone of reliability that few goalies could match.
Perhaps the pinnacle of his individual recognition came in the 1970-71 season when he shared the coveted Vezina Trophy with his Rangers teammate Gilles Villemure. This prestigious award, given to the league’s best goaltender, was presented to them for recording the lowest goals-against average in the N.H.L. during a season when the Rangers collectively allowed the fewest goals. Beyond the Vezina, Giacomin was also named to the first all-N.H.L. team twice and the second team three times, cementing his place among the finest goaltenders of his generation.
5. The Quest for the Stanley Cup
While Eddie Giacomin brought unprecedented stability and success to the New York Rangers, the ultimate prize in professional hockey, the Stanley Cup, remained tantalizingly out of reach throughout his career. Despite assembling a formidable team and achieving consistent playoff berths, the Rangers, with Giacomin in net, faced formidable opponents in their quest for a championship that had eluded the franchise since 1940.
Following the 1970-71 season, the Rangers secured their first postseason series win since 1950, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs. This victory propelled them deeper into the playoffs, where they came within one win of reaching the Stanley Cup Final before ultimately losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. The taste of near-victory only intensified the team’s, and Giacomin’s, desire for the Cup.
The closest Giacomin came to lifting the fabled trophy was in 1972, when the Rangers reached the Stanley Cup finals, bolstered by his stellar play alongside stars like Jean Ratelle, Rod Gilbert, Vic Hadfield, and Brad Park. However, their championship dreams were “denied its first Stanley Cup championship since 1940 when the Boston Bruins defeated the team in six games in the 1972 playoff final.” This defeat was a bitter pill for a team that had given so much.
Subsequent playoff runs in the next three years, including losses in the 1973 and 1974 Semifinals and an upset by the third-year New York Islanders in the 1975 Preliminary Round, further underscored the elusive nature of the Cup. For Giacomin, the longing for a championship was profound. He articulated this sentiment powerfully, stating, “If I had the bottle, the genie, the one wish, it would be to see the Stanley Cup carried around Madison Square Garden, and by the Rangers. My life would be just about complete.” His career, filled with individual and team successes, was always shadowed by this unfulfilled ultimate aspiration.
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6. The Abrupt Departure from Broadway
The narrative of Eddie Giacomin’s remarkable tenure with the New York Rangers took an unexpected and emotionally charged turn on Halloween night in 1975. General Manager and coach Emile Francis summoned Giacomin, delivering news that would stun the hockey world: he was being sent to the Detroit Red Wings on waivers. This decision, aimed at overhauling the roster, ripped a beloved icon from the team after a decade of unparalleled dedication.
Giacomin later recounted the profound shock, describing it as if he “had fallen through a trap door and was tumbling in space.” The emotional weight was immense, particularly as his wife waited in their car, unaware of the life-altering conversation. He expressed deep disorientation, unable to comprehend what he had “done wrong” to warrant such a departure.
At 36, Giacomin was still a formidable presence, holding the Rangers’ franchise record with 267 regular-season victories. His removal was part of a larger strategic shift by Francis, who sought to make room for emerging talent, notably John Davidson. This pragmatic business maneuver left a void felt deeply by the team and its devoted fan base.
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7. The Unforgettable Return to Madison Square Garden
Just two nights after the wrenching news of his departure, Eddie Giacomin found himself back on the ice at Madison Square Garden, wearing the unfamiliar red jersey of the Detroit Red Wings. The atmosphere that evening, November 2, 1975, transcended a mere hockey game; it became an unprecedented outpouring of affection and grief from a heartbroken fan base. As Giacomin stood with his new teammates for the national anthem, the customary solemnity was shattered by a deafening, unified chant: “Eddie! Eddie!”
The emotional crescendo was overwhelming. Fans drowned out the national anthem with their heartfelt cries, a spontaneous tribute that brought the veteran goaltender to tears. Giacomin, visibly moved, raised his stick twice in a futile plea for silence, his face streaked with emotion. This powerful demonstration underscored the unparalleled bond he shared with the Garden faithful.
Throughout the game, the chants persisted, particularly when Giacomin turned away shots from his former teammates. Even the Rangers players seemed affected; Steve Vickers later recalled being booed for scoring and apologizing to Eddie. The Red Wings, perhaps fueled by the unique energy, ultimately defeated the Rangers 6-4, with Giacomin securing the victory against his former club.
The poignant return cemented its place as one of the most enduring moments in New York hockey history, a testament to his indelible impact. The fans’ fury was also directed at Emile Francis, who, as he recalled, heard chants of “Kill the Cat!” — invoking his own nickname — a clear signal of their displeasure with management.
Read more about: Eddie Giacomin, Rangers Goalie and Hall of Famer, Dies at 86: A Look Back at an Enduring Legacy
8. **Subsequent Career, Retirement, and Enduring Statistics
Following his dramatic departure from the Rangers, Eddie Giacomin embarked on the final chapter of his playing career with the Detroit Red Wings. His tenure in Detroit, spanning three seasons, saw him in sporadic action, marking a different phase for the once-unquestioned starter as he adapted to a more varied role. His presence in the league, however, continued to be a testament to his remarkable longevity.
Giacomin officially retired from the National Hockey League after the 1977-78 season, concluding an illustrious career that spanned 13 seasons. His final statistics reflected a legacy of consistent excellence and durability. He finished with a career record of 290 wins, 209 losses, and 96 ties, alongside a respectable 2.82 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.
Notably, Giacomin amassed a total of 54 career shutouts, with 49 coming during his dominant years with the New York Rangers and the remaining five in Detroit. His 267 regular-season victories for the Rangers stood as a franchise record at the time of his departure. His overall career wins total of 290 solidified his standing as one of the most successful goaltenders of his era.
Read more about: Eddie Giacomin, Rangers Goalie and Hall of Famer, Dies at 86: A Look Back at an Enduring Legacy
9. **A Place Among the Immortals: Hall of Fame Induction
The profound impact of Eddie Giacomin’s career was officially recognized in 1987 when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This esteemed honor cemented his place among hockey’s all-time greats, acknowledging his statistical achievements, revolutionary style, and enduring influence on the game. His induction highlighted a career defined by innovation, resilience, and a magnetic presence in the net.
The Hockey Hall of Fame celebrated Giacomin as “a true original,” acknowledging his pioneering approach to goaltending. The NHL’s official statement underscored how he “revolutionized the game with his smooth stick handling, setting a standard for future goaltenders.” This recognition validated what many had long observed: Giacomin was not merely a stopper of pucks, but an active participant in the flow of the game, elevating the position.
His induction also served as a moment of reflection on a career that transcended statistics. It honored the goaltender who brought the Rangers back from years of stagnation, who routinely faced the toughest shots without a mask for much of his career, and who inspired an entire generation of fans. His place in the Hall of Fame ensures his legacy as a transformative figure will be celebrated for generations.
10. **The Banner in the Rafters: Jersey Retirement
Further solidifying his iconic status, Eddie Giacomin became only the second player in New York Rangers history, after Rod Gilbert, to have his jersey number retired. On March 15, 1989, his No. 1 jersey was solemnly hoisted to the rafters of Madison Square Garden, a permanent tribute to his unparalleled contributions. The ceremony was a powerful moment, allowing fans to once again celebrate their hero.
The significance of the jersey retirement was not lost on Giacomin, who humbly told The New York Times, “I dreamed about playing in the NHL, but one could never dream about this happening. It just couldn’t have entered your mind.” This sentiment captured the genuine surprise and profound gratitude of a player whose dedication and passion earned him a place in the pantheon of Rangers legends.
Phil Esposito, then the Rangers’ general manager, remarked, “Eddie was an incredible competitor, and he simply may have been the most popular player ever for the Rangers.” This observation encapsulated the unique bond Giacomin forged with the fans. The No. 1 banner serves as a constant reminder of the goaltender who defined an era and ignited the passion of a city.
11. **Post-Playing Contributions and Continued Engagement
Even after hanging up his skates, Eddie Giacomin remained an active and influential figure within the hockey community. He transitioned into various roles that allowed him to continue sharing his passion and expertise, demonstrating a desire to contribute to the game he loved in new capacities. His post-playing career reflected a sustained commitment to the sport.
Initially, Giacomin channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into owning a sports bar in suburban Detroit. This was a natural extension of his deep connection to the sports world. However, his expertise and personable demeanor soon drew him back into the professional hockey arena.
He notably served as a broadcaster for the New York Islanders, offering insights to a new generation. Perhaps most significantly, Giacomin dedicated substantial time to coaching, bringing his unique perspective to future goaltenders. He held assistant coaching stints with both the Islanders and the Red Wings, and notably had two separate tenures as a goaltender coach for his beloved New York Rangers, ensuring his influence continued to shape the sport.
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14. An Enduring Icon: The Heart of the Rangers
Eddie Giacomin’s legacy extends far beyond statistics and awards; he remains an enduring icon, the very embodiment of the New York Rangers’ spirit for an entire generation. His indelible connection with the Madison Square Garden faithful, immortalized by the “Eddie! Eddie!” chants and his emotional return, speaks volumes about his profound impact. He personified what it meant to be a Ranger, both to his teammates and to the Blueshirts faithful.
Rod Gilbert, another Rangers legend, famously declared Giacomin “the heart of their team,” a sentiment echoed by the organization itself: “You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie.” This profound respect stemmed not just from his saves, but from his daring, vocal leadership, maskless courage, and unwavering dedication to a franchise he elevated from obscurity to perennial contention.
Despite all his personal accolades and team successes, the Stanley Cup remained his ultimate, unfulfilled aspiration. His poignant wish, “If I had the bottle, the genie, the one wish, it would be to see the Stanley Cup carried around Madison Square Garden, and by the Rangers. My life would be just about complete,” captures the depth of his yearning for team glory over individual triumph. Though he never lifted the Cup, his dedication made him all the more human and relatable.
Even the controversial departure from the Rangers, which initially caused anguish, can be viewed through appreciation. Giacomin himself, reflecting later on Emile Francis’s decision, mused, “It’s a funny way, but maybe it was his way of saying thank you.” This perspective speaks to his character and his ultimate acceptance of a pivotal moment that, paradoxically, strengthened his legend in New York.
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The No. 1 jersey hanging in the Garden rafters is more than just a retired number; it is a permanent symbol of a player who transcended the game, becoming a cherished part of New York’s cultural fabric. Eddie Giacomin was a competitor, a showman, a leader, and above all, a beloved Ranger whose spirit will forever resonate within the walls of Madison Square Garden and in the hearts of those who remember his extraordinary journey.
