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Eddie Giacomin
1939 - 2025
Eddie Giacomin
1939 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
Eddie Giacomin Obituary
Born June 6, 1939, in Sudbury, Ontario, Giacomin rose from the minors to become the face of the New York Rangers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He joined the Rangers in 1965 after five seasons with the AHL's Providence Reds.
Giacomin's style was bold and modern. He handled the puck confidently, challenged shooters, and became a six-time All-Star. In 1971, he shared the Vezina Trophy with Gilles Villemure.
He backstopped New York to nine straight playoff berths and a trip to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final. The bond between Giacomin and the Madison Square Garden crowd felt personal. Chants of "Ed-die! Ed-die!" became part of the city's soundtrack.
On November 2, 1975, just after having been waived by the Rangers and claimed by Detroit, Giacomin returned to the Garden in a Red Wings sweater. Fans cheered him over the home team in one of the arena's defining nights.
Across 610 regular-season NHL games, Giacomin won 290 times with 54 shutouts and a 2.82 goals-against average. His No. 1 was retired by the Rangers on March 15, 1989. He entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.
After retiring in 1978, he coached and worked in broadcasting, including stints with the Islanders, Red Wings, and Rangers as a coach.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Michael Stewart/Getty Images)
8 Entries
Craig Maxwell
September 22, 2025
Wow sad to hear of Mr. Giacomin has died. I was fortunate enough as a young child to have parents who took me to see the Rangers play at Madison Square Garden. Eddie was the player who I called my hero. Then when I was eight years old the Rangers traded my hero to Detroit. I was sad and angry. How could they do that to him. From that day until Herb Brookes took over as coach I was a Philadelphia Flyer fan. He will always be my hero and as far as I am concerned the greatest hockey goalie ever. Rest in peace.
Deborah Schmidt
September 21, 2025
In honor of my brother Paul, deceased in 2015, he would want be to pay tribute to his favorite NY Rangers player. We used to cut class in high school and drive out to Long Island and watch him and the rest of the team practice. I remember one day Eddie showed up wearing a wig. We loved him. Condolences to his family and friends.
John Kelley
September 18, 2025
RIP Eddie
RB
September 18, 2025
His place in NHL history was well deserved. The team and fans all loved him. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to the Giacomin family, May God be with you all in your time of loss.
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Bobby Lewis
September 18, 2025
My condolences to your family. May Eddie rest comfortably in the memory of God. God will never forget all the wonderful things Eddie did for others. May God be with your family.
michael maffei
September 17, 2025
Yet another childhood hero and icon gone............Thanks for all the memories Eddie.You were not only our great goalie back in the day but a silent tough one who shed tears on your return to the garden in a Red Wing uniform just hours after your release.The Ranger organization has never lived this down even until this very day.You were also a sweet gentleman and your number 1 will hang in the rafters forever.May God welcome you with open Arms.Condolences to Eddie's family and God Speed.......
Mastro, Frank
September 16, 2025
My Uncle used to take me to the Chicago Blackhawks games at the Old Chicago Stadium in the 60s and on. I remember Eddie Giacomin as the Goalie for the Rangers wearing no mask. He was a brave and fierce competitor who will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
John T. DiGregorio
September 16, 2025
Mr. Giacomin, as a life long Ranger fan I am devastated by your passing. As a young 16 year old goalie I was in Rod Gilbert's hockey school at Skateland in N.Y. in 1969. You were my idol and mentor, as I tried follow your lead in how I played. My school instructor was Gilles Villemure. When tested by Rod Gilbert in the school, I received the biggest complement of my playing career, when Rod said "you play just like Eddie". Since that rink was the practice rink of the Rangers at that time I once waited to see and talk to you. Unfortunately I never got the chance as you rushed to your car and left. God Bless you Sir in heaven as you were and are Loved by so many that you touched through your career. Till we meet again, Love to You and God Bless your family, teammates and friends.
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