Ed Giacomin, a name that resonates with the heart of hockey history, carved a legendary career as a goaltender, primarily with the New York Rangers. Known for his acrobatic, stand-up style and pioneering puck-handling skills, he was a beloved figure at Madison Square Garden. Giacomin’s tenure in the NHL during the 1960s and 1970s saw him become a six-time All-Star and a Vezina Trophy winner. His impact transcended statistics; he was the fiery competitor and emotional backbone of his team, forever etching his name in the annals of the sport and the hearts of Rangers faithful.
Eddie Giacomin Overview
| Full Name | Edward Giacomin |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Sudbury, Ontario, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Goaltender |
| Teams | New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings |
| Playing Career | 1959–1978 |
| Spouse | Margaret Wilder (divorced) |
| Children | Two sons, Mark and David, and one daughter |
| Net Worth (2025 estimate) | Estimated in the low millions |
Early Life and Education of Eddie Giacomin
Edward “Eddie” Giacomin was born on June 6, 1939, in the hockey-loving city of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Growing up, he was one of five children born to Cesira and Antonio Giacomin. From a young age, Giacomin was passionate about sports, with a particular love for football and pond hockey. His journey to the NHL was one of perseverance and overcoming significant adversity. As a teenager, he suffered severe burns to his legs in a kitchen accident, with doctors doubting he would ever skate again. However, his incredible determination saw him not only recover but continue to chase his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.
His entry into professional hockey was almost accidental. The Washington Presidents of the Eastern Hockey League had initially sought out his older brother, Rollie, who was also a goaltender. Due to work commitments, Rollie couldn’t attend and suggested Eddie go in his place. This opportunity was the first step in a long and storied career. Before making it to the NHL, Giacomin honed his skills for five full seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Reds, where he became a star player.
Eddie Giacomin’s Career
The Providence Reds and NHL Beginnings
During the Original Six era of the NHL, securing one of the six starting goaltender positions was incredibly difficult. Giacomin starred for the Providence Reds for five seasons, establishing himself as a top minor-league goalie. His impressive play caught the attention of several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers. In May 1965, the Rangers, under the direction of General Manager Emile Francis, traded four players to Providence to acquire the 25-year-old netminder. His rookie season with the Rangers was challenging; he struggled with consistency and was even briefly demoted to the AHL. However, Francis’s faith in him never wavered.
Rise to Stardom with the New York Rangers
The 1966-67 season marked Giacomin’s true arrival in the NHL. He returned to the Rangers with a renewed focus and quickly became the team’s cornerstone. He led the league in wins (30) and shutouts (nine), was named a First-Team All-Star, and guided the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in five years. This began a stretch of nine consecutive playoff appearances for the franchise with Giacomin in net.
A classic stand-up goaltender, Giacomin was also renowned for his aggressive and innovative puck-handling, often leaving his crease to play the puck like a third defenseman. His acrobatic and fearless style made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden, where chants of “Ed-die! Ed-die!” became a familiar sound. For four straight years, from 1967 to 1970, he led the NHL in games played. In the 1970-71 season, he and his goaltending partner, Gilles Villemure, shared the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goaltenders. The following year, Giacomin backstopped the Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final, though they ultimately lost to the Boston Bruins.
The Emotional Departure and Time with Detroit Red Wings
By 1975, the Rangers were looking to rebuild with younger players. On October 31, 1975, in a move that shocked and angered the fanbase, the team placed the beloved veteran on waivers. He was quickly claimed by the Detroit Red Wings. In a dramatic turn of events, his first game with his new team was just two nights later, back at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers.
That night remains one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the history of the arena. As Giacomin skated onto the ice in a Red Wings jersey, the New York crowd gave him a massive, tearful ovation. Throughout the game, they chanted his name, cheering for him and booing their own team’s goals against their former hero. Giacomin, moved to tears, led the Red Wings to a 6-4 victory. He played three seasons in Detroit before retiring on January 17, 1978.
Eddie Giacomin Personal Life & Family
Throughout his career, Eddie Giacomin maintained a relatively private personal life. He was once married to Margaret Wilder, though the marriage ended in divorce. He was a devoted family man, survived by his two sons, Mark and David, and a daughter. At the time of his passing, he also had eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. After his playing career, he remained involved in hockey, serving as a goaltending coach for the Rangers and Red Wings, and also worked as a broadcaster for the New York Islanders for a season.
Awards and Achievements of Eddie Giacomin
- Vezina Trophy winner (1971, shared with Gilles Villemure)
- NHL First All-Star Team (1967, 1971)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (1968, 1969, 1970)
- Played in 6 NHL All-Star Games (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973)
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987
- No. 1 jersey retired by the New York Rangers on March 15, 1989
Eddie Giacomin Net Worth and Income
Like many players of his era, Eddie Giacomin’s earnings were modest compared to today’s NHL stars. His documented career earnings in the NHL totaled approximately $557,400. While the exact details of his finances remain private, his net worth at the time of his passing in 2025 was estimated to be in the low millions, accumulated through his playing salary, subsequent coaching and broadcasting roles, and his NHL pension.
Legacy and Influence
Eddie Giacomin’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. He is remembered as one of the most beloved players in New York Rangers history, a symbol of toughness, passion, and loyalty. The deep connection he forged with the fans at Madison Square Garden is legendary. His innovative, roaming goaltending style influenced future generations of players at the position. In 2009, he was ranked No. 6 on the list of the “100 Greatest Rangers.” His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987 and the retirement of his No. 1 jersey by the Rangers solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Interesting Facts about Eddie Giacomin
- He initially got his professional start when his older brother, Rollie, was unable to attend a tryout and suggested Eddie go instead.
- He was a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” where he demonstrated how to stop slap shots from hockey legend Boom-Boom Geoffrion.
- The emotional game on November 2, 1975, when he returned to Madison Square Garden with the Red Wings, is consistently voted as one of the greatest moments in the arena’s history.
- He was known for his competitive fire, famously continuing to play in a 1971 playoff game after Bobby Hull skated over the back of his hand.
Final Words about Eddie Giacomin
Eddie Giacomin passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in Birmingham, Michigan. His death marked the loss of a true hockey original, a player whose heart and determination defined an era of New York Rangers hockey. He was more than just a goaltender; he was an icon who personified what it meant to be a Ranger. His legacy lives on in the rafters of Madison Square Garden and in the cherished memories of the fans who passionately chanted his name.
