Eddie Giacomin, a Hockey Hall of Fame goalie and one of the faces of the New York Rangers’ franchise in the 1960s and 1970s, has died. He was 86.
Giacomin died of natural causes, a Rangers spokesperson said after the organization learned of the news from his family. A spokesperson for the NHL Alumni Association said Giacomin died at his home Sunday night.
“Giacomin routinely heard chants of `Ed-die! Ed-die!’ from adoring Madison Square Garden crowds,” the NHL said in a statement. “We send our condolences to Eddie’s family, friends and the many fans he thrilled throughout his memorable career.”
A native of Sudbury, Ont., Giacomin was a six-time All-Star and won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie in 1970-71.
He spent more than a decade with the Rangers from 1965 to 1976, backstopping them to the Stanley Cup Final in 1972. His No. 1 is retired in the rafters of Madison Square Garden in New York in 1989.
The Rangers in a statement said Giacomin personified what it meant to play for them, adding, “You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie.”
Giacomin finished his career with the Detroit Red Wings. He retired in 1978 with 290 career wins and a .902 save percentage. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
