This week we’ll be focusing on another Rangers staple whose legacy is beloved to fans and so important that I added him to the header of the blog – Eddie Giacomin! Eddie Giacomin was a legendary goaltender for the Rangers from 1965-1975, known for his acrobatic playing style. His reputation and character were so loved by Rangers fans that after being traded to Detroit, Rangers fans booed their own team! Hard to believe the most loyal fans would do so, I know, but we’ll get into that soon!
Born in a small town on the outskirts of Ontario, Canada, Eddie knew he wanted to be a profession goaltender when he grew up. In an interview, he fondly remembered the time in 7th grade when his teacher had asked what he wanted to be when he grows up. He confidently said, “I know I’m going to be an NHL goalie.” However, it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Many junior teams and organizations showed little to no interest in Giacomin. As if that wasn’t hard enough, tragedy struck Giacomin when he was a teenager. His legs received severe burns while in a house fire and doctors were certain his playing career was over. Nothing, not even skin grafts and bandages, could deter him from his dreams. Giacomin decided to attend the Providence Reds’ training camp with the help of an athletic trainer there. His injuries were kept a secret as he was the first to arrive and last to leave the rink. As a result, 5 years later, Giacomin made it. He persevered through the hardships and challenges to ensure that his dream came true and boy, did it come true.
Eddie Giacomin played and was an essential member of the New York Rangers for over 10 seasons. With a rough start to his rookie season, fans quickly lost interest and faith in Giacomin, yet, as always, he persevered. After the starting goalie suffered an injury, it was Giacomin’s time to redeem himself. Not only did he redeem himself, but he quickly became the Rangers foundation for goaltending. While the team did miss the playoffs in his rookie year, they would go on to reach the playoffs consecutively for the next 9 years (hence, the nickname “Steady Eddie”). The talent Giacomin displayed in his goaltending solidified the Rangers’ reputation as one of the most competitive teams in the 1960s-1970s. Giacomin became widely popular in the league due to his playing style. Goalies typically stay in the net as much as possible, yet Giacomin wasn’t afraid to leave the crease. Many of his teammates even called him “another defenseman” since he came out of the net and passed the puck so often. His saves were iconic and displayed his unique flexibility, as he fell over, rolled, and everything in between to stop shots. Giacomin never did win a Stanley Cup, yet his achievements and reputation in the league still stand as impressive.
While Eddie Giacomin’s achievements and awards may not be as extensive as others, his prestige and legacy as a goaltender are undisputed:
- NHL All Star Team: 1967, 1971
- Vezina Trophy Winner: 1971
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1987
- Number retired by Rangers organization: 1989
Giacomin played over 500 out of 610 regular season games with the Rangers and was easily a fan favorite. Early in the 1975-76 season, Giacomin and Rangers fans alike received heartbreaking news. Giacomin was placed on waivers by the Rangers organization and had been claimed by the Detroit Red Wings. Giacomin described that day as the toughest in his professional career stating, “I remember having such an empty feeling. I had given 10 years of my life to that team and the worst part about it was there was nobody around. My teammates were on their way to Montreal. And here I am in this empty parking lot walking to my car, and I had visions of walking straight into the bay.” As luck would have it, the next home game for the Rangers was against the Detroit Red Wings, just 2 nights after the trade. Eddie’s return to Madison Square Garden was an emotional game and experience. Chants of “ED-DIE” could be heard from outside of the arena and even masked the singing of the national anthem. Tears were shed by Giacomin and fans as the discomfort settled in. Fans booed at every chance they got: when the starting lineup was announced, when shots were taken on Giacomin, and even when the Rangers scored. The atmosphere in the Garden was unmatched, as emotions ran rampant. Giacomin spent 3 years with the Detroit Red Wings before his retirement in 1978. His jersey was retired by the Rangers organization and his #1 remains in the rafters of MSG today. His return to MSG displayed the pride and love fans have for him and even 50 years later, that love remains. Following in the footsteps of many Rangers fans before me, I’ll conclude this post with a familiar slogan, “Eddie is still #1.”
