Edward “Eddie” Giacomin

With heavy hearts, we remember Eddie Giacomin — beloved father, wonderful brother, great uncle, best Nono, genuine friend, inspiring coach, cherished mentor, and one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders — whose life was defined by courage, kindness, humility, and love for the game of hockey.

Eddie passed away peacefully in his Birmingham, MI home on September 14, 2025. He was 86 years old.

Born June 6, 1939, in Sudbury, Ontario, he was the third of five children, born to Cesira and Antonio Giacomin. As a young boy, he loved all sports. Football and pond hockey were his favorites. Later in his youth, he was sent by his older brother, Rolly (who was unable to get time off from work), to take Rolly’s place as goalie in an amateur hockey tournament. A professional scout attended that tournament, and Eddie’s life changed forever. A great athlete himself, big brother Rolly was always his top and proudest supporter, never bitter. In return, Eddie always took generous and loving care of his family back home. Later that year, Eddie was trapped in a horrific house fire, where his legs were severely burned. His doctor told him he’d never skate again. Just months later, his incredible determination carried him forward in life, and also in hockey. Eddie’s life journey eventually took him from the quiet rinks of northern Ontario to the roaring cheers of Madison Square Garden, where over many years he earned the support of New York Ranger fans everywhere.

In 1965, he became a New York Ranger. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but with his Canadian grit and acrobatic skills, he became a legendary goalie. A fan favorite, Eddie graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Eddie won the prized Vezina Trophy in 1971 (shared with teammate, Gilles Villemure), awarded to the NHL’s best goalie.

He was picked up by the Detroit Red Wings in 1975. His first day as a Red Wing, still shocked at no longer being a Ranger, he had to face his now former teammates, the Rangers, at Madison Square Garden. Ranger fans in the packed stadium were on their feet, chanting “Ed-die!, Ed-die!” throughout the entire game. With tears in his eyes, and immense love and appreciation for Ranger fans, Eddie posted a gut-wrenching win that night, against his beloved Rangers. That moment remains ranked by MSG as one of the “Top 50 Moments” in the storied history of Madison Square Garden.

In 1987, Eddie was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In 1989, the New York Rangers retired his jersey, #1.

After his playing days, Eddie devoted himself to teaching, helping young goalies optimize their skill, confidence, and love for the game. He served proudly as the hockey coach of Brother Rice High School, where his two sons played. For many years, he owned and operated the popular “Eddie Giacomin’s Sports Den” in Redford, MI. He later served as the goalies coach for the New York Rangers.

Off the ice, Eddie was humble and focused on those he loved. Family and his Catholic faith remained his top priorities, along with graciously making time for any and all hockey fans. He patiently signed all autographs that were asked of him, always going the extra mile to cherish each and every fan. Always generous to charity, Special Olympics and Boys Club of New York were two of his favorites.

Eddie is survived by his younger sister, Gloria Giacomin, his three children — Mark (Christina), David (Christine), and Nancy (Ed) and Margaret Giacomin, his former wife and mother of their children, and also by his 11 grandchildren — Cesira (Ryan), Anthony, TJ, Gianna, Julia, Sam, Alyssa, Jessica, Mia, AJ, Jake, and his two great grandchildren — Claire and Lucas. He was preceded in death by his parents — Cesira and Antonio Giacomin and siblings — Giglio “Giggs”, Rolando “Rolly” and Ida. He loved his grandchildren more than anything. He showed up proudly and enthusiastically for as many sporting events and birthdays for his grandchildren that he possibly could. Profoundly supportive of his grandchildren, he was always early for each event. “If you’re on time, your late!” Eddie was as loving and as humble as they come.

Special thank you to the amazing workers of A&M Homecare, Baldwin on Chester, and Residential Hospice for their tremendous, loving care of Eddie in recent years.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 2nd from 2-6pm at Desmond & Sons (32515 Woodward Avenue, Royal, Oak, Michigan, 48073), and the funeral mass will take place on Friday, October 3rd at 10:30am at St. Regis Catholic Church (3695 Lincoln Dr., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 48301), with visitation at church starting at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Janis (Giacomin) Foligno Foundation at janisfolignofoundation.com, which supports local charities and research projects committed to finding a cure for cancer and those who provide care and treatment to those battling the disease.

Dear Lord, may our beloved Eddie Giacomin rest in peace — forever #1 in our hearts.