Hockey has lost another legend: Eddie Giacomin, a New York Rangers Hall of Famer. Eddie was a fan favourite. He loved playing in New York and was a Big Apple hero. Eddie played for the Rangers from 1965 to early in the 1976 season. He was a favourite in the dressing room; heaven just got a true gentleman.
Eddie’s best season in the NHL was the 1971 season. He might have only played 45 games, but he racked up 27 wins that year, with only 10 losses. What was most impressive about that season was that Eddie’s save percentage was a whopping 922, saving the first shot 92% of the time, which was especially impressive in those days. The goalies did not have the equipment that they have now. Eddie was old school. He did not get a goalie mask until late in his career.
He was Iron Man for most of his career. He played between 60 and 70 games per season in the 60s, which was especially impressive because the season was only 70 games. Between 1966 and 1970, Eddie missed only six starts.
I have a really good contact who I consider a very good friend. I contacted him to see if he would like to put in a good word for Eddie. Jan writes for Hockey Hot Stove. He gave me permission to take a quote from his article:
“The most famous image of Giacomin is from his return to MSG after he was claimed by Detroit four games into the 1975-76 season. The Red Wings faced the Rangers in New York the game after he joined Detroit. Giacomin was feted through the contest by the adoring and angry fan base, who chanted Ed-die, Ed-die. The emotions of the contest, which he won 6-4, finally got to Giacomin, as the iconic picture is of him with his face in his hands, crying.”
And one more quote from him before I close the article:
“One fun fact. First hockey game I watched was the ’72 Cup Final against Boston with my mom’s parents and my dad, so I saw Giacomin in the net.”
No comments:
Post a Comment