Heartbreaking news strikes the hockey community as a NHL goaltender has tragically passed away

"The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn that Ed Giacomin has passed away at the age of 86.

A goaltender, Ed advanced through the Eastern Amateur Hockey League (EHL) to the Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL) in the late 1950s before suiting up for the AHL's Providence Reds during the 1959-60 season.

The Sudbury, Ontario native bided his time in the American League before making his NHL debut for the New York Rangers on October 24th, 1965, and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game five consecutive times between 1967 and 1971. Ed won the 1970-71 Vezina Trophy alongside teammate Gilles Villemure.

After 11 years and 539 games with New York, Ed joined the Detroit Red Wings partway through the 1975-76 campaign, playing the final 71 games of his NHL career with Detroit.

Ed retired from the NHL after the 1977-78 season, with 290 wins and 54 shutouts across his 610 regular-season games. Ed was part of the 1987 Hockey Hall of Fame class, and two years later was honoured by the New York Rangers when they retired his #1 on March 15, 1989.

We send our deepest condolences to Ed's family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time."

"Eddie Giacomin was an integral member of the New York Rangers for a decade and personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and the Blueshirts faithful. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie. The great Rod Gilbert called him the heart of their team, and we cannot think of a greater honor to bestow on one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game. Our thoughts are with Eddie's family, friends and teammates during this incredibly difficult time."