Rangers' great Ed Giacomin dies at age 86

Eddie Giacomin sits on stage before his induction speech at the Madison Square Garden 2015 Walk Of Fame inductions at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 11, 2015. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- NHL Hall of Famer and six-time NHL All-Star goaltender Eddie Giacomin has died at the age of 86, according to hockey officials.

The NHL Alumni Association, the NHL and the Hockey Hall of Fame each separately confirmed Giacomin's passing on Sunday.

"A fearless goaltender and cornerstone of the New York Rangers, Ed Giacomin inspired generations with his bold style and passion for the game," the Hockey Hall of Fame said in a statement.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened by the passing of Honored Member Ed Giacomin and extends our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Born June 6, 1939 in Sudbury, Ont., Canada, Giacomin was a legendary goaltender of the New York Rangers for 11 of his 14 seasons in the NHL.

He played his first NHL game with the Rangers on Oct. 24, 1965, winning only eight of his 36 games played that season.

However, from the 1966-67 season on, he'd make five consecutive appearances at the NHL All-Star Game as one of the league's best netminders.

During the 1970-71 season, he and his net partner Gilles Villemure jointly won the Vezina Trophy for the best goalie in the league.

According to the NHL, Giacomin will be remembered as one of the first stickhandling goaltenders.

"Giacomin backstopped the Rangers' surge to the NHL's upper echelon in the early 1970s, reaching four straight semifinals and the Stanley Cup Final in 1972," the league said in a statement honoring Giacomin.

The Rangers described Giacomin as an integral member of the team for a decade who "personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and 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," the Rangers said in a statement.

After 610 regular-season games, including 290 wins, with the Rangers, Giacomin joined the Detroit Red Wings following the start of the 1975-76 season.

He would retire after the 1977-78 season with a career of 610 games played 290 wins, 209 losses and 96 ties.

In 1989, the Rangers hoisted his No. 1 to the rafters, retiring it to honor his contribution to the team.