Edward Giacomin’s wife, Margaret Wilder, shared the early years of his hockey journey.
Edward “Eddie” Giacomin (June 6, 1939 – September 14, 2025) was one of the most celebrated goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Known for his fierce competitiveness and resilience, he built a remarkable career primarily with the New York Rangers and later with the Detroit Red Wings.
Giacomin began his professional journey in the late 1950s despite early setbacks, including a serious burn injury that nearly ended his aspirations.
He rose through the minor leagues before making his NHL breakthrough with the Rangers in 1965.
By the late 1960s, he had established himself as one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders, leading in shutouts and games played for multiple seasons.
His dedication and grit earned him the Vezina Trophy in 1971, shared with teammate Gilles Villemure.
In 1975, the Rangers controversially placed Giacomin on waivers, leading to his emotional return to Madison Square Garden as a member of the Detroit Red Wings—a moment still remembered as one of MSG’s greatest.
After retiring in 1978, he worked as a coach and broadcaster. Giacomin was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987, and his jersey number 1 was retired by the Rangers in 1989.
Edward Giacomin’s Wife, Margaret Wilder Chose to Live Outside the Spotlight
Eddie Giacomin married Margaret Wilder in 1962 in McGregor, Ontario.
Known affectionately as “Marge,” she shared in the early chapters of his career when he was striving to secure a permanent place in professional hockey.
Their union brought them three children: sons Mark and David, and a daughter, Nancy Schwartz (née Giacomin).
David would later follow a path into hockey coaching, reflecting his father’s influence on the family.
Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, Margaret remained an essential part of Giacomin’s personal history.
Public information about her life is minimal, as she largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Unlike today’s sports culture, which often shines a light on the families of athletes, Margaret lived during a time when players’ private lives were respected, and media coverage rarely extended beyond the rink.
Following the divorce, Margaret Wilder’s later life has not been widely documented.
No significant public records detail her background, career, or activities after separating from Eddie.
This silence highlights her preference for privacy and the era’s cultural norm of keeping family matters private.
When Eddie Giacomin passed away in September 2025 at the age of 86, his obituary noted that he was survived by his children, grandchildren, and sister, but did not mention a current spouse.
This confirmed that his marriage to Margaret Wilder had ended years earlier, though their shared history remains a key part of his legacy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The Washington Presidents of the Eastern Hockey League originally wanted his brother, Rollie, but work commitments prevented Rollie from joining, so Eddie played instead.
- During the 1971 playoffs, Bobby Hull skated over Giacomin’s hand, but he continued playing and helped the Rangers win the game.
- Eddie co-authored a biography with sports journalist Hugh Delano titled “Eddie: A Goalie’s Story” in 1976.
