Condolences are being expressed across Canada and internationally following the passing of former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden, a prominent figure in Canadian hockey, at the age of 78.
Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the first to offer his sympathies on social media, citing Dryden as the reason he pursued a career as a goalie, although he admitted he never quite matched Dryden’s skill in the net or with his stick.
Carney emphasized that Dryden’s impact extended beyond his successful playing career enshrined in the Hall of Fame, highlighting his dedication to education, public service, and sports as a role model for Canadians.
“Few individuals have contributed as much or represented our nation as admirably as Ken Dryden,” the prime minister remarked. “Ken Dryden embodied the spirit of Canada. He was the epitome of the best Canada has to offer. Rest in peace.”
Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender whose long resumé in and out of hockey included six Stanley Cup victories with the Montreal Canadiens and helping backstop Canada’s generation-defining victory at the 1972 Summit Series, died Friday at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.
Dryden was a key player in the Canadiens’ dynasty of the 1970s, contributing to the team’s winning of six Stanley Cups. He also played a significant role in Canada’s memorable victory in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.
Former teammate Serge Savard reminisced about Dryden’s entry into the league as a 23-year-old rookie straight from Cornell University, recalling how he would arrive at the dressing room with books and attend McGill University after practice.
Savard noted that many of his more seasoned teammates eventually recognized Dryden’s forward-thinking approach.
Beyond his hockey career, Dryden made a lasting impact on Canadian society through his roles as a lawyer, author, politician, and NHL executive. He was appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada in May 2013.
