Ken Dryden, a renowned goaltender inducted into the Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer. Dryden, a key figure in the Montreal Canadiens’ dominant era in the 1970s, achieved success both on and off the ice, winning six Stanley Cup titles and playing a crucial role in Canada’s historic victory in the 1972 Summit Series.
Born in Hamilton on August 8, 1947, Dryden grew up in a Toronto suburb with his family, including his brother Dave, who also played in the NHL. Dryden’s career extended beyond hockey, as he ventured into law, writing, politics, and NHL executive roles, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian society.
Selected by the Boston Bruins in the 1964 NHL draft and later traded to Montreal, Dryden made his Canadiens debut in March 1971. He quickly rose to prominence, securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1971-72.
Dryden’s legacy was cemented during the 1972 Summit Series, where he shared goaltending duties with Tony Esposito in a historic showdown between Canada and the Soviet Union. His experiences and reflections from this event were captured in his book, “The Series: What I Remember, What it Felt Like, What it Feels Like Now.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Dryden showcased his exceptional talent and leadership, winning multiple awards, including the Vezina Trophy. After retiring at 31, he delved into writing, law, and eventually served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dryden’s contributions extended beyond sports as he entered politics, emphasizing the importance of public service.
Tributes for Dryden have poured in from the hockey and political communities, highlighting his impact both on and off the ice. Survived by his wife and children, Dryden’s legacy as a Canadian icon and role model continues to resonate across generations.
