Remembering Ken Dryden: The Legendary Montreal Canadiens Goalie Passes Away at 78

Ken Dryden, the legendary goaltender who was crucial to the Montreal Canadiens’ success in the 1970s, passed away on Friday at age 78 after battling cancer.

He was not just a remarkable athlete but a thoughtful individual who made significant contributions off the ice too. Dryden won six Stanley Cup championships and five Vezina trophies, and he retired in his prime to explore interests in business and politics.

In a heartfelt statement, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson reminisced about Dryden, saying he was a cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest teams. “Ken embodied the best of everything the Montreal Canadiens are about,” he said.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1947, Dryden was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964 but quickly traded to the Canadiens. He played for Cornell University, winning the NCAA championship in 1967 and recording an impressive 76 wins in three seasons.

Dryden made a splash during his NHL debut on March 14, 1971, finishing the season undefeated and leading Montreal to the Stanley Cup. He was the first player to win both the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP and the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year in consecutive years.

Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Dryden’s presence was commanding. He won 258 of his 397 regular-season games and had a save percentage of .922, ranking among the highest in NHL history.

He also played for Team Canada, notably in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, showcasing his skills on an international level.

Outside of hockey, Dryden’s achievements were just as notable. After his third season, he took a year off to complete his law degree at McGill University. Following his retirement in 1979, he wrote several books and taught at McGill University. He also served as a broadcaster during multiple Winter Olympics, famously contributing to the coverage of the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

Dryden was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. He later took on roles in hockey management and politics, including a term as Canada’s Minister of Social Development.

Throughout his life, Dryden emphasized the importance of doing things well: “I like the feeling of doing something well,” he once said. His legacy extends beyond the rink, leaving a mark on sports, education, and public service.

Survived by his wife, Lynda, and their children, Sarah and Michael, Dryden’s impact will be felt for years to come.

For a deeper dive into his amazing career and contributions, you can visit the National Hockey League statistics page.

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Montreal Canadiens, NHL