Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender and Canadian icon, has died at the age of 78 after battling cancer.
Dryden was the backbone of the Montreal Canadiens dynasty in the 1970s, winning six Stanley Cups in just eight seasons. He earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1971 as playoff MVP, the Calder Trophy the following year as rookie of the year, and went on to collect five Vezina Trophies. Known for his calm style and towering presence, Dryden became one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. The Canadiens retired his No. 29 jersey in 2007, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
After retiring in 1979, he built a remarkable career off the ice as a lawyer, author, broadcaster, teacher, and politician. He served as President of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 to 2003 and later as Canada’s Minister of Social Development while sitting in Parliament from 2004 to 2011.
Born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden combined hockey with academics, earning a law degree from McGill University. He was admired for balancing athletic excellence with intellectual pursuits.
He is survived by his wife Lynda, their two children, and four grandchildren.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: “From the moment he stepped on the ice as a rookie, Ken Dryden left an immediate and lasting impact on our game. His brilliance in goal, his intellect, and his integrity made him one of the most unique figures in hockey history.”
Geoff Molson, Owner of the Montreal Canadiens: “Ken was more than a goaltender; he was a thoughtful citizen, a leader, and a true gentleman. His legacy with the Canadiens and in Canadian life will endure for generations.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney: “Ken Dryden was Big Canada. And he was Best Canada. His contributions as an athlete, a public servant, and a writer inspired the nation. Today, we mourn a great Canadian.”
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