Hockey Legend Ken Dryden Passes Away at 78
Kenny Dryden, the celebrated goaltender for the Hockey Hall of Fame and a six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1970s, passed away on Friday after a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by the team.
He was 78 years old.
“Ken Dryden was not just an extraordinary athlete, but an extraordinary individual. Behind that mask, there was so much more. Today, we mourn the loss of a key figure from one of hockey’s greatest dynasties, someone who made a lasting impact on our families, our community, and thoughtful citizens everywhere. In a statement, it was noted that Ken embodied the essence of what the Montreal Canadiens strive for, and his influence goes well beyond the sport,” the team expressed.
Originally hailing from Ontario, Dryden was a standout in amateur hockey, winning a national title with Cornell, and he was selected as a national representative three times in 1967.
His career in the NHL, though brief at just eight years, was marked by remarkable achievements. He captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie in 1971-72 and earned the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender five times.
Dryden, who stood at 6 feet 4, often struck a memorable pose in the crease, resting his chin on his goal stick – something that Bruins forward Phil Esposito once humorously called him, likening him to “that thief giraffe.”
He hung up his skates after the 1978-79 season and received his well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Beyond his playing days, Dryden became a commentator for three Winter Olympics, famously providing commentary during the 1980 game when the US defeated the Soviet Union to reach the gold medal match.
In a notable turn in his life, he entered politics; in 2004, he was elected to the Canadian House of Representatives and voted for the leadership of the Liberal Party, serving until 2011.
“On behalf of the Molson family and our entire organization, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him personally,” the owner remarked.
