Montreal Canadiens legendary goaltender Ken Dryden passed away on Friday, Sept. 5 after a battle with cancer. Dryden was 78-years-old.
Dryden lived one of the most fascinating lives of any athlete in North American sports history. His on ice accomplishments speak for themselves: six-time Stanley Cup Champion, five-time Vezina Trophy winner, one Conn Smythe Trophy and winner of the Calder Trophy in his rookie season. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, just four years after he retired.
After his retirement from the NHL, Dryden set his sights on the world of academia, earning his law degree from McGill University in Montreal, where he became a professor. Then, in 2004, he became an elected member of the Canadian Parliament, where he served in three separate regimes until 2011. This stint included his role as the Canadian Minister of Social Development.
He authored 19 books, many on the game of hockey but also a number that focused on politics and education in Canada.
Montreal Mourns the Loss of Their Beloved Hockey Icon
The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney posted a memoriam to Dryden on X in the late hours of Sept. 5.
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Dryden’s hockey life, though iconic in it’s own right, was by far the shortest of any of his other pursuits later in life. He was a man who was focused on bettering his country, serving them between his work on the Parliament, acting as a lawyer, lecturing at McGill University and writing books. He was a transcendent figure who impacted the lives of so many Canadian citizens.
In addition to the long list of accomplishments already mentioned, Dryden served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997-2004. He was also the color analyst for hockey in the 1980 Olympics and was on the iconic call with Al Michaels during the miracle on ice game when the United States defeated the Soviets in the medal round.
On-Ice Accomplishments
Dryden had some of the best individual seasons for a goaltender in NHL history. He finished his eight year career with a record of 258-57-74, a goals against average of 2.24 and a save percentage of .922. His playoff record was an incredible 80-24 as he backboned six of the Montreal Canadiens NHL best 24 Stanley Cups.
Dryden ranks second all time in save percentage and ninth in goals against average.
Dryden created one of the most iconic poses in hockey history, where he stood straight up and leaned on his stick with his elbows and head. That pose is enshrined in a massive statue at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Dryden is survived by his wife Lynda and his two children Margaret and Murray.
His memory will long live among hockey fans and Canadian citizens.
Montreal Canadiens Legend Ken Dryden Dies at 78 After Battle With Cancer