Hockey Legend Ken Dryden Passes Away at 78 After Cancer Battle

Ken Dryden, the celebrated Hall of Fame goaltender, passed away on March 15, 2024, at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer. Dryden, known for his outstanding career in the National Hockey League (NHL), played a pivotal role in the Montreal Canadiens’ dominance during the 1970s, securing six Stanley Cup victories and contributing to Canada’s iconic triumph in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.

Born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden’s early life unfolded in a Toronto suburb where he developed a passion for hockey. Drafted by the Boston Bruins as the 14th overall pick in the 1964 NHL draft, he was quickly traded to the Canadiens. After honing his skills at Cornell University, he made his NHL debut in March 1971, swiftly establishing himself as a formidable presence on the ice.

Career Highlights and Impact

Dryden’s ascent to stardom began with a remarkable rookie season in which he helped lead the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. His performance in the 1972 Summit Series solidified his legacy; sharing the crease with Tony Esposito, Dryden played a crucial role in Canada’s victory, particularly in the decisive Game 8 where Paul Henderson scored the winning goal.

In a reflection on that historic series, Dryden wrote in his 2022 book, The Series: What I Remember, What it Felt Like, What it Feels Like Now, about the overwhelming emotions he experienced. “It built to where it couldn’t build anymore,” he recounted, capturing the intensity of that moment in Canadian sports history.

Throughout his career, Dryden amassed an impressive record of 258 wins, 57 losses, and 74 ties, along with a save percentage of .922 and a goals-against average of 2.24. He was a five-time recipient of the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goaltender, and achieved a remarkable playoff record of 80-32.

A Multifaceted Legacy

After retiring from hockey at just 31 years old, Dryden transitioned into a diverse and impactful career. He pursued a degree in law from McGill University and later worked as an author, politician, and NHL executive. His notable works include The Game, published in 1983, where he shared insights into the mental and physical demands of goaltending.

In the late 1990s, Dryden served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, overseeing the team during a period that included multiple playoff appearances. In 2004, he entered politics, representing the Liberal Party as a Member of Parliament and later serving as Minister of Social Development under Prime Minister Paul Martin’s government.

Dryden’s contributions to Canadian society extended beyond sports. He was an advocate for various causes, including concussion awareness in sports, and taught at universities across Canada. His final book, The Series, aimed to encapsulate the experiences of the 1972 Canadian team and the national sentiment surrounding their victory.

Geoff Molson, owner and president of the Montreal Canadiens, expressed deep sorrow at Dryden’s passing, stating, “We mourn today not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties but also a family man, a thoughtful citizen, and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives and communities across generations.”

Dryden is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their two children, leaving behind a profound legacy that transcends the world of hockey. His remarkable journey from a young boy in Ontario to a national icon serves as an enduring inspiration for future generations.