Ken dryden, Canadian Hockey Icon and Public Servant, Dies at 78
Ken Dryden, a legendary goaltender who backstopped the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cups and later distinguished himself as a politician, author, and lawyer, has died at the age of 78. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Canada, recognizing a life dedicated to excellence both on and off the ice.
Dryden’s hockey career reached its zenith in the 1972 summit Series against the Soviet Union. Thrust into the net for the crucial eighth and final game, with the series tied, Dryden secured a 6-5 victory for Canada with just 34 seconds remaining, cementing his place in Canadian sporting history. He had previously played a key role in the series, including a 4-3 win in the seventh game.
A five-time Vézina Trophy winner as the NHL‘s best goaltender (1973, and consecutively from 1976-1979), Dryden boasted an remarkable NHL record of 258 wins, 57 losses, and 74 ties in 397 appearances, maintaining a goals-against average of 2.24 and a save percentage of .922.His career was notable for a unique pause. In 1973-1974, Dryden took a sabbatical from hockey due to a contract dispute with the Canadiens, spending the year working at a law firm in Toronto. He returned to the Canadiens the following season, but the team’s playoff run was cut short.
Dryden led the canadiens to an era of dominance, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1976 to 1979, including a series victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, the then-reigning champions.He retired in 1979 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, with his number 29 subsequently retired by the Canadiens in 2007.
At his jersey retirement ceremony, Dryden reflected on his career, stating, “The image you hold from me is when I reached my stick watching the match, doing nothing.it was that,the era of the 1970s with the canadian,that and a lot of Stanley cuts. If I made a stop, my teammates answered with a goal.” The event was attended by his longtime rival, Soviet goaltender Vladislav Tretiak.
Beyond hockey, Dryden was a prolific author, publishing “The Game” in 1983, followed by several other books, including a biography of coach Scotty Bowman.He also served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 to 2004, guiding the team to Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 1999 and 2002. He was a hockey analyst for ABC during the 1980 Winter Olympics, notably covering the “Miracle on Ice” victory of the US team over the Soviet Union.
In 2004, Dryden transitioned into federal politics, winning a seat in the House of Commons as a Liberal Member of Parliament for York-Center in Toronto. He served as Minister of Social Advancement under Prime Minister Paul Martin until 2006, and continued to represent his riding until 2011. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012.
Canadian leaders have expressed profound sadness at his passing. Prime Minister Mark Carney described Dryden as “deeply saddened to learn the death of the Honorable Ken Dryden, Canadian hockey legend, a member of the fame of fame, civil servant and source of inspiration,” and a “dedicated parliamentary.” He further stated that Dryden “embodied Canada in all its greatness.”
Ken Dryden is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their two children. His legacy as a sporting icon, intellectual, and dedicated public servant will continue to inspire generations of Canadians.
