Ken Dryden, a Hall of Fame goaltender who led the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cups and later distinguished himself as a lawyer, author, and politician, has died at age 78. His death was announced Saturday by the Hockey Hall of Fame. No cause of death was promptly given.
Dryden’s impact extended far beyond the ice.He was a cerebral player, known for his innovative style and meticulous readiness, and became a symbol of Canadian national pride during the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. He later authored critically acclaimed books, served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and held a seat in the Canadian Parliament.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden excelled at Cornell University from 1966-69, posting a career record of 76-4-1 and leading the Big Red to the 1967 NCAA title.He entered the NHL in 1971, immediately making an impact, and backstopped Montreal to Stanley Cup victories in 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. He made his NHL postseason debut after just six regular season games, helping Montreal upset Boston in the first round and ultimately defeat Chicago in the finals.
Dryden was a key member of the 1972 Canadian team that defeated the Soviet Union in the historic Summit Series,starting in goal for the decisive 6-5 victory in Game 8. “I feel the history of that tournament, the legacy of that team just as strongly as all Canadian fans do,” Dryden told The Canadian Press in 2022.”It never goes away. It’s kind of like a good wine, I guess. Actually, the legacy of it grows.”
Uniquely, Dryden took a season away from hockey in 1973-74 to pursue his law career, having earned a law degree from McGill University in Montreal. he later worked at a Toronto law firm.
Following his retirement as a player, Dryden became a successful broadcaster, notably serving as the color analyst alongside Al Michaels for the “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics, where the U.S. defeated the Soviet Union. He also authored “The Game,” a highly regarded book about hockey, and “Face-off at the Summit.”
Dryden served as president of the toronto maple Leafs from 1997 to 2004, guiding the team to Eastern Conference finals appearances in 1999 and 2002, before entering politics. he was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2004 and appointed Minister of Social Progress in Prime Minister Paul Martin’s cabinet. He was re-elected in 2006 and 2008, but lost his seat in 2011.
Dryden is survived by his wife,Lynda,and their two children. His brother, Dave Dryden, a longtime NHL and WHA goalie, died in 2022 at the age of 81. Dryden also held teaching positions at various Canadian universities throughout his life.
