Ken Dryden dies at 78: Hall of Fame goalie won six Stanley Cups with Canadiens, had diverse post-NHL career

Ken Dryden, one of the largest goalkeepers in NHL history, has died after a cancer battle, announced on Saturday the Montreal Canadiens. He was 78 years old.

The Famer Show won six Stanley’s Cups with the Canadians in the 70’s and captured the Const Smythe trophy in 1971 as the most valuable player in the post -season before even officially a newbie. Next season, in 1971-72, Dryden, was already a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe, won the Calder Trophy as a Rookie of the NHL year. He was also a five -time winner of the Vezina Trophy, given to the best goalkeeper in the league.

Dryden accumulated an impressive 258-57-74 record as a goalkeeper, anchoring the Canadian dynasty in the 1970’s. This included Dryden sitting in the 1973-74 season on a contractual dispute, during which he worked as a lawyer, but again helped Montreal win four consecutive titles from the Stanley Cup of 1976-1979, withdrawing after this final championship.

“Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man,” said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson in a statement. “Behind the mask was greater than life. Today we cry not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of the largest hockey dynasties, but also a family man, a attentive citizen and a gentleman who deeply affected our lives and communities throughout generations.”

Throughout his career, Dryden was inspired by many young goalkeepers, especially those who grew up in Quebec. One of these young people was Martin Brodeur, a native of Montreal, now a Hockey Hall of Famer companion and the leader of all NHL in victories. On Saturday, Brodeur published an emotional tribute to Dryden, and included a photo of Dryden taken by his father photographer.

Dryden’s post-hockey life was as remarkable as his ice career. He worked as a lawyer, a professor at McGill University, wrote numerous books, an analyst at three Olympic Games, the President of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997-2004. A political career was elected to the Parliament of Canada, where he served since 2004-2011. He has been the Minister of Social Development in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Paul Martin since 2004-06.