Ken Dryden passes away at 78 after battling Cancer: Legendary Hall of Fame goalie who won six Stanley Cups with the Canadiens | NHL News

Remembering Ken Dryden, a real hockey legend (Image through: Getty Images)

Ken Dryden, the legendary goaltender who outlined an period for the Montreal Canadiens, has handed away at the age of 78 after a battle with most cancers. A Hall of Fame icon, Dryden backstopped the Canadiens to six Stanley Cup championships throughout the Seventies, etching his title into hockey historical past as one of the biggest to ever play the place.

Ken Dryden’s demise at 78 leaves behind a legacy that outlined the Canadiens and sport of hockey

Dryden’s journey to stardom started in Hamilton, Ontario, earlier than his standout years at Cornell University, the place he led the Big Red to an NCAA championship in 1967. His leap to the NHL in 1970 signaled the begin of a dynasty, as he delivered Montreal the Stanley Cup in his rookie season and rapidly grew to become the face of consistency and dominance in purpose.Over eight seasons, Dryden posted outstanding success, guiding the Canadiens to six championships and securing 5 Vezina Trophies alongside the manner. His calm, imposing presence between the pipes set him aside from his friends, whereas his potential to rise in high-pressure moments made him a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ dominance all through the decade.Dryden’s profession, although temporary, left an indelible mark. Retiring in his early 30s, he shocked the hockey world by stepping away whereas nonetheless at the peak of his powers. Yet his choice solely added to his mystique and bolstered the concept that his legacy was about extra than simply statistics.

Ken Dryden’s life after Hockey: From Broadcasting icon to acclaimed Author and influential Leader

Internationally, Dryden performed a pivotal position in Canada’s legendary 1972 “Summit Series” victory over the Soviet Union, demonstrating his ability and poise on hockey’s grandest stage. After retiring from skilled play, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, politics, and writing. He served as the coloration commentator alongside Al Michaels for the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” when the U.S. upset the Soviets to win Olympic gold. As an writer, Dryden first recounted the 1972 collection in “Face-Off at the Summit” and later wrote “The Game”, extensively considered one of the most insightful and celebrated books in hockey historical past.Montreal Canadiens proprietor Geoff Molson referred to as Dryden “larger than life,” a sentiment shared throughout the hockey world. Fans keep in mind him not only for championships however for his intelligence, management, and talent to characterize the sport with class.Also Read: Kirill Kaprizov may develop into NHL’s costliest participant ever—Here’s whyKen Dryden was greater than a goaltender—he was a logo of Canadian hockey excellence and a voice that formed the sport lengthy after his taking part in days ended. His passing leaves a profound void, however his contributions to the Canadiens and the sport will endure as a timeless reminder of what true greatness seems like.