Legendary goalie Ken Dryden has passed away

The Montreal Canadiens shared their condolences and memories of legendary goaltender Ken Dryden not long after midnight on Saturday. The Hall of Famer passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man. Behind the mask he was larger than life. 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. He was one of the true legends that helped shape this Club into what it is today”, said Geoff Molson, Owner and President of the Montreal Canadiens. “Ken embodied the best of everything the Montreal Canadiens are about, and his legacy within our society transcends our sport. On behalf of the Molson family and our entire organization, I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege to cross his path and know him on a personal level.”

What an incredible loss.

Born August 8, 1947, Dryden debuted with the Canadiens in 1970-71, winning all six regular-season games he played to kick off his career, before backstopping Montreal to the Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He captured the Calder Trophy the following year, then anchored a dynasty through the 1970s, winning five more Cups and five Vezina Trophies. Retiring in 1979, he entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and saw his No. 29 retired in 2007.

Off the ice, Dryden authored influential books like The Game, served as Canada’s Minister of Social Development from 2004-05, and was named to the Order of Canada in 2012 for his contributions to sport and society.

Here at Hockey Feed, we extend their deepest condolences to Ken’s family, friends and loved ones. The Dryden family is asking for privacy at this time.