MONTREAL – Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender known for his pivotal role in hockey history, passed away on Friday at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. Dryden was a key figure in the Montreal Canadiens' dynasty of the 1970s, winning six Stanley Cups and playing a crucial role in Canada's memorable victory over the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series.

Born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden grew up in a Toronto suburb. He was selected by the Boston Bruins as the 14th overall pick in the 1964 NHL Draft but was traded to the Canadiens before making his mark. After playing college hockey at Cornell University, he made his NHL debut in March 1971. That spring, he took over the starting position from veteran Rogie Vachon and led the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

Dryden's career continued to flourish as he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in the 1971-72 season, despite the Canadiens being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. He was also a key player in the 1972 Summit Series, where he shared goaltending duties with Tony Esposito. Dryden's reflections on that series were captured in his 2022 book, "The Series: What I Remember, What it Felt Like, What it Feels Like Now." He described the overwhelming emotions he experienced during the games, stating, "I don't remember flying to Montreal. I don't remember the day of the game. I don't remember the dressing room. All I remember is a feeling that kept building and building, growing and growing."

After a challenging start in the series, Dryden rebounded to secure a crucial win in Game 6 in Moscow, helping Canada ultimately defeat the Soviets in a thrilling Game 8. He expressed the lasting impact of that tournament, saying, "I feel the history of that tournament, the legacy of that team just as strongly as all Canadian fans do. It never goes away. It's kind of like a good wine, I guess. Actually, the legacy of it grows."

Dryden's success continued as he hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1973 and four consecutive times from 1976 to 1979, playing alongside legends like Guy Lafleur and Larry Robinson. He was a five-time Vezina Trophy winner, recognized as the NHL's top goaltender. In his book "The Game," published in 1983, Dryden described his unique mental state during games, saying, "When a game gets close to me, or threatens to get close, my conscious mind goes blank. I feel nothing, I hear nothing, my eyes watch the puck, my body moves — like a goalie moves."

Dryden retired at the age of 31 in 1979, but his career did not end there. He pursued a law degree at McGill University and later articled at a Toronto law firm while sitting out the 1973-74 NHL season. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, finishing his NHL career with a record of 258 wins, 57 losses, and 74 ties, along with a .922 save percentage and 46 shutouts.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Dryden was a prolific writer, authoring several books, including a biography of his former coach, Scotty Bowman. He served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 to 2004, leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 1999 and 2002. Dryden later entered politics, becoming a member of the federal Liberal Party and serving as minister of social development in Prime Minister Paul Martin's cabinet.

Dryden is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their two children. Geoff Molson, owner and president of the Montreal Canadiens, paid tribute to Dryden, stating, "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."

Dryden's legacy in hockey and Canadian society will be remembered for years to come.