Ken Dryden ’69, regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history and a Cornell alum, died at age 78, the Montreal Canadiens announced in the early hours of Saturday morning. Dryden was battling cancer.
“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.”
Dryden’s NHL career was nothing short of extraordinary despite playing just seven full seasons and retiring at the pinnacle of his prime. Bolstering the defense of one of the NHL’s most prolific dynasties, Dryden won six Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens, tying him for the most among all goaltenders in NHL history.
Dryden is a five-time recipient of the Vezina Trophy — awarded to the top goaltender in the NHL — and collected 258 wins in his career, losing just 77 games in that span. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy (given to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs) in 1971, and the Calder Trophy (the NHL’s top rookie) in 1972.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and tabbed as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players, Dryden is widely known for his character off the ice. Retiring at age 31, Dryden opted to pursue a career in law and politics following his professional hockey career. He served as the Minister of Social Development in the Cabinet of Canada from 2004-2006 and also holds a LLB from McGill University.
"Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man. Behind the mask he was larger than life,” Molson said.
After being drafted by the Boston Bruins — and promptly traded to the Canadiens — in 1964, Dryden first decided to attend Cornell and represent the Red. Dryden played an integral role in Cornell’s 1967 national championship, and his 77 wins place him atop all Cornellian goaltenders.
Dryden backstopped the Red to three ECAC championships and lost just four games in his four seasons at Cornell. He is one of two players to have his number retired by Cornell — his ‘1’ sweater hangs in the rafters at Lynah Rink, as does his ‘29’ jersey in Montreal.
Dryden obtained a B.A. in History and was a member of the Quill & Dagger senior honor society. He is a native of Hamilton, Ontario, born to Margaret and Murray in 1947. Dryden is survived by his wife, Lynda, as well as their two children.
Jane McNally is a senior editor on the 143rd editorial board and was the sports editor on the 142nd editorial board. She is a member of the Class of 2026 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. You can follow her on X @JaneMcNally_ and reach her at jmcnally@cornellsun.com.
