NHL legend and six-time Stanley Cup winner Ken Dryden has died aged 78.
Tributes have poured in for the Montreal Canadiens icon after his brave fight with cancer.
Ken Dryden, goalie of the Montreal Canadiens, in 1977[/caption]
Dryden died at his home on Friday after a brave battle with cancer[/caption]
The former goaltender helped the team to major success throughout the 1970s.
They announced his passing on Saturday morning.
The family of the Hall of Fame legend has asked for privacy.
It is understood he died peacefully on Friday at his home.
“Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man,” said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson.
“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.
He continued: “A thoughtful citizen and a gentleman, who deeply impacted our lives and communities across generations.
“Ken embodied the best of everything the Montreal Canadiens are about.”
Dryden is survived his wife Lynda and their two children.
He was goalie for the team in their most successful NHL era.
The icon won the championship in six of his eight seasons in the league.
That came from 1970-71 until the end of the 1978-79 season.
He also won the Calder Trophy and rookie of the year.
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And he was a six-time All-Star during an illustrious career.
“From the moment Ken Dryden joined the Montreal Canadiens as a 23-year-old rookie in 1971, he made an immediate and lasting impact on the NHL, the Canadiens franchise and the goaltending position,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“Ken’s love for his country was evident both on and off the ice.”
Dryden was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
The former law firm worker, author, broadcaster and professor was 258-57-74 during his career.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Hon. Ken Dryden, a Canadian hockey legend and hall of famer, public servant and inspiration,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“He was a 6-time Stanley Cup Champion, 5-time Vezina trophy winner, Minister of Social Development, and dedicated Parliamentarian.
“Ken Dryden was the reason I became a goalie, although I never mastered his ability to lean on his stick let alone keep the puck out of the net.
“His return to university at the height of his playing career taught the importance of balance in life. His post-hockey career demonstrated the value of public service.
“Few Canadians have given more, or stood taller, for our country. Ken Dryden was Big Canada. And he was Best Canada. Rest in peace.”
