Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden, a six-time All-Star, six-time Stanley Cup winner and an integral part of Montreal's dynasty of the 1970s, died Friday after a battle with cancer, the Canadiens announced. He was 78.
Known for his intellectual pursuits off the ice, Dryden played only eight seasons in the NHL before retiring in his prime at age 31. Along with the Cups, the Canadian won the Vezina Trophy — awarded to the league's top goalie — five times.
"Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. "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."
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