Hockey, political players react to death of Montreal Canadiens great Ken Dryden

Players from the world of politics and hockey are mourning the loss of hockey legend and former federal politician Ken Dryden, who passed away Friday at age 78 after a battle with cancer.

The Hockey Hall of Famer was a central figure in the Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty — backstopping the team to six Stanley Cups, earning five Vezina Trophies and the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

But commentators like Habs Forum Hockey podcast host Dustin Alexander say that Dryden “a winner on and off the ice.”

“It wasn’t only the hockey world that lost a great person yesterday,” Alexander told CityNews Saturday. “I think our country lost one of our great Canadians.”

After Dryden hung up his skates in 1976, he would go on to write six best selling books and enter politics, winning a seat for the Liberals in 2004 and serving as the minister of social development under Prime Minister Paul Martin.

“It’s hard to be good at more than one thing. It’s hard to be excellent at more than one thing. And (Dryden) was,” said Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

Dryden was also credited for helping backstop Canada’s generation-defining victory at the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.

He wrote about his experience guarding the net in 2022, and if there’s anything that Friedman gathered from Dryden’s writing — it was that he was nervous, just like anyone else would be. 

“When I think about him as a player, I remember how much of a stud he was in goal,” he said. “But still, he was just like everybody else. In a big moment, he was trying to calm his nerves and butterflies. And of course, he found a way to win that game.”

Here are what some of athletes and politicians are saying about Dryden’s passing.

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“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.” – Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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“Like millions of Quebecers, I grew up admiring Ken Dryden. Six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Habs. What an achievement! Author, MP, minister, he marked our history and an entire generation.” – Quebec Premier François Legault.

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“Like so many of my generation, I grew up thinking of him as the legendary goalie and hockey superstar he was. Then, 30 years later, I had the enormous privilege of working with Ken, the cabinet minister and parliamentary colleague, who was the national champion for policies such as early learning and childcare. I will also never forget the moments when he rose to speak in the House of Commons — sitting at the desk in front of me. His iconic reputation, impressive physical stature, booming voice, thoughtful ideas and kind personality allowed him to dominate that arena as well.” – Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal MP, cabinet minister.

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“When he arrived in 1971, we looked at this guy. He was coming from Cornell University and Team Canada. We looked at him and we thought he was coming from another planet. We weren’t used to seeing hockey players coming to the dressing room with his books under his arm and after practice, he was going at McGill University. And that’s not the way we used to see hockey players so we didn’t think he had a great future after looking at him the way he was acting but eventually he was one of the first that came from university and Ken was ahead of his time.” – Serge Savard, former Montreal Canadiens defenceman and longtime teammate.

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“Was with him a little over year ago. We had a wonderful conversation about the game of hockey and how one can make an impact in life post playing days. The world lost a special man. RIP.” – Chris Pronger, former NHL defenceman.

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“Ken Dryden was a legend on the ice and an inspiration in public life. I had the privilege of working with him in politics. I have vivid memories of our conversations. He was an exceptional man, deeply human.” – Pablo Rodriguez, Quebec Liberal Party Leader, ex-Liberal MP.

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“I asked Ken Dryden, “as athletes, what do we bring to parliament?”. He said, you brought your best to the racecourse, be your best in the House of Commons.” – Adam van Koeverden, Liberal MP, ex-Olympic athlete

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“With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences to the Dryden family. Thank you Mr. Dryden, for your service not only as a Canadien, but also as a Canadian. You helped me as a young goaltender and I will always be grateful for your thoughtful words of encouragement.” – Carey Price, ex-Montreal Canadiens goaltender.

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“I always looked up to Ken Dryden. He revolutionized the position & rose to the occasion in big moments. Beyond his greatness on the ice, he was a remarkable person, and the hockey community will miss him dearly. My condolences to the Dryden family.” – Martin Brodeur, retired NHL goaltender.

— with files from The Canadian Press