Ken Dryden and Vladislav Tretiak (Photo courtesy of Reuters)
The hockey world lost a true great on Friday night as former Montreal Canadiens netminder Ken Dryden passed away at 78 years of age from a battle with cancer. Dryden helped the Habs win six Stanley Cups, but his legacy grew far beyond the ice.
Dryden was also a Parliament leader, an author, lawyer, and even spent time in an NHL front office, serving as the President of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997-2004.
RG had the chance to speak with Russian legend Vladislav Tretiak, who faced Dryden in the Summit Series. Tretiak is also considered one of the best goaltenders ever, and through competition, he built a strong relationship with Dryden over the years.
Tretiak shared his most fond memories of the Hall of Famer and shed light on just how special a human being Dryden really was.
“Ken Dryden will always be remembered by me first and foremost as a remarkable person — intelligent, educated, kind, and open-minded. He represented that generation of Canadians who raised hockey to incredible heights worldwide, taking part in the 1972 Summit Series and shining in goal for the Montreal Canadiens,” Tretiak told RG.
“It was always a pleasure to talk with Ken; his human qualities were outstanding. I was fortunate to be his friend — whenever I traveled to Canada, we would meet and talk about many things. We discussed hockey, but also world events, culture, and art. Ken had a broad outlook, and there was always something meaningful to talk about with him. I can truly call Dryden one of my closest friends; he always treated me with great warmth. He was a man of real integrity.
On the ice, there is no doubt that Dryden was one of Canada’s greatest goaltenders. He defined an era — six Stanley Cups, five Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s top goalie.”
Dryden made it clear just how talented he was early on, winning the Conn Smythe as Playoff MVP in 1971, despite playing just six regular-season games. Dryden led the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup, then proceeded to capture the Calder as the league’s top rookie the following season. Winning such decorated awards in such order is unheard of.
Tretiak knew Dryden was special from the moment he saw him in between the posts.
“I first faced him in 1969, and even then I could see his natural talent. A year later, in 1970, Ken began his career with the Canadiens. At the end of that season, he played just six games, allowed only 10 goals, and immediately secured his place as the team’s starting goalie.
What still amazes me most is that he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP before he was awarded the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year the following season. That kind of achievement is almost impossible to repeat,” Tretiak continued.
“Dryden was always a true star. Much of his brilliance came from his intelligence — he read the game so well. It wasn’t only his size and quick reflexes, but also his ability to anticipate plays, to sense what the forwards would do. He was reliable and strong, someone who could be counted on — both on the ice and in life.”
Tretiak was personally invited by Dryden to attend his jersey retirement in Montreal in 2007, a moment he’ll remember forever as he had the opportunity to speak. The Russian also invited Dryden for a visit to Russia in 1983.
“I remember January 2007, when I came to Montreal for the ceremony raising his No. 29 to the rafters before a game against Ottawa. Ken invited me personally. I will never forget walking onto the ice, being given the chance to speak. I said a few words in French, which the Montreal crowd loved, and then in English, thanking everyone. I spoke about what a great goaltender Ken was, and how the 1972 Summit Series enriched the hockey world. I gave him a USSR national team jersey as a gift.
I also invited Ken to our country. In 1983, he came to Moscow for the December Izvestia tournament. There’s even a photo of us together — I was still in uniform, as I had not yet retired, while Ken had already finished his career. He was a very special guest in the Soviet Union. He always showed respect for our country, our hockey, and our people.
Ken’s character is also reflected in how he used his intelligence and popularity for the good of others. He served for many years in public life, including as Minister of Social Development, working for his country and people. He was committed to doing good and cared deeply about others.
For the hockey family, this is an enormous loss. A great man and player has passed away. Personally, I have lost a dear friend I will never forget. Farewell, Ken — you will always remain in my heart.”
Ken Dryden will forever be remembered not only for how he impacted hockey but everyone around him.