Ken Dryden

Ken was a great Canadian in every aspect of his life. It was a privilege to serve in Cabinet with him. Expressing sympathy to his wife and family. Sincerely, Joe McGuire

Condolences to the Dryden family. Ken i can imagine you up there playing heaven hockey with Guy and the other teammates who went before you. Rest easy on your stick my childhood idle. Form the excitement of 1971 to the excitement of 1979 both nail biters ironically 71 Bruins 79 Bruins. What beter way to come in and retire. The all time greatest goaltender as described by Scotty Bowman allways will be remembered. R.I.P.

God bless you and your family, may you rest in peace.

So sad. You were and still are an inspirational. I grew up in montreal and watched every cup win you backstopped. You accomplished even more after THE HABS. Merci Mr. Dryden. Condolences to the Dryden family.

Lynda,
Our condolences to you and your sons.
There is no reason for you to remember us but Ken visited my brother, Gary Durocher, at Princess Marguerite several times in 1986 before he passed on December 24. Ken also came down to Belle River over those holidays to pay his respects to Gary and our family.
We have told this story to plenty of people over the past 40 years. Ken, without probably knowing, helped all of us through a difficult time.
Durocher Family and Janet

I was the team physician for the Voyageurs and Calder Cup.One game in Hershey we won 1-0 and Kenny made 70 saves.Sam called me to Montreal for playoff road games.I will nmever forget Kennys work after losing first 2 games to Boston,Sam pollock asked me what will we do.I told him how good Dryden was and he went in we won 4 straight and it was my lifetime thrill.You were the greatest Kenny and I remember when you came on a sports show in fort mcmurray.You were a real gentleman.May God Beless you.Dr.Ken./Nickerson.

You were the best of the best. A great goalie and a great human. The hockey world lost an institution! You may be gone, but your legacy will live on in every young goaltender striving to be half as good as you! Rest in peace. Larry Delafontaine

Deepest condolences to Ken Dryden family and friends. I had the honour and privilege to meet and hear Ken speak in Winnipeg when he was on tour with his last book. I loved watching him play hockey and do believe he was the factor that allowed Canada to win the Summit Series. Not only did I admire his hockey skills but his intellect as well. He knew that there would be life after hockey and he prepared himself for that. He knew that education was the key and was a strong model in showing young aspiring hockey players the path after their career was over. Thank you Ken. You will be remembered.

So sorry to hear about Ken. My condolences to the family. I learned a lot from Ken.

I guess it's a sign of age, when your heros die. Rest in Peace Mr. Dryden. The G.O.A.T. The only player in the history of the NHL to win the most valuable player trophy before winning rookie of the year. People often stated that any goalie could have won 5 Vezina's and 6 cups with that team of greats in front of him. But what they fail to note is, that the year he took off to go to law school, they didn't win, when he came back they won 5 more cups. I soooo wanted to be like him when I played. I would cut my stick so I could mimic his pose. LOL I would practice kick saves like the old school goalies. I wasn't any good but I tried. Thank you Mr. Dryden for introducing me to Hockey and making it one of the joys in my life.

My friend paints radiation therapy masks for children who undergo treatment to the head and neck area. One young man asked for a mask painted like Ken´s goalie mask. Terry Marcotte from CTV news heard the story, arranged a meeting with Ken, this young man, his family and my friend who painted the mask.
I drove the lady who paints as she doesn´t like to drive downtown.

What I thought would be a 5 minute meet n greet turned into an hour. He was fantastic with this young guy, and my friend.
Such a kind and gracious man!

My condolences. I hope happy memories are helping at this difficult time.

Sharon

My condolences to the Dryden Family, his friends and former teammates. Ken Dryden was the goalie of my childhood. His iconic stance with his arms on the butt of his stick. When I think of Ken Dryden I picture him in that pose and remember all the great and exciting memories he gave me as a Habs fan. A great athlete, a great goalie, and a great man! Thank you Ken you will forever be remembered. R.I.P.

My sincerest condolences on the loss of if the greatest goalie from a Montreal Canadian fan. But so much more than that as a lawyer, MP & most of all true gentleman! Peace to Mr. Dryden and your family! Lois Demmings

Dryden is the reason I´m a fanatic Habs fan. One of two teams in road hockey games on the West Island of Montreal in the 70s had only two choices of goalie: Esposito or Tretiak. Why? The other team´s goalie had already snagged Dryden! What he did after hockey makes me a proud Canadian.

Writing from the Montreal area, I was very fortunate to see those great Canadiens teams that won 6 Stanley Cups, and Monsieur Dryden was a huge part of that success! And, he wrote many books and became a successful writer! He also rebuilt a Maple Leaf franchise when he took the job of club president! Dabbed a little into federal politics and once that was done, the rest of his life he lived with Lynda, their children and grandchildren and all those very close to him. Sad that I noticed he passed on Dave's birthday. Condolences to the family and to all those who were very close to him. Monsieur Dryden, vous avez mérité votre repos éternel, Vous serez dans mes souvenirs, jusqu'à ce que mon tour arrive d'aller rejoindre mes parents et tous ceux que j'ai aimé.

My condolences to his family and friends
He will always be remembered
I was in the Montreal Canadians Dutchie fan club and I would go see them practice often...he gave me once his hockey goalie stick and I still have it.......these are pictures in the 70's..........All my memories have returned.
RIP Ken Dryden My Hero

Oh Ken..... you are the reason I became a Habs Fan. Watched you win that 71 Cup and I was hooked. Just wanted to thank you for being a Legendary Canadien and a Legendary Canadian. RIP my hero.

My sincere condolences to the Dryden family. Ken was a legend in so many ways and was loved by many around the world. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal! The big game upstairs just got another starting goalie.

A true gentleman, with dignity and respect. And a true sportsman. May you rest in Heavenly Hockey Peace. Still hurts to know you're gone so soon. R.I.P. Mr. Dryden.

Very great man on and off the ice he's my all time favorite goalie and player he will be miss by everyone that knew him

My love of hockey and my desire to play goal when I played was formed in my early years by the play of Ken. I'm sure he inspired many. What he did in 71 when he stepped into the Habs goal and literally stole the Cup from the Bruins. Then his play in the 72 Canada Cup..his brilliance was well established. TY Mr Dryden for leaving this great game in better shape than you found it. This fan sure appreciates it.RIP sir

Mr Dryden, as a youth growing up YOU were my idol! I fashioned my own play of goaltender in an industrial league in the small town Tillsonburg Ont. I wrote to you once and you relied and send me an autographed photo of yourself.
You are the epitome of "class"!
I will never forget you! I myself being in my mid 60´s.
Your death took me by surprise and I am so sorry for your families loss! Rest in peace Ken

It is true that the 1970´s belonged to one team the Montreal Canadiens. And the 70´s belonged to one goalie Ken Dryden. And also the 70´s specifically the summers of 1977 and 1978 belonged to one towering figure on the squash courts at Pointe Claire´s Mirabel Racquet Club - Ken Dryden. Those long arms, quick moves and not wanting to hit this man with a squash ball made it very difficult to win some games. I enjoyed those early morning games and I know Ken did as well. To Lynda and family my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Ken.

John Talbot

The world lost an amazing man. Not only was he a great hockey player but also a devoted advocate for justice. Condolences to friends and family, RIP.

Thanks for the memories KD...sending LOVE

Ken Dryden was one of the reasons why I became a lifelong Habs fan. It was rare enough for a young girl to love hockey the way I did, but I couldn´t not watch. Thank you, Mr. Dryden, for your leadership and sharing your talent with the hockey world. My condolences to the family and friends who were dear to him.
Cindy

An inspirational person and a life well lived. Thoughts of you and the Canadiens always brings back happy childhood memories.

My condolences to family and friends and his millions of fans.
RIP Mr. Dryden

Ken was one of my first hockey heroes and a big reason I am a Canadiens fan to this day. Equally important is how he became a great advocate for hockey and a level headed leader after a relatively short NHL career, merci beaucoup. RIP Mr. Dryden

Ken Dryden was my hockey hero
I had the privilege of speaking with Mr Dryden in Peterborough at The Ontario Winter Games years ago
He took the time to chat with me and we chatted about the 1972 series
RIP Mr Dryden

A true gentleman indeed and a great goaltender! Had the great honor of meeting him . Condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace
Nadia Likoray

I wanted to pass on my sincerest condolences to Ken's wife Lynda and their entire family and their friends. I started watching hockey in the mid 1970's with my dad and I fell in love with the game. Ken was my favorite player growing up. Ken and the Montreal Canadiens were must see TV on HNIC on Saturday nights. Every time I played street hockey, I couldn't wait to strap on those goaltending pads so I could emulate my idol. May he rest in peace.

I have no words to describe the feelings of sadness with todays news of Kens passing. He was my hero as a child and when our lives intersected through politics and Downsview Park my awe of him increased exponentially. An intellect beyond the worlds capacity to understand and appreciate. He had to dumb it down for all of us so we could understand real truth. So many talents, law, politics, business, author, and of course hockey. I have so many fond memories, even a letter from his days as Ontario Youth Commissioner but my favourite is this picture of with my now 19 year old son playing college baseball in Florida when he was 4 signed back to him. I think we can all put ourselves in my sons shoes with the joy and admiration for such a giant among Canadians. We are lesser without him and richer for having had him.

God bless you and your family at this difficult time.

Tony Genco

J´avais 13 ans lorsque j´ai fait ce dessin, j´en ai maintenant 65 ans. Votre époux, votre père, a animé mes soirées de petite fille qui adorait le hockey et qui avait trouvé un nouvel idole. Mon père m´encourageait beaucoup dans ma passion pour le hockey et pour Ken Dryden mon idole. J´avais le droit d´avoir des posters dans ma chambre et je regardais assidûment ces exploits à la télé. J´ai adoré suivre sa carrière et lire ses livres. Ma petite fille de 12 ans Emma, m´a même mentionné qu´elle avait vu un livre de ses exploits à l´école en me disant, j´ai pensé à toi grand-maman, tu m´as tellement parlé de lui. Sa mort m´a beaucoup bouleversé. Alors j´ai ressorti mon dessin pour montrer fièrement à ma petite fille ce dessin qu´il avait si gentiment signé. Un idole, ça ne s´oublie jamais....
Monsieur Ken Dryden, je ne vous oublierai jamais.
Sincères condoléances à toute la famille, mes pensées les plus sincères sont avec vous.

Ken reflected the 70´s for a young passionate hockey and Habs fan like me. I watched his first game and was shocked at his "farmer" stance with his goalie stick. His original mask was nothing less than Awesome and his hockey card was my most coveted possession. When I dream of hockey I dream of Ken Dryden. I believed in him in 1972 when the majority of the school class watching the games groaned at each Russian goal. I said it was going to be OK because Dryden was in the net. He made me believe in the value and superiority of Canadian hockey when Canada was such a small and overlooked country. Ken Dryden gave us respect and recognition only a handful of years after our Centennial. Canada went from smiling and waving after bronze medal achievements to overthrowing a Superpower on a sheet of ice. We knew for the 1st time that we had Superheroes. Thanks, Ken for defining and displaying what a Canadian was and would be.

I was a young boy growing up on Northern Ontario, playing hockey & cheering on my Montreal Canadiens. When I first saw Ken Dryden in 1971, I became a big fan & he became my hockey idol along with Guy Lafleur. I followed Ken in life after hockey and read all of his books. His brilliant writing, reasoned thoughts and opinions were always welcomed. He was a great Canadian who accomplished so much throughout his life. You are a true Canadian legend in every sense of the word. Kenny, you were the best and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my friend.

Thanks for providing exciting childhood memories KD. A true class act and gentleman. RIP to the GOAT.

A great gentleman, was lucky enough to get a picture taken with him at Otta wa international airport in 2011 . We had just came back from Hockey day in Canada in Whitehorse and Dawson City with Ottawa Senators Alumni. Was so happy to shake his hand and meet him .Godspeed and may he rest in peace, Gerry Armstrong

In 1989, I wrote a letter to Ken Dryden asking a few questions and requested a few cards to be signed. I received a response from Mr Dryden along with a hand written letter answering all of my questions and the cards signed as I requested. I was a kid in high school that was floored that Mr Dryden had taken the time to respond to my questions and write a letter. A few years later I was fortunate to meet Mr Dryden and thanked him for responding to my letter and how much it meant to me. He was very gracious and humble and joked that he was glad that I got my cards back!
I was always in awe of Mr Dryden when he told a story. His detailed description and the way he told a story was like no other. I listened when Ken Dryden spoke. His thoughts intelligently, well thought out and inquisitive mind always kept me on the edge of my seat.
It was an absolute privilege to have met Mr Dryden and shared a conversation with him. He was an amazing goalie resting on his stick with his unforgettable masks. Mr Dryden did so much after his playing career was over. He accomplished so much and lived many lifetimes with success with everything he touched. With adoration and respect, thank you Mr Dryden.
Impactful. A legend. An icon.

A Legend Between the Pipes and Beyond!

Today, I join countless Canadians in mourning the loss of one of my all-time sports heroes - Ken Dryden.

Ken wasn´t just a Hall of Fame goaltender who led the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cups in the 1970s - he was a thinker, a leader, and a true gentleman. Behind the mask stood a man of intellect and integrity: a Cornell graduate, a lawyer, an author, a Member of Parliament, and a voice of reason in both sport and society.

He changed the way we saw goaltending, and he changed the way we thought about athletes. His book The Game remains one of the most thoughtful reflections on hockey ever written. And his iconic stance - leaning on his stick, calm in the chaos - is etched in the memory of every fan who watched him play.

Ken Dryden was more than a goalie. He was a symbol of excellence, humility, and purpose. He inspired me, and so many others, to love the game - and to think deeply about the world beyond it.

Rest in peace, Ken - #29.

Thank you for everything.

Mr Dryden, growing up you were my hero, I was a goalie all my days and as a adult your wisdom and books taught me about life. I thank you. RIP

As a DIE HARD HABS fan I was stunned when I heard the Passing of Ken Dryden...I have been a Habs fan since The Original 6 teams, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, NY Rangers, Detroit, Chicago...That was Hockey...
Well My Sincere Sympathies to The Dryden family...R.I.P. Ken...You will be missed and always loved and remembered...

Derek Sheppard
Cornwall Ont

Ken, you will never know how much of a role you played in my life. You were more than a boss, you were and always will be my friend. Daniel & Gisèle

You were my hockey idol.....my dad took me to watch you play in Toronto in the mid 70´s...I was honoured to have stood close to you on your way to the dressing room after leaving the ice. Great memories of a wonderful man. God bless your family during this sad time.

Condolences go out to the Dryden family, he was a great man and hockey goalie .

Ken Dryden was, in one way or another, my companion since I was 12. My first hockey sweater was Canadiens red #29 purchased 1973 at Doug Laurie's at the Maple Leaf Gardens. It is such a privilege when your childhood hero becomes a great person after his career. My thoughts are with Lynda, Ken's kids and grandkids.

when I first started playing hockey at 6 years old in 1972, I wanted to be Ken Dryden so I played goalie. That was not successful but I ended up also becoming a lawyer. I remember wanting his hockey card all the time in the 1970s. It was with great sadness I heard Ken had died. My condolences to his family. I hope Guy met you with a big hug in hockey heaven. Loved by many and missed by many.

You were my idol when I was 11 years old in 1971 - Thank you for the memories Ken - RIP

My deepest condolences to the Dryden family. Mr. Dryden was the reason I love hockey and the Montreal Canadiens. A beautiful human who touched so many lives; in the hockey world and outside of it.
Forever in our hearts.
GHG

Was saddened to hear of Ken´s passing, this world is a lot poorer when he left but a lot richer for him being in it

My sympathies to your family and friends you were a part of my childhood of the seventies those great Montreal teams with you in goal.

RIP.

As a young girl growing up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario hockey was always #1. My Dad, a die hard Habs fan, and I would watch the games together. I was a huge Ken Dryden fan, loved his style and always waited for him to remove his mask at the end of the games. I had a #29 Dryden jersey and has posters of Ken all over my walls. He was a great man. I wish I had met him. Condolences to his family and friends. Thanks for the great memories Mr. Dryden.

Sincere condolences to family and friends
Thanks for sharing such a great human being
May he RIP and Thanks Ken for your service to Canada and Hockey

Just wanted to add my condolences to his family and remember, as all of you, the man that was Kenny Dryden. RIP!

My deepest condolences to the Dryden family on the passing of Ken. He was an exceptional person who succeeded at whatever endeavor he was pursuing. The only hockey sweater I have is a Canadiens #29.

My sincerest condolences to the family, I think we all claimed Mr.Dryden as our own so the hurt is felt by all. He was loved and admired and an inspiration to those who aspired to be like him. RIP Ken you will be missed.

As a Bruins fan you broke my heart, so many times you was the best for eight NHL seasons.

So sorry for your lost. He was my hero growing up. RIP Mr Dryden.

One of my earliest recollections of watching of Mr.Dryden was with my late grandfather stone the Bruins and win the Cup..I became an instant fan.As a hockey goalie I always wore number 29..No matter what sport jersey I have(CFL,NFL and Expos),including Team Canada 72 home jersey and both home and away Habs jersey.. 29 ...I had the honor to meet him at the Forum when he was the President of the Leafs..all class.Condolences to the Dryden Family.Mon idole.

Mr Dryden, you are the reason I watched hockey and wanted to be a goalie!! I was always trying to be like you as a kid cause you were the best! Not only a great goalie but a great human being.
Condolences to all your
Family Sir!
Rest In Peace
29 forever
Go Habs
Signed
Donnie Gall
Rainy River Ontario

Thank-you Sir for the picture and signing of your book.

Ken reflected the 70´s for a young passionate hockey and Habs fan like me. I watched his first game and was shocked at his "farmer" stance with his goalie stick. His original mask was nothing less than Awesome and his hockey card was my most coveted possession. When I dream of hockey I dream of Ken Dryden. I believed in him in 1972 when the majority of the school class watching the games groaned at each Russian goal. I said it was going to be OK because Dryden was in the net. He made me believe in the value and superiority of Canadian hockey when Canada was such a small and overlooked country. Ken Dryden gave us respect and recognition only a handful of years after our Centennial. Canada went from smiling and waving after bronze medal achievements to overthrowing a Superpower on a sheet of ice. We knew for the 1st time that we had Superheroes. Thanks, Ken for defining and displaying what a Canadian was and could be. Mike Simcoe

My absolute hero growing up in Montreal......there is a special section dedicated to him in my Habs room...R.I.P. Ken....you will be missed...thanks for all the thrills....

Condolences to the family. Thanks to Ken agreeing to become involved in the Cambridge Leasehold´s project for Place Vertu I had the honour to create the life size cast bronze of Ken. As well as five 1/3 life size bronze maquttes. Ken was given one and one can be found in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was a wonderful man. Robin C. H. Bell

You have left a lasting mark by embracing both athleticism and intellectualism, inspiring future athletes. May you rest in peace.

Condolences to the family
He was a gentleman, a great goaltender and a great Canadian. My favorite goaltender Rip Ken , you will be missed

RIP Ken Dryden - a true legend on and off the ice. Grateful for all the memories and inspiration you gave to the hockey world. You´ll never be forgotten.

Thank you for the memories Mr. Dryden...

Rest in peace great man

My deepest condolences to the Dryden family . Ken was one of my all time heroes. I can still remember trading my neighbour across the street for Ken´s rookie hockey card back in 1972. My brother and I were so happy that day .God bless .

As a little girl, I watched the Habs with my grandfather every Saturday night. He spoke highly of you and praised your goaltending skills. He never got to meet you in person, but I have no doubt that he was waiting for you at the gates of heaven and finally got the chance. Thank you for your service to the NHL and beyond. May you rest in peace.

A great gentleman.

My deepest condolences to Lynda and the family. Ken is the reason I wear #29 to this day. He was the one guy I always wanted to be like.

A true Canadian icon and gentleman. I enjoyed watching him play on many occasions. May he rest in peace.

Ken´s performance in the 1971 playoffs unleashed in me a lifelong love of the Habs at the age of 6 years old

Thanks to a true legend I admired, either as a accomplished hockey goalie and a respectable citizen. RIP Ken Dryden !

Thank you for your service and insight in all that you accomplished. You led by example and I was fortunate to watch your greatness growing up. Your legacy and influence will go on for generations to come.

My sincerest condolences to Mr. Dryden´s family. I grew up watching him in the 70s, and he remains to this day, one of the greatest goaltenders of all time! His legacy will live on forever.

Rest in Peace Mr. Dryden.

Ken , You were truly One of a Kind.
You will surely be missed by ALL who had the pleasure of meeting you and for those who got to see you play. A true inspiration and testament to how far you can go in life and what you can achieve when you put your mind to it and follow it through.
May God keep you close and May You Rest Easy and at Peace
HABS Forever

Sincere condolences to the Dryden family and friends. Mr. Dryden will truly be missed.

Thank you for the memories to me the best goaltender I be seen in my life will never forget go habs go

Growing up in Montreal and being a die hard Canadien you were my idol. To me you are and always will be the G.O.A.T goalies. May God rest your soul and God bless your family through this difficult time of sorrow. You may have left us now, but you will never be forgotten.

My childhood memories was (and still are) being a fan of the Montreal Canadiens and their tall, lanky goalie who always seemed to stop everything. His literary prowess of describing his life and career in "The Game" was something that left a lasting impression on me. My sincere condolences to his family.

I want to send all my prayers and my positive energy to Mr.Dryden family during these difficult times :( Mr.Dryden was my grandmother favorite player, he become one of my favorite player too. My dream was to meet Mr.Dryden with her one day.... She passe away on May 1st 2025. I wish in the after-life they will have a meeting togheter.

Merci Monsieur Dryden

Dear Ken, I have nothing but good memories of watching you play in the 70s, you changed the game in Montreal like no other goalie, and what another life you led as a scholar and politician. Respects Mr. Dryden, RIP.

I will always rember your greatest hockey player of all time love you Ken Dryden rest in eternal peace

Thank you for sharing your talents with us. You were one of my heroes.

My condolences to Ken's family.

I hitchhiked from Trois Rivieres to the Forum to see you play against Dave, finished 2-1 Habs, the legendary handshake went back to see the Habs play the Red Army, another duo vs Tretiak, on December 31st, thanks for the memories #29 there forever 29

My most sincere condolences to Ken Dryden's family and friends. Growing up in the 70s, he was my childhood idol on the ice, fostering my lifelong love of hockey. I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Dryden later on when, as Minister for Social Development, he gave out the Thérèse-Casgrain Volunteer Award in a wonderful ceremony which I attended with my mother Renée Casgrain, husband and 2 of my brothers (also huge hockey fans!) I remember a very warm man who teased my mum about looking so much like her mother. Volunteering held a special place in his heart and he spoke so eloquently about the need for people to be of service to others. He certainly exemplified what he spoke about. He will be deeply missed.

Michèle Nadeau

So sorry to the Dryden family on your loss. And thank you to Ken for being a inspiration to so many for the last 50 years! Sleep well kind sir.

To the Dryden family and friends, my sincere condolences. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, son, brother, friend with all of us. A truly great Canadian and Canadien. Thank you. You will always be my hero....May you rest in peace, Mr Dryden.

You inspired me!
As a young hockey player and onward as a man. Thank you for all the thrills you gave all of us fans. Respectfully and with gratitude. Namaste Merci

To Judy Dryden, my public school classmate, please accept condolences on the passing of your brother Ken.

Merci...... thank you Ken Dryden for allowing us growing up to watch you, you were one of the greatest of my time and I appreciated every time I got to watch you at Olympia Stadium....may you rest in peace in heaven with all of the other greats

Mr. Dryden is one of the very best memories as a child. I've been a HABS fan since a youngster and he will always be a massive part of the best of memories. He was always classy, polite and extremely intelligent. I was so proud he was a HAB. His famous goalie stance will go down in history. Thank you Mr. Dryden for your talent, professionalism and for being part and the best part of the HABS. Condolences to his family, friends and the organization. RIP Sir.

Rest In Peace, Rest Well Remembered.

My childhood hero, Ken Dryden. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. Ken was exactly what you would want your hero to be! Anyone who knows me knows that I am a die hard fan. Ken was many things to the hockey world and I am finding it difficult to sum up my feelings. I suppose if I had to pick one word to sum him up it would be Class. Sending thoughts and prayers to his wife and family. Thank-you for the memories. Rest Easy. The G.O.A.T