Ken Dryden's hockey career is a remarkable chapter in the history of the sport. Born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden grew up with a keen interest in hockey, which eventually led him to become one of the most respected goaltenders in the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey began at Cornell University, where he played college hockey and led his team to the NCAA championship in 1967. His performance at Cornell earned him the attention of NHL scouts, and he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964, though he never played for them. Instead, his rights were traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he would spend his entire NHL career.

Dryden's NHL debut came during the 1970-71 season, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Despite playing only six regular-season games, he was instrumental in the Canadiens' playoff run, leading them to a Stanley Cup victory. His outstanding performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, a rare achievement for a rookie. The following season, Dryden continued to impress, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.

Throughout the 1970s, Dryden was a cornerstone of the Canadiens' dynasty, helping the team secure six Stanley Cup championships in eight seasons. His style of play was characterized by his calm demeanor and exceptional positional play, which often frustrated opposing teams. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Dryden's size and reach were significant assets in goal, allowing him to cover a large portion of the net with ease.

In addition to his on-ice achievements, Dryden was known for his intellectual pursuits. During his playing career, he took a year off to complete his law degree at McGill University, demonstrating a unique balance between academics and professional sports. This decision was unusual at the time and highlighted his multifaceted interests beyond hockey.

Dryden's career statistics are a testament to his skill and consistency. Over the course of his career, he maintained a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.24 and a save percentage of .922, both impressive figures for any era. He was named to the NHL All-Star team on multiple occasions and won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender, five times.

In 1979, at the age of 31, Dryden retired from professional hockey, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. His decision to retire at the peak of his career surprised many, but it allowed him to pursue other interests, including writing and broadcasting. Dryden authored several books, including "The Game," which is widely regarded as one of the best books ever written about hockey. His insights into the sport and its culture provided readers with a deeper understanding of the game and its players.

After his playing days, Dryden remained involved in hockey and public life. He served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 to 2004, where he worked to improve the team's performance and operations. Additionally, Dryden entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament in Canada from 2004 to 2011. His post-hockey career demonstrated his continued commitment to making a difference in various fields.

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