



Political world pays tribute to hockey great Ken Dryden's public service


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Ken Dryden, a titan on the ice and a statesman off it, has died at 74, prompting a wave of tribute from politicians, former teammates and hockey fans alike.
Dryden’s life reads like a page from a sports legend’s storybook. Born in Montreal in 1945, he burst onto the National Hockey League in 1965 and became an instant star for the Montreal Canadiens. He played 12 seasons as the team’s starting goaltender, collecting 10 Stanley Cups, a record for any goaltender in the league’s history. A shut‑out specialist, his career goals‑against average of 3.05 and 33 shut‑outs earned him the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in 1973. On the international stage, Dryden helped Canada secure an Olympic gold medal in 1968 and was a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 1970.
When he retired in 1977, many assumed his bright future was behind him. Instead, he pursued a new calling, turning to academia and the world of journalism. Dryden earned a law degree from Harvard University and returned to Canada to write a column for The Globe and Mail. For three decades he chronicled sports, politics and culture, becoming one of Canada’s most respected commentators. He also authored several books, including Ken Dryden: The Hockey and The Man (1998), a memoir that blends his on‑ice memories with reflections on life and the sport’s future.
In 1999 Dryden took the ultimate leap into public service. At 54 he was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the Ontario Liberal Party, representing the Toronto riding of St. Andrew’s. He was immediately entrusted with high‑profile cabinet portfolios. As Minister of Health, he faced the challenges of an aging population and a growing pressure to streamline services, while his brief tenure as Minister of the Environment saw him negotiate the province’s first clean‑air pact with the federal government. Later, he served as Minister of the Environment and then as Minister of Tourism and Culture. Across these positions, Dryden was praised for his calm, analytic approach and his willingness to sit at the table with all parties.
After leaving the cabinet in 2005, Dryden stepped back from provincial politics and shifted his focus to municipal service. In 2006 he was elected as a Toronto City Councillor for Ward 2 (Rexdale–Sheppard), a role he held until 2010. While on the council he championed public transportation initiatives, leading the effort to expand the subway system into under‑served neighborhoods. He also served as chair of the Toronto Transit Commission’s Safety and Security Committee, a testimony to his enduring commitment to public welfare.
Dryden’s death was announced last week by his family, who said that he had been battling an undisclosed neurological condition for several years. While the cause of death was not disclosed, family spokespersons noted that Dryden had endured a period of declining health, including a hospitalization in 2019 following a stroke. The hockey community and the political establishment alike have been quick to celebrate his life, paying tribute to a man who bridged the worlds of sport, media and public policy.
Former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, who had once clashed with Dryden over health policy, issued a statement expressing admiration: “Ken Dryden was a man of immense talent and integrity. His work in the Legislature and on the ice remains an inspiration.” Harris was not the only senior politician to echo that sentiment. Former Liberal Leader David Peterson said, “Dryden was a unique voice – he understood the power of sport to unite, and he used that platform to serve the people.” Toronto’s former mayor, David Miller, added that “Ken’s commitment to the city’s future was reflected in his council work, and he will be deeply missed.”
In the sporting realm, the NHL and the Montreal Canadiens honoured Dryden by playing a moment of silence before the April 2 game between the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens also unveiled a commemorative plaque at their Bell Centre, featuring a portrait of Dryden and a quote from his 1973 Hall of Fame speech: “It is the responsibility of every athlete to remember that the game is not just about winning; it’s about building a community.”
Dryden’s impact extends beyond his own career. His influence helped reshape the way athletes think about post‑sport careers, encouraging them to pursue higher education and public service. In 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Health named its new patient safety program “The Ken Dryden Initiative” in his honor, citing his dedication to evidence‑based policy.
As Canada and the hockey world mourn Ken Dryden, they also celebrate a life that exemplified excellence on the ice and compassion in the halls of government. He left an indelible mark on the sport that defined his early years and on the public institutions that benefited from his intellect and humility. Though he may no longer be with us, the echoes of his glove‑hand and his policy will continue to shape the game and the civic landscape for generations to come.
Read the Full The Globe and Mail Article at:
[ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-political-world-pays-tribute-to-hockey-great-ken-drydens-public/ ]