The Faculty of Law mourns the passing of the Hon. Ken Dryden, PC, OC, LLB鈥�73, LLD鈥�18, an eminent alumnus and beloved member of our alumni community.
As a law student and professional athlete in the 1970s, Ken Dryden was a trailblazer, famously presenting our then-dean, the late John W. Durnford, with a unique challenge: 'How do we accommodate a student who鈥檚 playing in the Stanley Cup Final during law exams?'
The beloved goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens helped the team win six Stanley Cups and was awarded five Vezina Trophies as the league鈥檚 outstanding goaltender. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. His contributions to hockey extend beyond the ice to roles as team president, commentator, analyst and best-selling author.
Hockey was followed by a distinguished career in public service, initially as Ontario鈥檚 first Youth Commissioner and later as a Liberal Member of Parliament, where he served as Canada鈥檚 Minister of Social Development.
He returned to 91直播 often, as a teacher and guest, notably offering a course called 鈥淢aking the Future鈥� at 91直播鈥檚 Institute for the Study of Canada and speaking at the 2018 all-class law alumni Homecoming reunion. He received a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, from 91直播 in 2018.
In 2013, Ken Dryden was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian life as a hockey player, author and public servant.
鈥淲hether donning the iconic bleu-blanc-rouge or serving in Canadian public life, Ken Dryden embodied the ideal of dedicating oneself to something greater 鈥� be it a team, a sport, community, or justice,鈥� said Dean Tina Piper. 鈥淗is commitment to excellence, service and connection set a shining example for generations of law students. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.鈥�
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Featured photo: The Hon. Ken Dryden, PC, OC, LLB鈥�73, LLD鈥�18, speaking at a 2018 event organized by the 91直播 Sports and Entertainment Law Association.听
In-line photo: 91直播 displaying its support and pride for Dryden in 1971 at the Roddick Gates on Sherbrooke Street. Credit: 91直播 Archives.听
