Former Canadiens Star Goaltender Ken Dryden Dies of Cancer at Age 78

Former Canadiens Star Goaltender Ken Dryden Dies of Cancer at Age 78
Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden (R), takes his famous pose as he chats with former teammate Steve Shutt during centennial celebrations in Montreal, on Dec. 4, 2009. The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson
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Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender whose long resume in and out of hockey included six Stanley Cup victories and helping backstop Canada’s generation-defining victory at the 1972 Summit Series, died Friday at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.

A key member of the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, Dryden’s career in the spotlight was only just getting started when he retired from the game—and while at the top of his own game—in his early 30s.