Dave Dryden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Dryden |
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Dryden with the St. Michaels Majors, c. 1961
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| Born | September 5, 1941 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | October 4, 2022 (aged 81) Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 186 lb (84 kg; 13 st 4 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for |
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| Playing career | 1962–1979 | ||
David Murray Dryden (born September 5, 1941 – died October 4, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He is famous for creating and being the first to use the modern goalie mask. This special mask was made from fibreglass and a cage.
Dave Dryden played many seasons in top hockey leagues. From 1962 to 1980, he played for teams like the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He also played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the Chicago Cougars and Edmonton Oilers.
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Early Life and Junior Hockey
Dave Dryden was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on September 5, 1941. His father, Murray Dryden, was a brick salesman who later became known for his charity work. His mother, Margaret, was a kindergarten teacher. Dave was also the older brother of another famous hockey goalie, Ken Dryden.
Dave started his hockey journey in junior leagues. In 1958, he played for the Aurora Bears. After that, he spent two seasons with the St. Michael's Majors in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). In 1961, he joined the Toronto Marlboros.
Professional Hockey Career
Dave Dryden played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA). His career lasted from 1962 to 1979. He played for several teams, including the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Black Hawks, Chicago Cougars, and Edmonton Oilers.
He made his NHL debut on February 3, 1962, with the New York Rangers. He stepped in as an emergency backup goalie. A very special moment happened on March 20, 1971. While playing for the Buffalo Sabres, Dave faced his younger brother, Ken Dryden, who was the goalie for the Montreal Canadiens. This was the first time in NHL history that two brothers played against each other as goalies! They met again on October 28, 1972, in a game where both teams were undefeated. That game ended in a 3–3 tie.
Dave Dryden had some of his best years in the WHA, especially with the Edmonton Oilers. He played more games (197) and earned more wins (94) than any other Oilers goalie in the WHA. He was also the goalie against whom Wayne Gretzky scored his very first professional goal.
In 1979, Dave Dryden won two big awards: the Ben Hatskin Trophy for being the WHA's best goaltender and the Gordie Howe Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Modern Goalie Mask
Two years before winning those awards, Dave Dryden designed something revolutionary. He created the first mask-cage combination goalie mask. This new design combined a fibreglass mask with a protective cage. A mask maker named Greg Harrison helped turn Dave's drawings into the final product. Dave wore this mask when he played for the Oilers.
Today, this historic mask is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The mask-cage combination is now the standard design for goalies in modern hockey. It makes the game much safer for them.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dave Dryden was married to Sandra for 59 years. They had two children together. He was also the brother of fellow hockey legend, Ken Dryden.
Beyond hockey, Dave was very involved in charity work. He was the chairperson for the Sleeping Children Around the World charity. This organization was founded by his father, Murray. It helps provide bed kits to children in developing countries, giving them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Dave Dryden passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 81. He died from complications after a surgery. After his death, the Sleeping Children Around the World charity and the National Hockey League started a special donation effort in his name. This initiative continues his work of providing bed kits to children in need around the world.
