‘A wonderful human being’: Habs fans pay tribute to Ken Dryden

The memory of hockey legend Ken Dryden is being honoured in Saskatoon.

The hockey community is mourning the loss of Ken Dryden.

“He was just a wonderful, wonderful human being who did a lot of work for communities, for people, and for all people in Canada, as well with his roles in the Canadian government,” James Taman, president and founder of the Western Canada Montreal Canadiens fan club, said.

Taman has an extensive collection of Montreal Canadiens memorabilia, much of which is located at the fan club’s home within Saskatoon’s Harold Latrace Arena. After hearing the news of Dryden’s passing, Taman decided to gather his collectibles related to the goalie turned politician and create a memorial within the clubhouse.

“Yesterday was really difficult because I woke up in the morning and my phone had 19 messages on it... it had a profound, sad effect - shock and sadness - because Mr. Dryden was only 78 years old,” Taman said.

Dryden died on Sept. 5 after a battle with cancer. The Hamilton-born goaltender helped the Habs win six Stanley Cups, earning a Calder Memorial Trophy in the process.

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“Mr. Dryden was one of our all-time greats - not just a goaltender and a hockey person. He also did a lot of work behind the scenes and for people with brain injuries, and he always worked with kids. He was just an outstanding individual and a good friend,” Taman said.

Dryden went on to make another impact on Canada, thanks to his run as Minister of Social Development between 2004 and 2006. He then went on to serve as a Member of Parliament until 2011.

“The fan club does a lot of community projects and functions, and we’re very blessed to have had the opportunity to meet people like Mr. Dryden and for him to have been close to a lot of our members, myself, and my family - it’s extremely heartwarming and very, very special,” Taman said.

The Habs fan went on to recall Dryden’s dedicated charity work and sincere passion for connecting with Habs fans across the country.

While the Montreal Canadiens fan club’s space is not typically open to the public, Taman shared that hockey fans of any jersey are welcome to reach out to the club to request a visit.

“If someone wants to come in and view the dressing room and the display, have a moment, they’d be most welcome,” Taman said.

While the hockey community reflects on Dryden’s impact, Taman shared how he will remember the iconic Canadian.

“Just the kindness, the openness to children, to society, to community, and not just hockey fans, but to all people - and his kindness resonated with so many people throughout Canada, if not the world,” Taman said.