Dave Dryden: Big Brother

Mention the name Dryden and it is quickly associated with one of the greatest goaltenders of all time - Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadiens. But Dave Dryden, Ken's older brother, had an interesting although less spectacular career.

Dave played hockey at the junior hockey level because he loved the game, not necessarily because wanted to play in the NHL. He was hoping to earn a scholarship to a major US college as Dryden aspired to become a teacher.

That changed when he attended a Toronto Maple Leafs - New York Rangers game in Toronto on February 3, 1962. New York Rangers goalie Lorne "Gump" Worsley was felled with an injury and could not continue the game past the first period. In those days teams didn't have backup goalies, so in order to continue the game both teams agreed to use the junior goalie sitting in the stands - Dave Dryden. Dryden played well, giving up 3 goals in 40 minutes in a 4-1 Rangers loss. It was a neat experience but ultimately it would kill any hope Dave had of receiving an athletic scholarship because he was now considered to be a professional.

Read the full Dave Dryden biography, including how Dave quite literally helped to change the face of hockey.