Quizzes & Puzzles A Trivia Tribute to Legendary Cornellian Ken Dryden ’69 As the world mourns the passing of the beloved hockey star, we offer 12 questions about his storied career—on and off the ice Editor’s note: Our other coverage includes a tribute by the co-author of the Big Red hockey history Forever Faithful and an obituary adapted from the Cornell Chronicle. Difficulty level: Moderate 1) What was his major at Cornell? Mechanical engineering History Hotel Administration Political science None 2) How many games did he win while playing for the Big Red? 49 58 67 76 None 3) In what year did he earn the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year? 1970 1971 1972 1973 None 4) He famously wore the number 1 for the Big Red—but what did he wear for the Montréal Canadiens? 11 19 21 29 None 5) How many Stanley Cups did he win? 3 4 5 6 None 6) What was his role during the legendary “Miracle on Ice” game at the 1980 Winter Olympics? Player Coach TV commentator Referee None 7) What’s the title of his 1983 memoir, widely considered the best book ever written about hockey? “In the Crease” “The Game” “On the Ice” “The Goalie” None 8) In what year was he elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame? 1980 1983 1989 1991 None 9) At what Canadian college did he earn a law degree and later teach a course? McGill University Queens University University of Toronto University of Guelph None 10) He served as president of which NHL team from 1997–2004? Ottawa Senators Montréal Canadiens Edmonton Oilers Toronto Maple Leafs None 11) What metro area did he represent in the Canadian parliament? Toronto Ottawa Vancouver Winnipeg None 12) Later in life, what hockey-related cause did he champion—and make the subject of a 2017 book? More playing opportunities for disadvantaged youth Head-injury prevention Changes to the minor league system Pay equity None Time’s up Top: Dryden makes a save for the Big Red. (Cornell Athletics) Published September 10, 2025 Comments Richard Leger 10 Sep, 2025 My favorite goalie… Grew up watching him with my Dad for Les Canadiens… #29 and #1 in the heart department… Thanks for the memories Mr. Ken Dryden! Richard Reply Jim Piersanti, Class of 1969 14 Sep, 2025 I was a teammate of Ken on the freshman baseball team of 1965 and a fellow member in the Red Key Society. Ken Dryden remains the most impressive individual I’ve had the privilege of meeting at Cornell. He was always extrememly modest, friendly and thoughtful. His passing means that, not only have we lost a truly gifted athlete, but a remarkable human being whose accomplishments continued long after he left the goal crease. Thanks for being a friend, Ken. Reply Jim (“Tucker”) Fredrickson, Class of 1972 14 Sep, 2025 I had no idea about the hockey culture at Cornell when I arrived in the fall of ‘68. I was a fan of pro hockey (6 teams in NHL) and an average skilled pond hockey player. I was soon a covert to the college game. Watching Dryden play made that easy. As a Lynah season ticket holder and then a rink rat, I spent a lot of time at Lynah over 4 years – watching the Big Red play, as a referee for the great intramural hockey program (often skating with one of the teams that enter the ice after the last intramural game), and member of the Fraternity division championship teams fielded by SAE. My last game as a participant, probably ever, was a few years ago in a beer league near Boston at age 72. I always told stories in the locker room about the big guy…leaning on his stick, old school leather pads….OMG!! If you’re in Cambridge when we play Harvard or at as many Big Red hockey and lacrosse games as I can get to, look me up and we’ll share a toast to one big hero in my life. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Remembering the Cornellian Who Broke Racial Barriers in Math Cornelliana Gothic Castle on the Hill: Fascinating Facts about Risley Hall Alumni Far from the Hill, Alum Builds His Own ‘Tower’—of Giraffes