Why did Dave Dryden retire?
David Murray Dryden was born on September 5, 1941, and was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. Between 1962 and 1979, Dryden was a member of the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, and the Chicago Cougars and Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association. The WHA,…
David Murray Dryden was born on September 5, 1941, and was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. Between 1962 and 1979, Dryden was a member of the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, and the Chicago Cougars and Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association. The WHA, where Dryden played for the Oilers, was where David had his best years. During the Oilers’ time in the WHA, Dryden played the most games (197) and recorded the most victories of all the goalies (94). Wayne Gretzky’s first career goal was scored on him when David was the goalie.
David received the Gordie Howe Trophy as league MVP and the Ben Hatskin Trophy as the WHA’s best goaltender in 1979. Dryden created the first goalie mask-cage hybrid in 1977, and mask maker Greg Harrison turned his design sketches into a finished product that Dryden wore for the Edmonton Oilers. The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto has the mask on display. In contemporary hockey, the mask-cage goalie mask is now the standard.
Why did Dave Dryden retire?
Public knowledge of what occurred prior to his retirement is lacking. After his retirement, David collaborated with the League on equipment improvements with the constant goal of better defending athletes.
