No one does a retirement ceremony better than the Montreal Canadiens. Easily one of the best run organization from a PR standpoint, the Habs know how to connect present hockey fans with the past. There's a certain regal aura to the whole process. It's akin to a President's State of the Union address for the Canadiens have historically been a true and revered great sports organization with a powerful tradition.
Among the more stirring moments of such a ceremony is the ascent. The moment where the ghosts of Forum's past are summoned and the banner is raised to be immortalized. As it slowly rises it conjures up surreal and majestic inner feelings and images of magnificent nostalgia for all hockey fans.
Tonight they will honour and retire Ken Dryden's #29. Dryden was the goaltender for les Canadiens during the dominant and dynastic years of the 1970s. I'm not sure why management are slow to coming around to honoring some of the legends on those clubs but at least they are doing it. Earlier this year it was Serge Savard now it's Dryden's turn. Next Larry Robinson - I hope - even Bob Gainey, Toe Blake and Elmer Lach.
It's pretty remarkable what Dryden achieved in only eight short seasons: Five Vezinas, one Calder, one Conn Smythe, a .790 winning percentage, 2.24 goals against and 46 shut outs in 397 games. Above all, he helped back stop the Habs to 6 Stanley Cups. Easily one of the greatest goaltenders ever - Fort Knox type defense notwithstanding. Not to mention being on the cover of Sports Illustrated three times. Now that's recognition.
While hockey fans pay tribute to 29 we should also remember the loss of Lorne 'Gump' Worsley who died of a heart attack this week-end. Worsley had some of his best seasons while playing for nos glorieux. When compared to the 1950s and 70s edition of the Habs the 60s tend to be overlooked despite the awesome successes. Worsley was part of four Stanley Cup celebrations in 1965,66,68 and69 and earned the Vezina in 66 and 68.
Gump was best remembered for his wit and sense of humour. During the early part of his career with the Rangers - when he was regularly facing over 40 shots a night - he was asked, "Which team gives you the most trouble?"
He replied, "The New York Rangers."
Merci les boys.
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