Former NHL goalie Dave Dryden has died at age 81

The extended National Hockey League family has suffered a loss today with the passing of former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dave Dryden at the age of 81. 

Dryden, who was the older brother of Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadiens, played in 203 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Sabres and Edmonton Oilers.

He would make history in 1971 while a member of the Sabres when he faced brother Ken in goal, the first time in NHL history that two brothers opposed one another in net.

"The National Hockey League mourns the recent passing of former goaltender, equipment innovator, educator and philanthropist Dave Dryden," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement. "Respected and liked by all who were lucky enough to know him, Dryden made contributions to our game beyond his 14 seasons tending goal as a pro in the NHL and WHA – including a memorable game when he and brother, Ken, became the first siblings to play goal against each other in the NHL.

"In the mid-1970s, he reimagined the goalie mask, designing the combination fiberglass helmet and birdcage front that greatly increased protection, transformed the way the position could be played and remains the most popular in use today. After retirement, he worked with the League on refinements to equipment, always focused on better protecting athletes. He also pursued a lengthy post-playing career as an elementary school principal and ran the bed-providing charity Sleeping Children Around the World that his parents founded.

"We send our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife, Sandra, their two children and six grandchildren and all whose lives and careers were improved by his work. And, in his name, the NHL will be making a donation to Sleeping Children Around the World."