Impactful Conversation with Ken Dryden
In the 2022 edition of Money & Power by The Hockey News, W. Graeme Roustan, the publisher and owner, shared an impactful conversation he had with the late hockey legend Ken Dryden. Dryden, who passed away on September 5 at the age of 78, spoke with Roustan during a phone call arranged to celebrate The Hockey News’ 75th anniversary.
Childhood Inspirations
Growing up in Montreal during the 1970s, Dryden was not just a superstar goalie for Roustan but also an embodiment of the values his father instilled surrounding the importance of education alongside sports. Roustan reminisced about his childhood dreams of making it to the NHL, noting his early days as a goalie before transitioning to center, driven by the thrill of scoring. Yet, inspired by the Summit Series in 1972 and recognizing the competitive odds against him, he chose to focus on his passion for hockey without necessarily pursuing a professional route.
Celebrating a Milestone
Reflecting on the notable moments he shared throughout his journey with hockey since starting at The Hockey News, Roustan wrote about his excitement for the magazine’s 75th season, which kicked off on October 1, 2021. Knowing that Dryden shared the same birth year as the publication, he decided to connect and invite the hockey icon to share his insights regarding this milestone celebration.
Lessons from a Legend
Initially, Roustan posed questions about Dryden’s illustrious career, but Dryden redirected the conversation back to Roustan, inquiring about his objectives for the anniversary. Roustan articulated his desire to honor the history of The Hockey News, to which Dryden responded with a compelling story from his life.
“Throughout my various roles—as a father, politician, lawyer, author, speaker, and of course, an NHL goalie—I discovered early on that audiences were primarily captivated by my hockey career. Despite my interests in broader topics, I learned that I needed to address my past in hockey before moving on to present and future endeavors.”
By introducing himself as “Ken Dryden, the former NHL goalie,” he would receive enthusiastic applause, allowing him to seamlessly transition into discussing his current passions.
Looking to the Future
Dryden’s profound advice to Roustan was to not just focus on the significant past of The Hockey News, but also to look ahead to what the next 75 years could bring. He highlighted the rarity of milestone anniversaries as perfect opportunities to discuss future aspirations, urging Roustan to seize this unique moment. This perspective was transformative for Roustan, who initially planned to have Dryden recount his past experiences with the magazine.
Revitalizing The Hockey News
Following this enlightening discussion in February 2021, Roustan committed to revitalizing The Hockey News, including improvements to the print publication and incorporating a broader range of contributors for diverse coverage. He has found himself increasingly engaged with readers, sponsors, and industry professionals, fostering discussions about the future trajectory of the magazine.
Honoring a Legacy
For Roustan, Dryden represented a childhood hero and an inspiring figure, and their meaningful exchange reinforced the lesson that while celebrating historical achievements is valuable, an eye toward future possibilities is essential. In honoring Dryden’s legacy, Roustan expressed gratitude for the guidance he received, as The Hockey News moves into its promising future.
