Ken Dryden got me thinking about my own Grade 9 class
Every holiday season several new books hit the market. Authors launch their manuscripts at this time to capitalize on the gift-giving season. Predictably, readers often receive one of the newest releases.
This year, this writer received two books. The first was “Draft Day,” penned by former National Hockey League coach and general manager Doug McLean and sports journalist Scott Morrison. Consisting of almost 300 pages, “Draft Day” provides the reader with a look into McLean’s early playing days and how he became involved in the coaching and business side of hockey.
Beginning with the inaugural NHL amateur draft that took place June 5, 1963, when Garry Monahan was selected first overall, followed by Peter Mahovlich, McLean provides a brief history of the draft, and explains the current rationale for the NHL implementing a weighted lottery system.
McLean gives great credit to former Montreal Canadiens GM Sam Pollock, who McLean refers to as a genius. Pollock realized the value of draft picks, and how to use them to build the Canadiens into a powerhouse franchise.
McLean also compliments the work of former Vancouver GM Brian Burke. It was at the 1999 NHL draft in Boston that a shrewd Burke made three impactful trades, that made it possible for him to secure both of the Sedin twins.
Of course, no book about a draft would be complete without covering what McLean refers to as the “Lindros Rule.” Projected as the pre-eminent pick for the 1991 draft, Lindros indicated he had no intention of playing for the Quebec Nordiques. Quebec drafted Lindros, but despite a lucrative contract offer, Lindros was eventually dealt to Philadelphia.
“Draft Day” also provides the reader with insights into scouting, analytics, and how McLean positioned the Columbus Blue Jackets to be able to select Rick Nash. If you are interested in hockey and how important a draft day is for a hockey franchise, McLean’s book is a must read.
The second book I received is not a book about sports. Rather, it is a book written by NHL Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Dryden in January 1998 when he was the keynote speaker at a fundraising event for the Ontario Winter Games that was hosted in Peterborough.
I purchased a print of Dryden that was both drawn, and then auctioned at the event, by the late George Elliott.
I have read three other books by Dryden, “Face-off at The Summit,” “Home Game” and “Game Change,” so I knew his latest treatise would be well-researched and interesting. From the moment I first heard about the release of “The Class,” I knew I wanted to read it. As a former teacher, I was intrigued by the title of Dryden’s book.
“The Class” begins with a look back 60 years, when Dryden and 34 other Grade 9 classmates (21 girls and 14 boys) enrolled at Etobicoke Collegiate. The members of this specially selected group of students would remain together, with few exceptions, throughout high school.
Dryden admits he did not envision playing in the NHL, and he wondered what had become of his classmates.
So began his journey of trying to find them. Dryden was able to interview 26 former classmates. He also spoke with family members, friends and co-workers of the five or six former classmates who had passed away.
Dryden’s book got me thinking about my Grade 9 home room class at Kenner Collegiate. When I opened my year book, there we were. A class of 22 students (12 girls and 10 boys). And I wondered, where are they now, and what have they each accomplished?