Ken Houston statue unveiled in Dresden

A tribute to one of Dresden's most iconic hockey players is now a permanent fixture for the public to see.

The community celebrated Ken Houston's career Tuesday with the unveiling of a statue outside the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre.

Hundreds of people including, Mayor Darrin Canniff, Dresden minor hockey teams, and Houston’s family were on hand for the unveiling of the bronze figure.

"This is very important for the community," said Gary Patterson, Ken Houston Scholarship Committee Member. "He was a very special person in this community. He never forgot about Dresden."

The six-foot, 200-pound native of Dresden spent seven seasons in the NHL, playing for the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and Los Angeles Kings.

"Ken was a legend," said Patterson. "He was a hard-nosed player who played great and didn't take anything from anybody."

Aside from fighting, Houston is known for having six, 20-goal seasons during his career in the NHL. According to Patterson, Houston had the NHL record for the most power-play goals in a five-game series until Wayne Gretzky passed him with six goals.

"Houston was a local guy and he stayed local," said Patterson. "He loved this place. This was his town and he loved the people here. This is a great moment here in Dresden and its hockey history."

Residents can find the statue right outside the doors at the east end of the arena. The unveiling of the statue coincided with the Dresden Minor Hockey Association awards night.

This year both the U15 and U18 teams are 2022 Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) champions.

"We've got a great thing going," said Patterson. "We are also celebrating more champions in Dresden."