Ray Emery facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ray Emery
Emery at the Chicago Blackhawks' 2013 Stanley Cup parade
Born	(1982-09-28)September 28, 1982 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Died	July 15, 2018(2018-07-15) (aged 35) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	Ottawa Senators Chicago Blackhawks Philadelphia Flyers Anaheim Ducks Atlant Moscow Oblast Adler Mannheim
NHL Draft	99th overall, 2001 Ottawa Senators
Playing career	2002–2016

Raymond Robert Emery (born Nichols; September 28, 1982 – July 15, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for eleven seasons. His career spanned from 2003 to 2015.

The Ottawa Senators picked Emery 99th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2006–07 season, he became the main goalie. He helped his team reach the Stanley Cup Finals. This was the first time for the modern Senators team. He later won a Stanley Cup championship with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013.

In 2013, Emery won the William M. Jennings Trophy with his teammate Corey Crawford. This award goes to the goalies who let in the fewest goals. Emery was also a finalist twice for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award recognizes dedication and never giving up. His teammates and fans called him "Razor" or "Sugar Ray" because of his strong playing style.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Emery was born Raymond Robert Nichols in Hamilton, Ontario, on September 28, 1982. His mother, Sharlene, worked at a steel mill. His biological father was not involved in his life. In 1986, his mother married Paul Emery. Paul adopted Raymond, and he took the Emery surname. Raymond had two younger brothers, Andrew and Nicholas. His family lived in a old farmhouse near Cayuga.

Emery was a good student and was offered a scholarship. He played many sports, including golf, baseball, and soccer. In hockey, he started as a defenceman. But at nine years old, he switched to goaltender. This happened because his league needed more goalies.

Journey to the NHL

Emery decided to focus on hockey. At 16, he joined the Dunnville Terriers. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds drafted him in 1999. He played for the Greyhounds in the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons.

In his last junior hockey season, 2001–02, Emery became known for his fighting skills. He was named the OHL's Goaltender of the Year. He set a record with 33 wins and a GAA of 2.73.

The Ottawa Senators picked Emery in the fourth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In 2002–03, he joined the Binghamton Senators in the American Hockey League (AHL). He quickly became their main goalie. He was named to the AHL All-Star team and the league's all-rookie team. He also became Binghamton's most valuable player (MVP).

Emery faced a suspension for bumping a referee. He was also suspended for an incident with Denis Hamel. Hamel later apologized for what he said during the game. Emery and Hamel later became teammates.

NHL Career Highlights

Ottawa Senators Years (2005–2008)

Emery in goal against the New Jersey Devils in the 2007 playoffs

Emery started his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators in 2005–06. He set a record by winning his first nine NHL games. This was more than Bob Froese's previous record of eight wins. In March of that season, Emery won twelve games. This tied Bernie Parent's 1974 record for most wins in a month.

Emery became the main goalie for the Senators when Dominik Hašek got injured. He led the Senators to the second round of the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs. After that season, the Senators brought in Martin Gerber to compete with Emery. Emery eventually took over as the main starter in November.

In the 2007 playoffs, Emery played very well. The Senators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres. They reached their first Stanley Cup Final since 1992. However, they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in five games. After the season, Emery signed a three-year deal with the Senators.

Emery playing for Ottawa

In the 2007–08 season, Emery had a wrist injury. This limited his playing time. On April 18, 2008, the Senators announced Emery would not return. He became a free agent in June 2008.

Playing in Russia (2008–2009)

Emery signed a one-year contract with Atlant Moscow Oblast in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He played well in Russia. He finished the season as a top goalie in the KHL. He had a .926 save percentage and a 1.86 GAA.

Philadelphia Flyers (2009–2010)

On June 10, 2009, Emery joined the Philadelphia Flyers. In December, he had surgery for a torn muscle. Doctors then found he had avascular necrosis in his hip. This is a condition where bone tissue dies from lack of blood supply. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said Emery would miss the rest of the season.

Doctors were able to treat the disease before it spread. In April, doctors announced a successful surgery. Former athlete Bo Jackson, who also had this disease, praised Emery. Jackson said it takes a "very, very special and driven person" to come back. Emery had a complex procedure. Doctors took 13 centimeters of bone from his leg and grafted it to his femur. This helped restore blood supply.

Emery became a free agent in July 2010. He began a tough recovery process. In November 2010, he was seen skating again. He told TSN he didn't care if he couldn't walk in seven years; he just wanted to play. Emery recovered faster than expected. In March 2011, his comeback gained a lot of attention. He was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Anaheim Ducks (2011)

On February 7, 2011, Emery signed with the Anaheim Ducks. He first played five games for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. He had a 4–1–0 record. On February 23, 2011, he joined the Ducks.

Emery played his first game for the Ducks on March 11, 2011. He received a standing ovation. He won his first six starts with Anaheim. He was honored as the NHL's Second Star of the Week in mid-March. Emery helped the Ducks reach the playoffs. He finished with a 7–2–0 record in ten NHL games. He was nominated again for the 2011 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Chicago Blackhawks (2011–2013)

Emery with the Blackhawks in January 2013

On October 3, 2011, Emery signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had a successful try-out. He finished the season with a 15–9–4 record. He was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy again. In April 2012, the Blackhawks signed him for another year.

In March 2013, Emery made NHL history. He became the first goalie to start a season with ten straight wins. He extended this record to twelve straight wins. On April 10, he recorded his third shutout in five games. He proved his past injuries were no longer a problem. He achieved career highs in performance.

In April 2013, Emery and teammate Corey Crawford won the William M. Jennings Trophy. They had the best combined goals-against average in the NHL. Emery finished the season with a 1.94 GAA and 17 wins. He won his first Stanley Cup when the Blackhawks beat the Boston Bruins in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals.

Return to Philadelphia (2013–2015)

On July 5, 2013, Emery signed a one-year deal to return to the Philadelphia Flyers. He served as the backup goalie to Steve Mason. For the season, he had a 9–12–2 record. On July 1, 2014, he re-signed with the Flyers for another year. In the 2014–15 season, he had a 10–11–7 record.

Final Seasons (2015–2016)

On September 8, 2015, Emery joined the Tampa Bay Lightning for training camp. He was released later that month. In October and November 2015, he trained with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. On December 18, 2015, he signed a tryout with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.

Emery was praised for his leadership. Corey Crawford credited Emery for improving his work habits. Crawford said Emery's focus helped him prepare better for games. Kyle Dubas, assistant GM of the Marlies, also praised Emery's mentorship.

On February 5, 2016, Emery signed with Adler Mannheim in Germany. He finished his tryout with the Marlies. On March 29, he signed a tryout contract with the Flyers. On April 1, the Flyers signed him for the rest of the season. At the end of that season, Emery retired from the NHL.

Personal Life

Emery was a fan favorite. He loved boxing. He had images of famous boxers like Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson on his helmets. He also had an image of the fictional character Rocky Balboa.

Death

On July 15, 2018, Emery went swimming with friends in Hamilton, Ontario. He jumped off a boat and did not come back up. Friends called emergency services. His body was found later that day. Police said it was a "case of misadventure." An autopsy showed that Emery had drowned.

On July 16, his close friend Keshia Chanté shared a tribute. She said she was "heartbroken" and that he was "a superhero." She described him as "loving, affectionate, intelligent, hilarious, giving."

On October 15, 2018, the Senators held a tribute for Emery. His close friend Jason Spezza was there. Chanté sang the national anthems.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Awards and Honors

See also

• List of Ottawa Senators players
• List of black NHL players