Talented NHL goaltender and Stanley Cup winner Ray Emery drowned on Sunday while swimming at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club in Hamilton, Ontario.
The Hamilton Police Department said that Emery was reported missing early Sunday morning in the Hamilton Harbour. According to numerous reports, Emery was together with a group of friends when he dove into the water at around 6:30 a.m.
Prior to his death, Emery was competing in the Zac Rinaldo charity hockey game on Saturday night in Hamilton. The 35-year-old Emery was also suffering from an avascular necrosis which is the same hip illness that ended the career of New York Yankees second-round pick Bo Jackson.
Emery's body was recovered later in the afternoon in a vicinity close to where he was last seen. He was later identified by photojournalist Andrew Collins who talked to friends and the first responders. The cause of death will be determined after an examination.
An Iconic Goaltender
Emery played 11 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and the Chicago Blackhawks. The former fourth-round pick earned the nickname "Razor" for his aggressive style of play.
He spearheaded the Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final before bagging the 2013 Stanley Cup title with the Blackhawks. Emery last played in the NHL during the 2014-15 season when he was a member of the Flyers.
However, the 11-year NHL veteran played one more professional season by competing in Germany's DEL and the American Hockey League. During his career in the NHL, Emery posted outstanding numbers of 16 shutouts and 2.70 goals-against average on top of a remarkable 145-86-28 record.
NHL Send Sympathies
The Senators, Flyers, and the Blackhawks also sent their condolences to the family of Emery. Former AHL teammate Paul Bissonnette shared how Emery used to treat other players to dinner almost every night.
"I'd heard nothing but great things before meeting him and it was true. He was awesome. Great in the locker room and just made life enjoyable." Bissonette recalled.
Despite his impressive play inside the ice, Emery has been caught up in numerous incidents off the court throughout his career. Emery assaulted a trainer in Russia and was sent home from an Ottawa training camp due to bad behavior.
In addition, Emery was also arrested last year after he allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend with a weapon, two years ago. The victim who was identified as BET host Keshia Chante said that Emery abused her numerous times that year.
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