Former Flyers Goalie Ray Emery Tragically Dies At 35
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HAMILTON, ONTARIO (CBS) -- Former Flyers goaltender Ray Emery, who was nicknamed Razor for his fighting spirit in the hockey rink, lost his life in his hometown of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada Sunday in an apparent drowning.
Hamilton Police are calling the 35-year-old's death accidental.
Police received a phone call just after six a.m. Sunday morning that an adult swimmer did not surface.
Rescue crews recovered the body of the 35-year-old just before 3 p.m, near where he was reported missing.
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At 2:50 pm, HPS recovered the body of former @NHL player Ray Emery, 35. Emery was reported missing just after 6:00 am in #HamOnt harbour. His body was recovered in close proximity to where he was last seen. Family has been notified. Cause of death to be confirmed pending a PM.
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) July 15, 2018
Flyers captain Claude Giroux and forward James Van Riemsdyk tweeted expressing that Emery was a great teammate and friend.
Ray was a great teammate and an even better friend. Rest in peace Razor. I'll miss you man. pic.twitter.com/NNHNc1Swyd
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) July 15, 2018
So sad to hear the tragic news about Ray Emery- was a great teammate and person #rip
— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) July 15, 2018
Flyers President Paul Holmgren remembered Emery's performance through the 2009-10 season that led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals.
"The Philadelphia Flyers are stunned and extremely saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former Flyers goaltender Ray Emery," said Holmgren in a statement Sunday. "Ray was an outstanding teammate and an extremely gifted goaltender. He had exceptional athleticism, was a fierce competitor and battled in every game he played with the Flyers. His performances through the 2009-10 season were a very big part of the team's success in making the playoffs and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. Ray's talent, work ethic, and determination helped him enjoy a successful 11-year NHL career. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Flyers fans at Chickie and Pete's also responded to the news of his tragic death.
"When he first came to Philly, I was actually really excited," said Greg Pecca. "He was a huge prospect and he played pretty well in the beginning and when he left I was excited again so yeah I was a huge fan of Ray Emery and I always pulled for him."
"I grew up watching the Flyers especially Emery and the significance that he held with the team so seeing him go out this kind of way is sort of heartbreaking, but his legacy is going to live on in Philadelphia," said Andrew Power.