Ray Emery

Ray Emery (born September 28, 1982 - July 15, 2018, drowning. is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who has played in the NHL for 11 seasons.

Emery was chosen 99th overall by the National Hockey League (NHL) Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. During the 2006–07 season, he led the Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup finals. It was the Senators' first appearance in the finals since 1927. His teammates and fans often refer to him as "Razor" or "Sugar Ray" for his aggressive playing style. He won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawksin 2013.

Emery has received numerous awards and accolades. In April 2013, he won the William M. Jennings Trophy along with teammate Corey Crawford, awarded to the goaltender or goaltenders who give up the fewest goals in the season. Emery finished the season with a 1.94 goals against average and a 0.922 save percentage. His 17 wins included 12 straight to start the year, the best such streak in NHL history. Emery is a two-time Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy finalist for his dedication and perseverance.

Early life

Emery was born in Hamilton, Ontario. His parents are Sharlene and Paul Emery. He has two younger brothers. He grew up in a century-old farmhouse, excelled in school, and was offered a scholarship. He played many sports other than hockey, including golf, baseball, and soccer. In ice hockey, he originally played defence, but switched to goaltender at nine years old due to a shortage of goaltenders in his league.

Personal life

Emery has been involved in many on-ice fights during his hockey career, as well as off-ice altercations that include criminal charges, road rage incidents, recreational drug use and anger management incidents. In particular, during his tenure with the Ottawa Senators, there were multiple incidents published in the news. Emery had a series of indiscretions, including a missing flight in the playoffs, fights with teammates in practice, including a physical altercation against teammate Brian McGrattan, arriving late to practice on numerous occasions and throwing "temper tantrums" where Emery had a stick-smashing rage incident at practice because he wasn't getting as much ice time as Martin Gerber, as claimed by coach John Paddock.

In March 2007, Emery was charged in a minor crash heading to the airport, forcing him to miss a team chartered flight to a road game.

In September 2007, Emery had a much publicized road-rage incident with a 65-year old senior citizen where he was accused of allegedly threatening to kill him and cutting him off on the highway. No charges were laid.

In 2007, Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock told press that Emery was displaying erratic behaviour, was sent home (missing most of training camp) and threw a mini tantrum at the end of their morning skate. Emery was said to be involved in a bad crowd and recreational drugs. When asked by ESPN, Emery stated, "I'm not a saint and I'm not in jail, either."

In February 2008, Ottawa police had pulled over Emery, who was driving his Hummer and allegedly cut off a police cruiser. Police said Emery was aggressive with officers.

In March 2009, Emery was charged for stunt driving for having gone over 50 km/h or more over the post speed limit. Police impounded Emery's Hummer. Emery appeared on TSN's Off the Record with Michael Landsberg, saying that, at the time, his Hummer was pulled over at least 30 times in the previous years.

In January 2009, video surfaced and went viral of Emery assaulting a team trainer for trying to place a hat on his head.

Emery is a boxing fan and has included Joe Frazier, Bernard Hopkins, fictional Rocky Balboa on his helmets. A magnet for controversy, Emery had an image of boxer Mike Tyson on his helmet, which he was later forced to remove.

Emery said he took anger management classes in the minor leagues and underwent eight weeks of behavioural counselling in 2009.

In June 2010, Emery began dating Canadian singer Keshia Chanté. Emery starred as the love interest in Chanté's Test Drive Music video. In June 2016, Emery proposed to Chanté on her birthday with friends in Nassau, Bahamas. Emery and Chanté were set to wed June 2017, however, simultaneously with the release of her cover on Today's Bride, Chanté announced that she called off the wedding via her Instagram.

On September 18, 2017, Emery was arrested for assault with a weapon and uttering threats towards then-fiancé Keshia Chanté, after Chanté went to authorities seeking a restraining order. TMZ reported that Emery got violent and threatened Chanté, allegedly abusing her several times from July to September 2016.