Rest Easy, Uncle Ray. Former NHL Goalie, Ray Emery Dies At Age 35

Stunningly tragic news broke over the weekend that Ray Emery had passed away. The tweets you see above are only a small sampling of the out-pouring of emotion coming from all corners of the hockey community. Seemingly everyone was touched by Ray Emery in a positive way. One of those goalies who had the ability to light up the locker room with a joke and a smile, but also had just the right amount of crazy which all goalies need to be really good.

You could argue that Ray Emery had his best pro season here in Chicago. He was a monster as Corey Crawford’s back-up in 2013. In 21 games(Lockout shortened season) Ray posted a .922sv% and a 1.94 GAA. He and Crawford shared the Jennings Trophy, and Emery actually finished 7th in Vezina voting.

More than that, it seemed like he was the perfect teammate to a young Corey Crawford. Emery was so good as a backup that there was a bit of a goalie controversy leading up to the playoffs that year. You never heard a word out of Emery though. He was a great teammate and if he wasn’t maybe Crawford doesn’t become the goalie he ultimately did. He shined when called upon, but when he was on the bench he was just revving the boys up. You don’t get the nickname “Uncle Ray” without being a stablizing veteran presence on what was still a very young team in 2013.

Obviously that 2013 season ended with a Stanley Cup, but that’s not what the first thing that pops in my head with I think about Ray Emery. I think of February 22nd, 2007. Sabres and Senators getting in a line brawl, but not without Ray Emery.

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A guy with Mike Tyson painted on his mask wasn’t going to miss a storm like this. Cool as a cucumber taking his gear off getting ready to throw bombs against Marty Biron. Then wouldn’t back down from Andrew Peters. Peters was listed at 6’4 247lbs. Emery couldn’t care less. He danced and even over-hand rights couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face. Loved it so much that 6 years later he tried it again. Did someone say line brawl?

Ray Emery:

Holtby just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

By all accounts, it seemed like Ray Emery was truly one of a kind. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates. Tragic loss, but he left his mark on the hockey community and fans and players are better for it. Rest in peace, Uncle Ray