Remembering Ray Emery

Childhood friend remembers NHL Ray Emery A Burlington resident and childhood friend of Ray Emery described him as a regular guy who was "always giving" and "was great with kids."

The hockey world is remembering a popular goalie Monday, who drowned in a boating mishap in Hamilton on Sunday.

Ray Emery took the Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup final in 2007, and he won a Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2013.

But among the tributes today, were many who remember Ray Emery as a Soo Greyhound.

Early Sunday morning, former professional hockey player, Ray Emery, went for a swim and didn't re-surface.

Police say the drowning doesn't appear to be suspicious.

CTV’s Lincoln Louttit caught up with two men who spent many hours with Emery when he played three seasons in Sault Ste. Marie, winning Goalie of the Year honours in 2002.

They say memories of him came rushing back when they learned of his death.

Gino Cavallo is a former Greyhounds announcer.

"Anytime anyone would take liberties with a teammate, Ray was there, and you're not supposed to do that as a goalie, but he is the ultimate team guy. Very good in the community, did a lot of public service stuff in the community, every time he was asked to do something. He was probably really well respected in the dressing room." said Cavallo.

Andy Martin is a former Greyhounds equipment manager.

"Most of my memories are of him, just being around the rink and the guys. And like I said, just the way he interacted with everyone. You never felt uncomfortable around Ray. That smile brought everyone in and everyone together and you just knew he was on your side all the time." said Martin.

Ray Emery is being remembered by many he crossed paths with during his hockey career.

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager, Kyle Dubas, spent some time as a locker room attendant when emery played for the greyhounds.

In a tweet he says:

"Ray's smile and intelligence made him a magnetic personality. You always rooted for him to reach his vast potential even as he went through the many ups and downs of his playing career."

Nick Foligno is a former teammate of Emery’s.

“A great guy and a great teammate, and someone we all cared about. We just think about his family at this time. Can't imagine what they're going through. The whole hockey world is devastated for them." said Foligno.

Ray Emery played parts of 11 seasons in the NHL, he was just 35-years-old.