Two years later, he left as a Stanley Cup champion.
Emery, who spent 11 seasons in the NHL and rejuvenated his career during two memorable seasons serving as Corey Crawford's backup, drowned in a swimming accident in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. He was 35 at the time.
He jumped off a boat near the Leander Boat Club to go swimming, and friends called emergency services at about 6 a.m. when he didn't resurface, police said. Inspector Marty Schulenberg called it a "case of misadventure."
Former Blackhawks and teammates spread their condolences.
«Lost my golfing buddy and best friend today,» former Hawk Dave Bolland tweeted. «Uncle Ray Ray touched a lot of hearts and people. Love and miss ya.»
«I will always remember Ray as a good person first & foremost,» friend and former teammate Dan Carcillo wrote on Twitter. «I envied his demeanor. He had a contagious personality. People were drawn to him. ... I will never forget his selflessness. Man this hurts. Rest easy Uncle Ray Ray.»
The Blackhawks also released a statement: «The Chicago Blackhawks organization was deeply saddened to hear of Ray Emery's passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. The Blackhawks will fondly remember Ray as a fierce competitor, a good teammate and a Stanley Cup champion.»
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