Smoke, red lights and thunderous applause filled the Canadian Tire Centre as the family of late Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery played a part in the team’s home opener Thursday.
Dressed in Emery’s old sweaters, the family rang the ceremonial bell at the sold-out arena before the win over Philadelphia.
“It’s just come full circle with being here at the arena and all the amazing fans that helped Ray through his career, the friends he made,” said his mother Sharlene Emery.
“You just feel the energy in the building and we’re so thankful for those memories. And so, it’s like a part of our healing as a family.”
Sharlene and Paul Emery said they are excited to give back to the next generation through the memory of their son Ray. (Emma Weller/CBC)
Emery, who drowned in Lake Ontario in 2018 at age 35, played five seasons with Ottawa (and three in Philadelphia) during a career spanning parts of 11 NHL seasons.
The Hamilton-born player was drafted by the Senators in 2001 and is best remembered for backstopping the Senators to their first modern-era Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007.
After his death, his parents moved to Ottawa.
“Coming back here and seeing our grandchildren, their families grow … we’re like ‘Yes, OK Ray you’re looking down on us,'” Sharlene Emery said.
The family of Ottawa Senators former goaltender Ray Emery brought his old helmet to ring in the team’s home opener. (Emma Weller/CBC)
Sharlene and her husband Paul added that the family took some time away from the sport after Ray’s death, but they are now able to find the joy in returning and are excited to give back to the next generation through his memory, energy and love of the game.
“It kind of hurt too much to come to the arena. So we’re healing and it’s back to fun again,” said Paul Emery.
The pair said Ottawa is now their forever home and they are hoping for another playoff run in the spring, 20 years after their son helped the team make a run for the Stanley Cup.
“I’m hoping we get to that point again and maybe just a little bit further,” Paul said.
