Ray Emery

Early Life and Junior Career

Raymond Robert Nichols was born on September 28, 1982, in Hamilton, Ontario. His mother, Sharlene, worked as an overhead crane operator at a Dofasco steel mill when she became pregnant at age 20, and his biological father abandoned them. In 1984, Sharlene met Paul Emery, whom she married in 1986, and Paul adopted Raymond, who then took the Emery surname. The family, which included two younger brothers, Andrew and Nicholas, lived in a century-old farmhouse near the town of Cayuga. Emery excelled academically and was offered a scholarship, participating in various sports including golf, baseball, and soccer. He began playing hockey as a defenceman but switched to goaltender at age nine due to a shortage at the position in his local league, a decision that would define his future path. At 16, after unsuccessful tryouts with eight different junior teams, he joined the Junior C Dunnville Terriers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, where his performance earned him the league's Rookie of the Year award.

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds drafted Emery in the fifth round of the 1999 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft. He split the 1999 to 2000 season between the Welland Cougars of the Ontario Hockey Association and the Greyhounds before becoming a full-time OHL player in 2000-01. His final junior season in 2001-02 was marked by both excellence and notoriety. Emery was named the OHL's Goaltender of the Year after setting a record with 33 wins and a 2.73 goals-against average (GAA). During this season, he also gained significant attention for his willingness to fight, a rarity for a goaltender that began to shape his public persona. His performance led to his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 99th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, setting the stage for his professional career.

Professional Beginnings and AHL Success

Emery began his professional career with the Ottawa Senators' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, for the 2002-03 season. He immediately became the starting goaltender and had a standout rookie campaign, being named to the AHL All-Star team, selected for the league's all-rookie team, and voted the team's most valuable player. His first professional season was also punctuated by disciplinary incidents that foreshadowed his combative reputation. He received a three-game suspension for bumping a referee and another three-game suspension for an on-ice altercation with Denis Hamel of the Rochester Americans, who had uttered a racial slur. Hamel later apologized for his words, stated he had not been thinking in the heat of the game, and the two eventually became teammates in Binghamton. These early incidents highlighted Emery's fiery temperament and willingness to confront opponents, traits that would follow him to the NHL.

NHL Career with the Ottawa Senators

Emery made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators in the 2005-06 season. He began as the backup to future Hall of Famer Dominik Hašek but set an NHL record for a goaltender by winning his first nine career games, surpassing Bob Froese's record of eight set in 1982-83. In March 2006, he tied Bernie Parent's 1974 record by winning twelve games in a single month. When Hašek injured his groin during the 2006 Winter Olympics, Emery assumed the starting role, leading the Senators to the second round of the playoffs. For the 2006-07 season, the Senators signed Martin Gerber to compete for the starter's job, but Emery took over the net in mid-November due to Gerber's struggles. That season cemented Emery's 'enforcer' reputation both on and off the ice, with his behaviour becoming a frequent topic for the Ottawa media.

On February 10, 2007, he was suspended three games for slashing Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre in the face with his stick after a net-front collision. Twelve days later, he famously fought Buffalo Sabres goaltender Martin Biron and then engaged with enforcer Andrew Peters, who landed ten punches to Emery's head while Emery did not directly punch back. Emery received two five-minute majors for fighting, a minor for leaving the crease, and a game misconduct, totalling 22 penalty minutes. Fans and media began calling him "Sugar Ray" after boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. Teammate Brian McGrattan opined that if Emery played a skater position, he would rank among the top five fighters in the league. Emery's strong play continued into the 2007 playoffs, where he backstopped the Senators past the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres, each in five-game series.

This run culminated in the franchise's first Stanley Cup Final appearance, where they lost in five games to the Anaheim Ducks. After the season, Emery became a restricted free agent, filed for salary arbitration, and signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract before the hearing. The 2007-08 season was derailed by a wrist injury suffered in the pre-season that limited him to just 40 minutes of exhibition play and caused him to miss several early games. In April 2008, general manager Bryan Murray announced Emery would not return to the team. He was placed on waivers on June 20, 2008, cleared them three days later, and became a free agent, ending his tumultuous tenure in Ottawa.

KHL Season and Career-Threatening Injury

On July 9, 2008, Emery signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Atlant Moscow Oblast of the newly formed Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Foreign goaltender rules limited him to 65% of his team's 56 regular-season games, and he split duties with Vitaly Kolesnik. He performed well, finishing with a .926 save percentage and a 1.86 GAA, ranking among the KHL's top goaltenders. A video from January 2009 surfaced showing Emery chasing a team trainer who attempted to place a sponsored cap on his head after a game where he allowed five goals. On June 10, 2009, he returned to the NHL, signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. In December 2009, he was placed on injured reserve for abdominal surgery, but doctors discovered he had avascular necrosis of the hip, the same disease that affected multi-sport star Bo Jackson.

The condition threatened to end his career, but doctors caught it early. In April 2010, they performed a successful, highly specialized surgery, removing 13 centimetres from his right fibula and grafting it to his femur to restore blood supply. Bo Jackson publicly praised Emery's determination, stating it took a special and driven person to come back from such an injury and that he wanted Emery to know he was in his corner. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren noted the surgery went better than expected but could not predict the recovery timeline. Emery became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2010, as he was still recuperating. By August, he was cleared to begin rehabilitation, and by November 2010, he was surprisingly able to get into a butterfly position during an on-ice workout filmed by TSN. Emery stated he did not care if he could walk in seven years, he just wanted to play hockey again.

Remarkable NHL Comeback and Stanley Cup Victory

Emery's recovery accelerated through early 2011 as he skated with an OHL team, took shots, trained with Eric Lindros, and worked with personal trainer Matt Nichol and goalie coach Eli Wilson, who said Emery was as sharp and ready as he was the summer before Ottawa's Stanley Cup Final run. On February 7, 2011, four NHL teams showed interest before he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks. He played a five-game conditioning stint with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch, posting a 4-1-0 record with a 1.98 GAA and a .943 save percentage. Called up on February 23, he made his Ducks debut on March 11 to a standing ovation, replacing Dan Ellis against the Phoenix Coyotes. Emery won his first six starts with Anaheim, falling one win short of the team record held by Guy Hebert, and was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week for March 14. He finished the regular season with a 7-2-0 record, a 2.28 GAA, and a .926 save percentage in ten games, leading the Ducks to the playoffs. His comeback earned him a nomination for the 2011 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy from both the Anaheim chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and the NHL, making him one of three finalists.

On October 3, 2011, after a successful try-out, Emery signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. In the 2011-12 season, he compiled a 15-9-4 record and a 2.81 GAA in 34 appearances, including a 10-0-3 record at the United Center. The Blackhawks nominated him for the Masterton Trophy, though he did not become a finalist. In April 2012, Chicago signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million extension. The lockout-shortened 2012-13 season became the pinnacle of his career. In March 2013, he made NHL history by becoming the first goaltender to start a season with ten straight wins, eventually extending the record to 12-0-0. On April 10, he recorded his third shutout in five games, finishing the season with a 15-1-0 record, a career-best 1.94 GAA, and a .922 save percentage.

• March 18, 2013: Extended record to 11 straight wins against Colorado Avalanche.
• March 2013: Recorded 12th straight win in his 200th NHL start, a shutout against Calgary.
• End of 2012-13: Won William M. Jennings Trophy with Corey Crawford for fewest goals allowed.
• End of 2012-13: Chicago Blackhawks won Presidents' Trophy as regular season champions.
• June 2013: Won Stanley Cup as Blackhawks defeated Boston Bruins in six games.

In the 2012-13 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Emery proved his previous injuries were no longer a concern by posting career highs. He made NHL history by becoming the first goaltender to start a season with ten straight wins, and he improved that record to twelve consecutive wins. Emery finished the season with a 1.94 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage, and 17 wins with only one loss. He and teammate Corey Crawford won the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals, and Emery won his first Stanley Cup when the Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins.

Later Career, Mentorship, and Retirement

On July 5, 2013, Emery returned to the Philadelphia Flyers on a one-year, $1.65 million deal to back up Steve Mason. On November 1, 2013, he participated in a notable brawl against the Washington Capitals, fighting an unwilling Braden Holtby. For the season, he posted a 9-12-2 record with a 2.96 GAA in 28 appearances. On July 1, 2014, he re-signed for another year at $1 million, and in 31 appearances in the 2014-15 season, he had a 10-11-7 record with a 3.06 GAA and a save percentage below .900. In September 2015, he attended training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a professional tryout but was released on September 27. He later trained with the AHL's Ontario Reign and, on December 18, 2015, signed a tryout with the Toronto Marlies.

With the Marlies, Emery was widely praised for his leadership and mentorship. Chicago's Corey Crawford, after recording his league-leading seventh shutout in January 2016, credited Emery with transforming his work habits and preparation routine during their time together, stating Emery's focus made him increase his own focus before games. Marlies assistant general manager Kyle Dubas also cited Emery's positive influence on the team. On February 5, 2016, Emery signed with Adler Mannheim of the German DEL for the remainder of their season. On March 29, he signed a tryout with the Flyers, and on April 1, the team signed him for the remainder of the NHL season. At the end of the 2015-16 campaign, Emery retired from professional hockey, concluding a career defined by extreme highs and resilient comebacks.

Personal Life and Public Persona

Emery's aggressive playing style and willingness to fight made him a unique and popular figure, with teammates and fans often calling him "Razor" or "Sugar Ray." He was a devoted boxing enthusiast, decorating his goalie masks with images of fighters like Joe Frazier, Bernard Hopkins, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, and the fictional Rocky Balboa. His time in Ottawa was also marked by significant off-ice controversy and intense media scrutiny. Reports detailed incidents including a road rage incident involving a senior citizen, a car accident that caused him to miss a team flight, a public street fight, chronic lateness to practice, a stick-smashing incident during practice, fights with teammates during practice, and rumours of alcohol abuse. In 2008, speculation swirled about involvement with a bad crowd and recreational drugs. When asked, Emery responded, "I'm not a saint and I'm not in jail, either." Team management once asked him directly if he had a drug problem, which he denied.

Former Senators coach John Paddock later expressed regret on how Emery was handled in Ottawa and was partially responsible for signing him to the Flyers, where they worked together from 2013 to 2016. In 2011, Emery stated he had learned from his past mistakes and had undergone anger management classes as well as eight weeks of behavioural counselling. In his personal life, Emery began dating Canadian singer Keshia Chanté in June 2010 and starred as the love interest in her music video for "Test Drive." He proposed to her on her birthday, June 16, 2016, in Nassau, Bahamas. The couple planned a wedding for June 2017, coinciding with the period following his retirement from professional hockey.

Honours and Legacy

Ray Emery's career was defined by remarkable highs, significant challenges, and an undeniable fighting spirit. His legacy includes substantial team and individual achievements, as well as a story of personal perseverance that resonated across the sport. He is remembered as a fierce competitor who left a distinct mark on every team he played for, from his record-setting starts to his role as a mentor. His comeback from avascular necrosis is one of the most notable medical recoveries in modern hockey history, highlighted by a specialized bone graft surgery and a determined rehabilitation.

• Stanley Cup Champion (2013 with Chicago Blackhawks).
• William M. Jennings Trophy (2013, shared with Corey Crawford).
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Finalist (2011, nominated by Anaheim Ducks and NHL).
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Nominee (2012, nominated by Chicago Blackhawks).
• OHL Goaltender of the Year (2001-02).
• AHL All-Rookie Team (2002-03) and AHL All-Star (2002-03).
• Holds NHL record for most consecutive wins to start a season by a goaltender (12-0-0 in 2013).
• Set NHL record for most wins to start a career (9-0-0 in 2005-06).
• Tied NHL record for most wins in a month (12 in March 2006).

Questions about Ray Emery

Which teams did Ray Emery play for in the NHL?

Ray Emery played for four NHL teams during his eleven-season career. He began with the Ottawa Senators from 2005 to 2008. He later played for the Philadelphia Flyers across two stints (2009 to 2010 and 2013 to 2015), the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, and the Chicago Blackhawks from 2011 to 2013. It was with the Blackhawks that he won the Stanley Cup in 2013.

What injury did Ray Emery overcome to return to the NHL?

Ray Emery overcame avascular necrosis of the hip, a serious condition that disrupts blood flow to the bone. This diagnosis came in December 2009 after an abdominal injury while he was with the Philadelphia Flyers. He underwent a complex bone graft surgery where 13 centimetres of his right fibula was used to restore blood supply to his femur. His determined recovery, which surprised doctors, allowed him to return to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks in March 2011. This remarkable comeback led to his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Why was Ray Emery called 'Sugar Ray'?

Ray Emery was called 'Sugar Ray' due to his aggressive playing style and reputation as a fighter, which was rare for a goaltender. The nickname, a reference to boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, was popularized by fans and media after a notable on ice altercation in February 2007. During a game against the Buffalo Sabres, Emery fought opposing goaltender Martin Biron and then engaged with enforcer Andrew Peters, receiving 22 penalty minutes. His teammates also used the nickname 'Razor' which similarly highlighted his tough persona.

What NHL record did Ray Emery set?

Ray Emery set two significant NHL records for consecutive wins. At the start of his career in the 2005 06 season, he set a record by winning his first nine games, surpassing the previous mark. Later, during the 2012 13 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he set the record for most consecutive wins to start a season by a goaltender, achieving a 12 0 0 record. This included a streak where he became the first goalie to start a season with ten straight wins, eventually improving it to eleven and then twelve.

Did Ray Emery win any major NHL awards?

Yes, Ray Emery won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2013 with the Chicago Blackhawks, sharing it with teammate Corey Crawford. This award is given to the goaltender or goaltenders who give up the fewest goals in the regular season. He was also a two time finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which honours dedication and perseverance. His nominations for the Masterton Trophy came in 2011 for his comeback from a major hip injury and again in 2012 for his dedication with the Blackhawks.

Sources and further reading

• Ray Emery (Wikipedia)
• Ottawa Senators to pay tribute to former goalie Ray Emery ... (cbc.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.