Ray Emery

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the New Zealand cricketer, see Ray Emery (cricketer)
Position Goaltender
Catches Left
Nickname(s) Razor, Sugar Ray[1][2]
Height
Weight		 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
203 lb (92 kg/14 st 7 lb)
NHL Team Ottawa Senators
Nationality Flag of Canada Canada
Born September 28, 1982 (1982-09-28) (age 25),
Hamilton, ON, CAN[3]
NHL Draft 99th overall, 2001
Ottawa Senators
Pro career 2002 – present

Raymond "Ray" Emery (born September 28, 1982 in Hamilton, Ontario) is an ice hockey goaltender, currently playing for the Ottawa Senators of the NHL.[4][1] He has been awarded multiple honours, with the majority while playing in numerous minor leagues. Emery is recognized for getting into numerous on-ice altercations, a rarity for an ice hockey goaltender.[5] Emery has been involved in one such incident in the NHL, against two Buffalo players, Martin Biron and Andrew Peters in a line brawl during the 2006-07 NHL season.[6]

Emery has played in numerous leagues, including the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL). He was chosen 99th overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft. He spent three seasons in the AHL. During the 2006–07 season, Emery was the starting goaltender for the Ottawa Senators in their run to the Stanley Cup finals.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Emery was born the eldest of three brothers, Andrew and Nicholas, to Charlene and Paul Emery.[7][8] He grew up on a century-old farmhouse in Cayuga, Ontario, where he attended high school, excelling in both sports and academics. He played many sports other than hockey, including golf, baseball, and soccer.[8] In ice hockey, he originally played defence, but switched to goaltender at nine years old due to a shortage of goaltenders in his league.[7][8] Emery was very competitive and was "his own worst critic".[7] Emery, for some time, also had an ambition to become an architect, before he turned to professional hockey.[7][8]

[edit] Playing career

[edit] Pre-NHL

Emery decided to commit to hockey with the advice of his mother,[8] and tried out for eight different junior teams, from which he was cut. He finally started his junior hockey career in 1998 in Junior C with the Dunnville Terriers of the OJHL.[9] Despite winning three games out of 22 played, Emery was named Rookie of the Year.[7] Emery was drafted by OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 5th round of the 1999 OHL draft.[7] Emery split the 1999–2000 season between the Welland Cougars of the OHA and the Greyhounds in the OHL.[9] In 2000–2001 with the Greyhounds, Emery was involved in four on-ice fights.[10] In 2001, Emery was drafted 99th overall to the NHL by the Ottawa Senators.[11] Emery had his most successful OHL season in 2001–2002.[7] In 2002–2003, Emery moved on to the Binghamton Senators of the AHL for his first professional season. He would win 27 of 50 games and was named to the AHL's All-Rookie team. Emery was suspended twice for on-ice incidents the same season, and such behavior continued into the 2003–2004 season.[12] He was suspended for three games for a stick swinging attack on Michel Ouellet of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2003–04 season,[7] and he was involved in an altercation with Denis Hamel of the Rochester Americans, when Hamel allegedly said a racial slur to Emery, who in turn retaliated and was suspended for three games.[7][8] The 2004–05 season would be his last in the AHL; coincidentally, that season was wiped out in the NHL because of a lockout.

[edit] NHL career

Emery in goal against the New Jersey Devils on the 2007 playoffs
Emery in goal against the New Jersey Devils on the 2007 playoffs

Emery began his NHL career, in the 2005–06 season, by setting a record for wins to start a career. Emery won his first nine games, moving ahead of Bob Froese, who started the 1982–83 season with eight wins while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.[7] In March of the same season, Emery won 12 games, tying Bernie Parent's record for the most wins in a month, which Parent set in 1974.[13]

At the beginning of the 2005–06 season, Emery had won nine straight games during the regular season, as the back-up for Dominik Hašek.[14] When Hašek injured his groin during the 2006 Winter Olympics, Emery became the starting goalie. Mike Morrison became the backup, after he was picked up off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. Emery would be the starting goaltender for the rest of the season, including the playoffs, where the Senators lost to Buffalo in five games.

After the 2005–2006 season the Senators decided not to bring back Hašek, and they brought in Martin Gerber to compete with Emery for the starting goaltending job.[15] Gerber was the starter at the beginning of the season,[15] but due to Gerber's poor play, Emery regained the role of starter in mid-November.[16] On Saturday, February 10, 2007, Emery was suspended three games from the NHL for striking Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre with his stick on his face, after Lapierre crashed into Emery's net.[17][6]

Twelve days later, after his three-game suspension had ended, Emery was involved in a mêlée between the Senators and the Buffalo Sabres. He and Sabres goaltender Martin Biron left their creases to fight each other.[18] After that fight was finished, Emery proceeded to fight Sabres' enforcer Andrew Peters.[18] Both goaltenders received game misconducts, and Emery had the rare feat (for a goaltender) of receiving two five-minute majors for fighting in the same incident. In total, Emery wound up with a total of 22 penalty minutes (two five-minute majors for fighting, a two-minute minor for leaving the crease, and the 10-minute game misconduct) for this altercation.[18] After the altercation, fans and media have dubbed him "Sugar Ray" in reference to retired boxer Sugar Ray Robinson and Emery's reputation as a fighter.[2]

Prior to the 2007 playoffs, Emery and the Senators won 5–2 against the Montreal Canadiens on March 30, 2007, which was his 100th NHL game.[19] Emery's strong play in the season continued on in the playoffs, as the Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres each in five games en route to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since the team returned to the NHL in 1992,[20] where the Senators lost to the Anaheim Ducks in five games.[21] He became a restricted free agent after the end of the season and filed for salary arbitration, but he agreed to a three-year deal with the Senators worth $9.5 million before the hearings were held.[22]

By the pre-season of the 2007–08 campaign, Emery was known to not be able to play for a lengthy time, due to a nagging wrist injury, which forced him to play only 40 minutes of the pre-season and to miss several games of the Senators' season.[23] Mixed performances by Emery combined with improved play by Martin Gerber during the first two months of the season reduced even further playing time for Emery. As a result, Gerber was designated as the starting goaltender for the team. In December, Emery was involved in more controversy, as he was sent home by head coach John Paddock from a practice after saying that he was feeling ill. It occurred one day after he slammed a stick at another practice expressing his frustration stemming for his reduced playing time this season. Emery later explained that he woke up late and missed the start of that practice. The issue briefly fueled trade rumors.[24][25] On January 28, 2008, Emery showed up late at another practice after in Long Island, New York. Emery said that he mistakenly thought that the session was held at the New York Islanders arena, the Nassau Coliseum, but it was instead held at the Farmingdale Iceworks. There were also reports that Emery had spent the All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas but Paddock simply stated that he arrived in New York from the west.[26][27] General manager Brian Murray admitted that he has tried to trade Emery, but there were no takers.[28] Due to his recent tardiness, Emery was fined 1/187 of his salary per this year, which was $14,705.88. He turned this fine into a donation to CHEO.[29] In addition, Emery was also involved in separate altercations with Brian McGrattan and Chris Neil during practice sessions.[30] On April 18, 2008 Murray announced to the media in an end-of-season press conference that Emery would not return to the Senators for the 2008–09 season: "My plan is not to have him back."[31]

[edit] Mask controversy

Ray Emery's mask during the 2005–2006 season
Ray Emery's mask during the 2005–2006 season

On January 30, 2006, Emery was the target of many critics as a result of a design which was painted on his goalie mask. Emery, an avid boxing fan, wore a mask with a picture of Mike Tyson painted on it.[32][33] The mask attracted controversy due to Tyson's reputation, notably his past rape convictions. After speaking to the Senator's management, Emery decided not to wear the mask as they both felt it was inappropriate for hockey.[33] He would wear the Tyson mask for only one game, a 5–0 loss against the Boston Bruins.[32][33] During the 2006 NHL playoffs, Emery wore a new mask featuring Canadian heavyweight boxer George Chuvalo.[34] In the 2007-2008 season Emery's mask also featured Muhammad Ali. Emery finished the season of with Floyd Mayweather on his mask. [35]

[edit] Personal life

Outside of ice hockey, Emery is known for his flamboyant lifestyle.[36][7] He has numerous tattoos, which include the initials of his parents, Charlene and Paul, and younger brothers Andrew and Nicholas.[7] He has an African symbol for the number one, his jersey number with the Senators, and his nickname "Razor" written across his chest.[7] He also has a tattoo representing his birth symbol, Libra.[7] He once made a $500 bet with Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, which required Emery to eat a cockroach that had been found on the floor of a Carolina dressing room. He won the bet, and used the money to get another tattoo on his right arm which read, "Anger is a Gift".[10] Emery drives a white Hummer, which was involved in a minor car accident on the Queensway while Emery was racing to the airport, after failing to answer his wakeup calls, to fly with the team to New Jersey.[37] Afterwards, he drove an orange Lamborghini while his Hummer was being repaired.[36] Emery was featured in a TSN broadcast which concerned his wardrobe.[38] It includes 50 pairs of shoes, a dozen watches, and a $4000 suit as well as diamond chains.[38] Emery also owns a python named Brendan, after his childhood friend.[38]

Emery was involved in September 2007 in an incident of road rage towards an Ottawa retiree named Jean Therien, while on a freeway driving to Scotiabank Place for training. Emery claimed that Therien cut him off and is just bitter that he lost the "war of words". Therien said that Emery threatened to kill him, and feared for his life after being forced to stop when Emery blocked the road with his Hummer. Therien claimed to eventually sue Emery for his actions.[39]

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] Regular season

   
Season Team League GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1998–99 Dunnville Terriers OJHL-C 22 3 19 0 1320 140 0 6.36 --
1999–00 Welland Cougars OJHL-B 23 13 10 0 1323 62 1 2.81 --
1999–00 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 16 9 3 0 716 36 1 3.02 .908
2000–01 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 52 18 29 2 2938 174 1 3.55 .904
2001–02 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 59 33 17 9 3477 158 4 2.73 .914
2002–03 Binghamton Senators AHL 50 27 17 6 2924 118 7 2.42 .924
2002–03 Ottawa Senators NHL 3 1 0 0 84 2 0 1.42 .923
2003–04 Binghamton Senators AHL 53 21 23 7 3109 128 3 2.47 .922
2003–04 Ottawa Senators NHL 3 2 0 0 126 5 0 2.38 .904
2004–05 Binghamton Senators AHL 51 28 18 5 2993 132 0 2.65 .910
2005–06 Ottawa Senators NHL 39 23 11 4 2167 102 3 2.82 .902
2006–07 Ottawa Senators NHL 58 33 16 6 3351 138 5 2.47 .918
2007–08 Ottawa Senators NHL 31 12 13 4 1689 88 0 3.13 .890
NHL Totals 134 71 40 14 7,419 335 8 2.71 .907
AHL Totals 154 74 58 18 9,026 378 10 2.51 .919
OHL Totals 127 60 49 11 7,131 368 6 3.10 .909

Statistics as of 2008-04-18

[edit] Playoffs

   
Season Team League GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1999–00 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 15 8 7 883 33 3 2.24 .926
2001–02 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds OHL 6 2 4 360 19 1 3.16 .925
2002–03 Binghamton Senators AHL 14 8 6 848 40 2 2.83 .912
2003–04 Binghamton Senators AHL 2 0 2 120 6 0 3.00 .912
2004–05 Binghamton Senators AHL 6 2 4 409 14 0 2.05 .925
2005–06 Ottawa Senators NHL 10 5 5 604 29 0 2.88 .900
2006–07 Ottawa Senators NHL 20 13 7 1,248 47 3 2.26 .907
OHL Totals 21 10 11 1,243 52 4 2.47 .925
AHL Totals 22 10 12 1,377 60 2 2.72 .915
NHL Totals 30 18 12 1,852 76 3 2.46 .904

Statistics as of 2008-04-18

[edit] Awards

Award League Year
First All–Star Team OHL 2002[40]
Goaltender of the Year OHL 2002[41]
First All–Star Team CHL 2002[40]
Goaltender of the Year CHL 2002[40]
All–Rookie team AHL 2003[42]
Goaltender of the Month (April) AHL 2005[42]
Defensive Player of the Month (October) NHL 2006[14]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Ken Warren (2007-06-10). Razor likely to go under the knife for wrist injury; Ottawa Senators starting goalie Ray Emery admits to playing hurt for most of the season. Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  2. ^ a b Don Brennan (2007-02-24). Emery gets an earful; Sugar Ray's mom none too pleased about fisticuffs in Buffalo. Ottawa Sun. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  3. ^ Ray Emery. NHL. Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  4. ^ Cole, Stephen (2006). The Canadian Hockey Atlas. Doubleday Canada. ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6). 
  5. ^ Alex Yannis (1989-10-24). 5 Ejected for Fighting As Devils Stop Leafs. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
  6. ^ a b Sens and Sabres renew hostilities. TSN (2007-02-24). Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Ken Warren (2005-12-11). The Apprenticeship of Ray Emery. Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Andrew Duffy (2008-01-20). A fighter's chance. Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved on 2008-01-24.
  9. ^ a b Ray Emery. Legendsofhockey.net. Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  10. ^ a b Chuck Gormley (2006-03-28). Sens on pace for record season. NHL. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
  11. ^ Ray Emery. www.hockeygoalies.org. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  12. ^ League News. AHL (2007-02-19). Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  13. ^ Game Recap. TSN. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  14. ^ a b John McGourty (2006-04-14). Sens' Emery smoothed rough edges. NHL. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  15. ^ a b Erin Nicks (2006-10-1). Backup Emery won't back down to Gerber. Ottawa Sun. Retrieved on 2007-06-28.
  16. ^ Gerber Collects Shutout in Rare Start for the Senators. CBS (2007-02-14). Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
  17. ^ Sens' Emery suspended for three games. TSN (2007-02-12). Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
  18. ^ a b c Game Summary. NHL (2007-02-22). Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  19. ^ Senators 5, Canadiens 2. NHL (2007-03-30). Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  20. ^ Chris Nichols (2007-05-25). Ray of Senshine. Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  21. ^ Ducks prove to be mightiest of them all. NHL (2007-06-07). Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  22. ^ Darren Dreger (2007-07-24). Sens avoid arbitration with Emery. TSN. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  23. ^ Ian Mendes (29/09/07). Emery to miss opener.
  24. ^ 'Ill' Emery sent home from practice. TSN (2007-12-28). Retrieved on 2008-01-30.
  25. ^ Emery offers explanation to teammates. TSN (2007-12-28). Retrieved on 2008-01-30.
  26. ^ Sens' Emery late for practice once again. TSN (2008-01-28). Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
  27. ^ Ken Warren. Emery may have pushed Sens too far. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
  28. ^ Garrioch, Bruce. "Emery to get 'substantial' fine", Ottawa Sun, 2008-01-29. Retrieved on 2008-01-29. 
  29. ^ Emery to donate fine to CHEO. TSN (2008-02-01). Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
  30. ^ "Report: Emery being targeted by police?", TSN, 2008-02-10. Retrieved on 2008-02-10. 
  31. ^ TSN.ca staff (April 18, 2008). Murray's plans for Sens don't include Emery. tsn.ca. Retrieved on 2008-04-18.
  32. ^ a b Emery drops Tyson mask (2006-01-31). Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  33. ^ a b c Emery ditches controversial goalie mask. CBC (2006-02-01). Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
  34. ^ Recap of the Senators 4-1 first round win over the Lightning. NHL (2006-04-21). Retrieved on 2006-04-22.
  35. ^ Wayne Scanlan (2008-01-30). Dismal work ethic dooms Sens' Emery. Montreal Gazette. Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
  36. ^ a b Kara Yorio (2007-05-25). The Senator has the floor. The Sporting News. Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
  37. ^ Emery, Sens look to stay in fast lane. CBC (2007-05-05). Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
  38. ^ a b c James Duthie (2007-05-08). Half Goaltender, Half Zoolander. TSN. Retrieved on 2007-07-08.
  39. ^ Alex Hebert. Driver files complaint against Emery. Retrieved on 2007-09-07.
  40. ^ a b c Ray Emery profile. TSN. Retrieved on 2007-07-08.
  41. ^ Ray Emery: Career Notes. Ottawa Senators. Retrieved on 2007-06-24.
  42. ^ a b Ray Emery NHLPA player bio. NHLPA. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links