Hours before his death, Ray Emery was helping raise money for local charity in hometown of Hamilton

BarDown Staff

Ray Emery , Instagram/ Zac Rinaldo

Just a few hours before Ray Emery tragically drowned in the Hamilton Harbour, he was helping raise money for a local charity in Hamilton, all while giving back to the community that gave him so much while playing the sport that blessed him a chance to be a professional athlete.

Emery, along with several former and current NHL players like Adam Henrique, Zac Rinaldo and Rich Clune took part in the charity game.

I took this picture of Ray last night at the charity event Hockey Night in Hamilton. I was going to text it to him today and tease him about making a comeback to pro hockey. It was fun to catch up with him last night. I met Razor some years ago early in my career and was briefly his teammate a couple years ago on the Marlies. I always thought Ray was a kind soul deep down and we had a few conversations over the years and connected on some things about life other than playing hockey. It was great to see the smiles on everyone’s face last night as Ray entertained with some great saves and signed autographs. He was in great spirits all night and was telling a friend and I, that he was starting to feel better after retiring as he was getting involved in some real estate ventures and coaching goaltenders. It’s crazy to think he’s no longer with us in body, but his spirit will live on. It’s important to cherish our lives moment to moment. Rest In Peace Razor. 🙏

A post shared by Rich Clune (@richclune) on Jul 15, 2018 at 2:18pm PDT

RIP Ray.
Honored to have had the chance to meet him yesterday at a charity event! A very tough competitor. pic.twitter.com/kYqTVAcvpe
— Adam Henrique (@AdamHenrique) July 15, 2018

The charity game had several NHL players in attendance, and featured special guests, a silent auction, and games for the kids, with all proceeds going the charity that aims at fighting against child hunger for kids in Hamilton. You can find out more information on the charity here by clicking on Rinaldo’s website. Rinaldo and Emery played together for two seasons in Philly spanning from 2013-15.

I’m lost for words. My brother. My teammate. My homie. I could always count on you to be there for me whenever I needed you. On the ice and off the ice. Hamilton won’t be the same without your big smile and your bright personality. I’m just so glad you got to play in my charity event and do what you loved to do one last time my brother. Signing autographs for kids. Taking pictures with kids who looked up to you. You impacted So many lives ! I will always think of you and remember the good times we had. HEROS GET REMEMBERED BUT LEGENDS NEVER DIE. I LOVE YOU BRO. REST IN PEACE.

A post shared by Zac Rinaldo (@rinaldozac) on Jul 16, 2018 at 2:37pm PDT

Tributes on social media from friends and former teammates of Emery continued to pour out on Monday. Emery’s former trainer Matt Nichols, the founding partner and chief formulator of Biosteel Sports shared an incredibly emotional tribute.

Reflecting on the life and career of a friend today. ... There is alot of sadness in how his story ended but today I reflect on the positives. I reflect on the inspirational story that any underdog kid out there can draw some motivation from. ... Ray was a tough kid from a tough town. He knew adversity early on in life but he never used that as an excuse and he NEVER backed down from a challenge. He always believed in himself and learned early that he would have to fight for his successes in life. ... Ray was cut by 8 different junior teams before becoming the back-up goalie for a local Junior C team after they had a last minute injury and needed a short term replacement. By the end of the season he was the teams Rookie of The Year and got drafted into the OHL ... In his first OHL season he was released and sent down to Junior B. One year later he won the starting goaltending job and one year after that he was named the CHL Goaltender of the Year after a record breaking season and was drafted into the NHL. He quickly went on to become: ... - AHL All-Star - AHL All Rookie Team - AHL Team MVP - Starting Goalie in the Stanley Cup FInals ... In 2010 you Ray was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis in his hip. He was told he would never play hockey again and in fact would be lucky to be able to walk pain free without a hip replacement. If you knew Ray or have begun to sense a trend in his story, then you know how he would handle devastating news like that... One year of grueling rehab later...a rehab which most others would not have even attempted or would have succomed to the pain of Ray returned to the NHL and in short order: ... - Set an NHL record becoming the first Goalie in history to go 12-0-0 to start a season - 2 Time Masterton Trophy Nominee - William Jennings Trophy Winner - Stanley Cup Champion ... - Ray was the epitome of an underdog. - He overcame great adversity in life and never asked for nor would accept anyone's sympathy - He was one of the toughest men that I have ever met - He was a legendary character of this game and won't soon be forgotten. ... RIP Razor

A post shared by Matt Nichol (@matt_nichol) on Jul 16, 2018 at 5:04am PDT

Outside of condolences to family and friends, I wasn’t sure what else to say about the tragic passing of Ray Emery. Then I saw @M_Nichol tribute to his friend and this is what we need to hear/read about Ray. So sorry for your loss, Matt. Your words will mean a lot to many. https://t.co/yaqBd3mCoD
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 16, 2018

Keisha Chante, a Canadian pop star that dated Emery from 2010-2017, shared her own tribute on her Instagram page with a photo of them together.

Raymond Robert Emery (Sept 28 1982-July 15 2018) my heart is heavy. i am at a loss. distraught. obliterated. The love of my life, best friend, the man i was going to marry. U loved me with every fibre of ur being even though it overwhelmed me at times. U took care of me, protected me. So incredibly passionate, loving & affectionate. My cuddle bear. That smile.. the way u looked at me. U always made sure I knew how much u loved me. Even at the very end. Intelligent, hilarious, entertaining, giving, charismatic, a leader, family-oriented, a fierce competitor, good hearted, determined. U always amazed me. A hip disease where they said u wouldn’t walk again. I watched u go from bandages, to walking, to skating, to playing pro hockey again then to winning a Stanley Cup like a King. A superhero I called u. Unfortunately my baby, u believed u were invincible in every way. U had demons u were fighting, ones that u felt u were too invincible to confront the way I wanted u to. God, I wish u would have, I wish I didn’t need to walk away. Many nights I stayed awake worried about u not coming home. my biggest fear. ur lifestyle catching up with u. today is now the worst day of my life. The day u would leave this earth. 35 years is too young my love but God, did u ever live ur life to the fullest. U brought so many along with u, took care of many, loved to share, loved to laugh, a great story teller. Literally the life of any party. 7 years together & so many incredible adventures & memories I will hold onto forever. We lived in 6 cities & went through the good, bad & the ugly together. Sometimes we fought but we fought for each other more than anything. Thick & thin. U taught me so much. U gave me all of u & I’m so grateful to have had u in my life. No one knew u the way I did & it was an honor that u let me in that way. It was an honor that u asked me to marry u. We were inseparable, attached, a bond so rare. My heart is completely broken. Big Fella, I love u always. My heart is with the Emery Family & everyone who loved him so prolifically. We will get through this together.

A post shared by Keshia Chante (@keshiachante) on Jul 16, 2018 at 10:34am PDT

After winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, Emery brought the cup back home to his hometown for a special tour organized by a local sporting goods store.