The guardian of the former Blackhawks, Ray Emery, "drowned in a mishap affair," according to police

When Ray Emery arrived at the Blackhawks' training camp before the 2011-2012 season, he had no contract, let alone alignment. Just confident, his career was not over.

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 Crawford's surrogate drowned in a swimming accident Sunday in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. On Monday, police said the drowning did not seem suspicious, the police said.

He jumped from a boat near the Leander Boat Club to go swimming, and friends called emergency services around 6am. It has not resurfaced, the police said. Inspector Marty Schulenberg described it as a "mishap case".

The body of Emery was found around 14:50. Sunday, about 20 yards from where he went in the water, Schulenberg added. He said the first responders were not able to locate Emery right away so they called the diving unit. The search took longer than expected because of the concerns of the diving team.

"It's a long process and safety is paramount for our divers," he said. "We must take the time to do it safely and that's what the delay was."

An autopsy was to be completed on Monday.

"M. Emery was taking a bath this morning and the circumstances are there part of the investigation, "Schulenberg said." These details remain to be discovered by our investigators. "

As Emery's death became apparent spilled, former Blackhawks teammates, coaches and other hockey players shared their memories of a player nicknamed "Razor" for his aggressive style.] "I lost my boyfriend and my best friend today, "tweeted ex-Hawk Dave Bolland." Uncle Ray Ray has touched a lot of hearts and people. Love and miss you. "

" I will always remember Ray as a good person first and foremost, "wrote on Twitter his friend and former teammate Dan Carcillo." I envied his behavior . He had a contagious personality. People were attracted to him. … I will never forget his selflessness. The man hurts. Stay easy Uncle Ray Ray. "

The Blackhawks also issued a statement:" The organization of the Chicago Blackhawks was deeply saddened to learn of Ray Emery's pbading. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. The Blackhawks will remember Ray as a fierce competitor, a good teammate and a Stanley Cup champion.

Former teammates praised Emery's mentorship and leadership, especially during his last professional season in the AHL in 2015-16. Enforcer-turned badyst, Paul Bissonnette, a teammate of Ontario Reign of the AHL, said that Emery would treat other players almost every night.

"I had only heard great things before meeting him, and that was true. Bissonnette said. "He was awesome, great in the locker room and that made life nice."

Emery's career began with the Senators, but off-ice issues, including a road rage incident, the 39, aggression of a coach in Russia and his behavior at the Senators' training camp, threatened to terminate prematurely.It also suffered from avascular necrosis, the same hip disease that has Ended Bo Jackson's career

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"Ray has had a lot of ups and downs in his personal life and career." he said. "He never leaves the things that could derail most of us stop its momentum towards the front. He had a big heart and a fun personality. There was someone for whom we were all rooted.

Emery won the job by supporting Crawford in 2011, but he was based on faith as much as on his game.

"His training camp was just OK, I'm not gonna not try to BS, "said Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman at David Haugh's Tribune in 2011." But I remember Ray said, "I know I can be better than that, I'm only a little bit out of it. a slow beginner.

Emery was 32-10-4 in his two seasons with the Hawks, including 17-1 with a 1.94 goals against average over the 2013 season, shortened by the lock -out. . He and Crawford combined to win the William Jennings Trophy to allow the league's few goals this year, and Emery finished seventh in the Vezina vote, a place ahead of Crawford.

In addition to the Senators and Blackhawks, Emery played for the Flyers and Ducks during a career that ran from 2003 to 2015. He played 326 NHL games in the regular season and in the playoffs , badisting the Senators in the 2007 Stanley Cup finals. He went to 145-86-28 with a 2.70 goals-against average and 16 shutouts over his career.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

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