Gone Too Young

I had plans on writing something about French hockey after their national soccer team won the World Cup today, but it was hard hearing that former NHL goaltender Ray Emery, pictured on the left with boxing legend Joe Frazier, had passed away today at the age of 35 after drowning in Lake Ontario in Hamilton, Ontario. Emery, who played for four different NHL teams, five AHL teams, one KHL team, and one DEL team professionally, was controversial at times, but his intensity, his devotion to his teammates, and his abilities to tend the net were never questioned. After hearing the news today about his passing, it's a sad day in the hockey world.

This was the tweet that I first saw about the tragedy in Hamilton.

Friends and first responders have identified victim in early morning drowning at the Hamilton Harbour as former @NHL goalie Ray Emery. Ray played the @ottawasenators, @NHLBlackhawks, @AnaheimDucks and the @NHLFlyers. He was swimming with several friends & never surfaced #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/QpD2tNwDzs

— Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) July 15, 2018

It's actually quite well-known that Lake Ontario has a number of undertow currents that are far stronger than your normal undertow, and these are often called rip currents. For those not aware of what a rip current is, it is defined as "a relatively strong, narrow current flowing outward from the beach through the surf zone and presenting a hazard to swimmers." According to The Weather Channel, "an average of 12 people are killed by currents and 25 more are rescued on the Great Lakes, according to the National Weather Service." This may have been the cause of Ray Emery's drowning as his body was found by dive crews some seventy-feet away from where he jumped into the water.

We hear about water safety every summer, but it's hard to predict where these rip currents may exist. If this is indeed the reason for Ray Emery's drowning, it's a reminder to be extra vigilant when venturing into the water. Losing the man they called "Razor" at the age of 35 is a loss that should remind us that no matter how fiery of a fighter one is - and Ray Emery certainly could hold his own against anyone - there are still forces that can end a fight very quickly.

Rest in peace, Ray Emery. You were taken far too young from us, and you'll always be remembered for the passion you had for the game, your teammates, and life.

Until next time, hold your sticks high in memory of Ray Emery!