Ottawa Senators Honor Ray Emery at Season Home Opener
The Ottawa Senators opened their home schedule at the Canadian Tire Centre with a tribute to former goaltender Ray Emery, who drowned in Lake Ontario in 2018 at age 35. Emery played five seasons for the franchise after being drafted in 2001, backstopping the team to its first modern-era Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007.
Emery’s parents, Paul and Sharlene Emery, joined the opening-night ceremonies by ringing the ceremonial bell to launch the new season against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team’s home debut followed a three-game road trip to start the regular season, where Ottawa posted two wins and one loss. To assist fans attending games at the arena, the club expanded its free bus service across eight departure locations in Ottawa and Gatineau, including stops at local establishments such as Local Heroes on Clyde Avenue and the Glebe Central Pub on Bank Street.
Family Healing and Memories in Ottawa
The Emery family relocated to Ashton, located a 15-minute drive from the Canadian Tire Centre, during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay close to their other two sons, Andrew and Nick. Living in the capital region provides a sense of comfort and healing following the goaltender’s death in the summer of 2018. Paul and Sharlene noted that driving past Ray’s first apartment on Bronson Avenue or taking their seven-year-old grandson, Michael, to skate at the Bell Sensplex brings back powerful memories of their son’s career.
The 2007 playoff run remains a defining era for the family and the franchise. Paul and Sharlene recalled the crowds chanting their son’s name during the 2007 playoffs. That connection drew them back to the Canadian Tire Centre as fans over recent years before Thursday’s official pre-game ceremony tied to the 20th anniversary of the 2006-07 team.
Expanded Transit Options for Fans
Game-night logistics feature expanded transit routes for ticket holders traveling to the arena. Free transportation runs from eight designated pickup points across the region:
- Liam Maguire’s at 1705 St. Laurent Blvd.
- Local Heroes at 1400 Clyde Ave.
- Thirsty Moose at 20 Bridget St. in Carleton Place
- Glebe Central Pub at 779 Bank St.
- Hometown Sports at 1525 Bank St.
- Le Pele Mele at 47 rue Laval in Gatineau
- Ollie’s Pub & Patio at 1125 Colonel By Dr. on the Carleton University campus
- Father & Sons at 112 Osgoode St.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Opening Night Tribute
Why did the Ottawa Senators honor Ray Emery at the home opener?
The organization paid tribute to the late goaltender to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2006-07 team that reached the Stanley Cup Final. Emery played five seasons in Ottawa after being drafted in 2001.
Who participated in the ceremonial puck drop or bell ringing?
Ray Emery’s parents, Paul and Sharlene, rang the ceremonial bell at the Canadian Tire Centre alongside members of their family to open the game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Where do Ray Emery’s parents currently live?
Paul and Sharlene Emery reside in Ashton, Ontario, a 15-minute drive from the Canadian Tire Centre, having moved to the area from Cayuga, Ontario, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What transit services are available for Senators home games?
The team provides expanded free bus service for ticket holders departing from eight specific locations in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Carleton Place, including local pubs and university campus spots.
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