Ottawa hockey fans will have a chance to remember one of the city's favourite goaltenders on Thursday, when the family of Ray Emery returns to Canadian Tire Centre for the Senators home opener.
According to a post from @613trending on Instagram, Emery's family has been invited to ring the ceremonial bell before the game. The Senators are marking 20 years since the 2006-07 season, the year the team made its run to the Stanley Cup Final.
A goalie who became a fan favourite
Emery's NHL dream became a reality in Ottawa, and he was a central part of that 2007 playoff run. The post describes thousands of fans chanting his name as he helped carry the Senators to the Final. Known to many as "Razor," he was a son, brother, teammate and fan favourite.
Emery died in 2018 at the age of 35. His connection to the city did not fade after that. As @613trending describes it, his parents now live in the Ottawa area, finding comfort in being close to the places that hold so many memories of their son.
What to expect on Thursday
The ceremonial bell ringing is the family's role in the home opener. It also fits into a larger theme for the night, as the organization looks back on the 2006-07 team two decades on.
For longtime fans, that season remains one of the most memorable in franchise history. The post notes that the arena once echoed with chants of Emery's name, and Thursday gives the crowd another chance to hear them.
The family's appearance is a reminder of how closely hockey and community are tied in this city. Fans who remember that spring in 2007 may find the night a good moment to share those memories with younger supporters who were not yet following the team.
Planning to go
If you are heading to Canadian Tire Centre for the opener, it is worth arriving early to be in your seat for the pre-game ceremony. Details on timing and any other 20th anniversary tributes will come from the Senators directly, so check the team's official channels before you go.
For one night, the building will turn its attention to a goaltender who left a lasting mark on Ottawa, and to the family that has made the region their home.
Source: Instagram post by @613trending.
