Ray Emery eyeing a comeback to the NHL
If there’s one thing that one-time National Hockey League goaltender Ray Emery hasn’t given up, it’s an eventual return to the game he loves.
Emery has returned to the ice after having major surgery to correct a condition known as avascular necrosis, a rare condition that ate away at the ball the socket of his hip. He had the
surgery in April, and it was successful.
“When I was diagnosed with it and when I saw different doctors, their idea of a successful surgery was walking and getting an extra 5-7 years out of your hip,” Emery told
TSN.ca of the recovery process.
“But I think I made it pretty clear to them that I really didn’t care if I could walk in seven years; I wanted to play for a few more (years) before I’m done.”
During the surgery, which Emery underwent in April, he had his fibula removed. It was later grafted onto his hip as a means of repairing it. He was given the green light by doctors to
begin the rehab process two months ago.
“They told me six months and then work out a little bit and get back on the ice and try to fight through things, and I’m a guy that just rushes through everything and I want to do as much
as I can, as quick as I can, and it’s been a total opposite.
“I’m taking my time and learning how to strengthen different parts so that other parts aren’t compensating and to avoid injury in the future. Acupuncture, pilates, swimming and a lot of
core exercise – it’s not what I’m used to, but I have to do what I have to do to get back.”
At age 27, Emery believes that he can still compete in the NHL. He had a rocky past with Ottawa Senators, who bought out his contract in 2008 after his off-ice activities became a distraction
to the team. With no teams willing to sign him, Emery went off to Russia to play with Atlant Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League in 2008-09.
Last season, the Philadelphia Flyers opted to give Emery a chance, but Emery’s stay with the Flyers was short-lived due to his injuries. He became an unrestricted free agent afterwards,
and was not re-signed due to the extent of his injuries.
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