About Ray

Ray grew up playing ice hockey, eventually playing professionally in the NHL for the Dallas Stars. He actually learned to skate at Minoru Arenas and played for the Richmond Sockeyes on the very sheet of ice that the inaugural Play Like Ray tournament is hosted. 

Raymond Sawada was a man worth knowing. If you are reading this it is because Ray did not live a mediocre life. He dared greatly.

Raymond did so many things well–one of the best things he ever did was bring people together. He loved to do this most while playing sports, and it could also be seen with his tremendous passion for cooking a delicious meal. 

He shared his insane work ethic and dedication to the game of hockey with our youth, as a coach and as a father. He stood out not only as a mentor but as a great leader, friend and teammate. 

Some things in life cannot be bought, they must be earned. Raymond earned the love and respect of his family and friends.

Ray's smile, easy laughter, storytelling, and friendship lives on in all those he encountered.

Thank you for the outpouring of support for the Play Like Ray Challenge and for Raymond's family and friends, who he loved deeply and who miss him endlessly. Perhaps honouring and remembering him through 'Play Like Ray' is one of the ways we can all show how much we love him back. 

We will continue to share his story, celebrate his life, and invite the community to live his legacy and 'Play Like Ray’.