Mr Emery was reported missing at 6am local time on Sunday morning after going swimming with friends at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club.
Police Inspector Marty Schulenberg commented on the accident, stating: “They went out for a swim and unfortunately he did not emerge after diving in.
“We responded along with Hamilton Fire and EMA.
“Unfortunately, our efforts on the water and in the area around the piers were met with negative results.”
Hamilton Police located Mr Emery’s body at around 2.50pm in close proximity to where he was last seen.
They said: “At 2.50pm, HPS recovered the body of formed NHL player Ray Emery, 35.
“Emery was reported missing just after 6.00am in Hamilton Ontario harbour.
“His body was recovered in close proximity to where he was last seen.
“Family has been notified. Cause of death to be confirmed pending a postmortem.”
The National Hockey League Player’ Association expressed their condolences following Mr Emery’s death.
They said: “The NHLPA”s players and staff send our heartfelt conduces to Ray Emery’s family and friends, following the terrible tragedy that occurred earlier today.
“Ray will be missed his many friends within the hockey community.
Hamilton Police commented on their ongoing search earlier in the day, stating: “HPS continues to search for a missing male swimmer.
“Based on when the swimmer was last seen, we’ve requested assistance from the Niagara Regional Police Service dive unit in locating the missing male near Hamilton Ontario Leander Boat Club.
“Marine traffic near the area continues to be affected.”
Mr Emery was the goaltender for various NHL teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers.
He won the Stanley Cup alongside the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, before retiring from professional ice hockey in 2016.
Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators, commented on Mr Emery’s death, stating: “On behalf of the Ottawa Senators, I wish to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Ray Emery.
“Ray was instrumental in our run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, and at his best he brought a competitive edge and combative mentality to the game.
“On behalf of our entire organisation, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ray’s family, friends and loved ones.”