Eau Claire's Emberson makes big impact in Stanley Cup playoffs

Ty Emberson is where every hockey player in the world wants to be right now. Competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Eau Claire native and Memorial High School alum is a key member of an Edmonton Oilers team that has advanced to the Western Conference finals. They are one of just four National Hockey League teams still standing this season.

Emberson, a 6-foot-2, 193-pound defenseman, has appeared in nine postseason games for the Oilers this season. He played a significant role in Edmonton’s playoff series wins over the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience so far,” Emberson said Thursday afternoon as his team prepared for Game 2 in Dallas. “This is something you grow up watching and grow up dreaming about. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself that you are in the Stanley Cup playoffs.”

Emberson is in his second full season in the NHL. He played in 76 games for Edmonton during the regular season.

On April 19, the Oilers signed Emberson to a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension.

Emberson spent his first 16 years living in Eau Claire. He excelled at Eau Claire Memorial High School before playing age-group hockey for Team USA. He is a past Leader-Telegram prep athlete of the year.

His parents, Mike and Missy, were in attendance for Edmonton’s first two home playoff games.

“That was unbelievable to have them there,” Ty said.

Aside from playing at hockey’s top level, Emberson has been a busy man. He and his wife, Carolyn, were married last summer.

Emberson was a third-round NHL draft pick by Phoenix in 2018. He instead chose the college route and became a team captain during a superb career for the Wisconsin Badgers.

“It seems like forever ago when I got drafted,” he said. “There is a process and it is a journey to make it to the NHL. There are ups and downs. When you have success, you better enjoy it.”

Emberson recalls his initial experience at hockey’s top level.

“When I first made it to the NHL, it was kind of surreal,” he said. “You’re playing against big names like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. It’s crazy to even be on the same sheet of ice as these guys. And then my job is to stop them.”

Edmonton fell 6-3 to Dallas in the first game of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday. The Oilers evened the series with a 3-0 win Friday night.

“We just have to continue to be consistent,” Emberson said. “We have had really good scoring depth and we have to continue to pull in the same direction. It is going to be a challenge. We all know it’s really hard to win a Stanley Cup.”

Emberson plays on a team led by Connor McDavid, considered one of the best players in the world.

“It’s actually insane to watch him play,” Emberson said. “He’s on a different level. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence is really impressive.”

Advancing through to the third round of the postseason also has allowed Emberson to partake in one of the game’s long-standing traditions where players don’t shave until their team is eliminated.

“I am working on my playoff beard,” Emberson said with a laugh. “It’s not as bushy as some of the older guys. But it is coming in a little bit. It is a really fun tradition. It is the first time I have experienced it.”

Emberson didn’t have much time for a birthday party when he turned 25 on Friday. But he didn’t mind. His wish was granted when he was able to celebrate that night after his team’s playoff victory.

Eau Claire’s Emberson makes big impact in Stanley Cup playoffs

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