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Playing with the US National Team Development Program, defenceman Ty Emberson is often overshadowed by his more highly-hyped teammates. However, Emberson is no slouch, playing big minutes with the program and is a key contributor to their success. One could make the case that he is the most reliable and consistent defender on the team. As a result, he often gets big minutes on the penalty kill and against the other team’s top lines. Emberson also added a bit of offence putting up four goals and 23 assists for 27 points in 61 games with the team.
Emberson has long been representing the United States on the international stage. As a 16-year-old, he went to the Youth Olympic Games, helping the squad to a gold medal. He put up three assists in five games at the 2016-17 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. Emberson also played at the recent IIHF Under-18 World Championships. He scored four assists in seven games, as the U.S. took home the silver medal.
Emberson is committed to play at the University of Wisconsin next season, staying close to his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. If he changes his mind, his CHL rights are owned by the Sudbury Wolves.
Ty Emberson Scouting Report
Defense — shoots Right
Born May 23rd, 2000 — Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Height 6’1″ — Weight 195 lbs [185 cm/88 kg]
Skating
While he is not a blazing skater, Emberson has good speed in both directions. His acceleration is particularly good. Emberson has strong lateral movement, allowing him to keep attackers in front of him off the rush. He has good edgework and pivots. Emberson transitions quickly from defence to offence and vice-versa. Emberson has a wide stride. He is well-balanced and tough to knock off the puck. This also helps him to battle along the boards and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Emberson is very much a stay-at-home type. While he is able to control the puck and is tough to knock off it, he does not lead or join the rush often. Instead, Emberson will skate the puck out of danger in his own zone and look to move it to an open forward. He is capable of making short passes on the breakout, but can struggle to make the long breakaway pass or to put the puck through a lot of traffic.
Emberson’s shot is decent but not overpowering. He understands to keep it low and on net, giving his teammates opportunities for tip-ins and rebounds. Emberson again makes the simple pass from the point in the offensive zone, keeping things moving if he does not have a shot on net. He is not the type to be overly creative though.
Defensive Game
Emberson is a very physical defender. Opponents must be wary of coming down his side of the ice with their head down. He maintains a good gap and can explode into a hit if one presents itself. He is also extremely physical in board battles and in clearing the front of the net. Emberson does a good job of not crossing the line though. He does not take a lot of penalties, despite his physical edge. Emberson is also disciplined in his positional play. He takes the hits that present themselves and does not run around and get himself caught out of position often. As mentioned, he is a key penalty killer on the US NTDP squad.
Projection and Comparison
Emberson will be heading the collegiate route. This will give him time to continue to add muscle to his frame. With his physical style, this will be important as he moves up to play against bigger opponents. It is unlikely that Emberson will ever be a big offensive contributor at the next level. However, he is good enough with the puck that he should not be a liability either. Emberson’s style is similar to Ryan McDonagh, but this is not an indication of potential or ability, merely a look at style.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Emberson that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Ty Emberson #10 of the USA Nationals turns up ice against the Czech Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018, in Plymouth, Michigan. The Czech Republic defeated the USA Nationals 6-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
