One area that Emberson credits for the growth of his game was the spring training from last May. It was grueling to say the least but the results have made a tremendous impact this season.

“It was huge for us, especially off the ice. We were spending seven days a week together as a team,” said the 6-foot-1, 194-pounder. “We got stronger from our training program. It definitely made a huge difference from our last game as [an Under-17] to our first game as [an Under-18].”

In addition, he has taken to heart some words of advice from head coach Seth Appert that really fit his game.

“He really preaches work before skill,” said Emberson. “We do not want anyone to outwork us on the ice; rather, we want to outwork them. I think it makes everyone better.

“Last year, it was tough and we would get down on ourselves. We really put the work into our spring training and it is showing. We are calling it our ‘redemption tour’ this season.”

In addition to the USHL, Emberson and his teammates are playing college teams. This experience has really allowed him to get a taste of college hockey and also continually work on his game against older competition.

“When we are playing college games, we could be playing guys up to 24 years old,” he said. “You can really see the strength of this, especially in the corner. As you continue to play against the guys, you learn what to do to be successful and win those battles.”

This early slate of college games will come in handy for Emberson as he continues his career at the Division I level with the University of Wisconsin.

It was not an easy decision.

His family, including him mom Missy, siblings Andrew and Mia along with several cousins are part of the Minnesota Golden Gopher family. This doesn’t include his grandfather Denny Zacho, who played hockey and baseball at the U of M. Thankfully for Emberson, his dad Mike graduated from Wisconsin so he will have someone to sing the fight song with him.

One of his top memories was signing his National Letter of Intent on Nov. 16 to play for the Badgers.

“I was so happy with my decision and could finally sign the paper and solidify my next step in my hockey career,” said Emberson, who grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Madison.

“We found a way to win, even when we had our back against the wall.

The moment was made even more special with the knowledge that he will be attending with his current U18 teammate, K’Andre Miller.

“It will be great to be there with someone who has been down the same street as me. We are going to room together next year so that will be nice too. We will be spending the summer in Madison, training and taking a class,” explained Emberson.

Now, Emberson is focused on one goal and that is capturing a medal at the 2018 Under-18 World Championships, starting in mid-April in Russia. He knows it will take an all-out team effort to win this event.

“Coach is always stressing that it is work before skill. We have to have that work ethic and not play individualistic. It starts with each of us on the team,” he said.

Emberson and his U18 teammates captured their second championship at the 2018 Five Nations at USA Hockey Arena in February. He is hoping that they can use this championship as momentum heading to Russia, especially after finding a way to come-from-behind to beat Team Russia, 5-4.