Ty Emberson of the Oilers talks candidly about his difficult beginning and family life in Edmonton.

Ty Emberson’s journey to the NHL has been far from conventional, marked by challenges and obstacles that few players face, yet it has been these very experiences that have shaped him into the player and person he is today. Now with the Edmonton Oilers, Emberson has been given an opportunity to showcase his skill at the highest level, but his path to this point has been anything but easy.

From a difficult start in hockey to navigating personal struggles, Emberson has dealt with a lot both on and off the ice. Yet through it all, his resilience, dedication, and the support of his family have allowed him to reach the pinnacle of his career. In a candid interview, Emberson shared his story, reflecting on the tough moments that have tested him, the relationships that have kept him grounded, and how his journey in Edmonton is now a new chapter in his life.

Early Challenges: The Road to the NHL

Ty Emberson’s story begins much like any other aspiring young hockey player’s: with dreams of making it to the NHL. However, from an early age, Emberson’s path was filled with obstacles that threatened to derail those dreams. Growing up in a hockey family, his father, a former player, pushed him to work harder, to sharpen his skills, and to develop a competitive edge. But it wasn’t just the pressure to succeed that would challenge Emberson—his early experiences with hockey were marked by the struggle to find his place.

“I think every kid dreams of playing in the NHL, but not every kid has the journey to get there that they expect,” Emberson said, reflecting on his early years. “For me, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when I wasn’t the best player on the ice, and there were times when I had to fight for ice time. But that’s where I learned the most. You have to earn everything in this game, and nothing comes easy.”

While his skill was undeniable, it was the mental aspect of the game that would ultimately become one of Emberson’s greatest assets. He recalled a pivotal moment in his junior hockey career where he found himself on the verge of being cut from a competitive team. “I was at a crossroads,” he said. “I could either accept the reality that maybe I wasn’t going to make it, or I could put everything I had into proving people wrong. It was a huge turning point for me.”

This mindset shift was crucial to Emberson’s development. Over time, he became more than just a good player—he became a great one. His defensive play, work ethic, and commitment to improving each and every day caught the attention of scouts. Eventually, Emberson was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the 3rd round of the 2018 NHL Draft, a moment that validated all of his hard work and perseverance.

However, just when it seemed like things were starting to fall into place, Emberson faced another setback: the highly competitive nature of the NHL made the transition from junior to professional hockey a much more difficult endeavor than he had imagined. He spent several years bouncing between the AHL and NHL, struggling to secure a permanent spot on the roster. Each setback left him questioning whether he truly belonged in the NHL, but with each struggle came a renewed determination.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, but that’s part of the process,” he said. “You have to stay mentally strong, or the game can break you. I’ve been lucky enough to have great people around me who remind me that it’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get back up.”

A New Beginning with the Edmonton Oilers

It was with the Edmonton Oilers that Emberson would find his true opportunity to flourish. After several seasons of bouncing between teams and leagues, the Oilers offered him a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. Initially, the transition wasn’t easy—there were adjustments to be made, both on the ice and off.

“When I first came to Edmonton, it was a whole new world,” Emberson admitted. “The city, the team, the style of play—it was all different from anything I had experienced before. But that challenge is what excites me. It’s what pushes me to get better every day. I’ve had to adjust my game a bit, learn the Oilers’ system, and build relationships with my teammates, but it’s been a process that I’ve embraced.”

One of the most significant adjustments for Emberson was adapting to Edmonton’s style of play, which is fast and aggressive, a stark contrast to the slower pace of the minor leagues. However, he found that his ability to stay calm under pressure and make smart decisions in the defensive zone was a skill that translated well to the NHL level.

The Oilers organization has been instrumental in Emberson’s development, and his head coach has been a big supporter of his growth. “We knew that Ty had the potential,” said head coach Jay Woodcroft. “It was just about finding the right fit and giving him the confidence to play his game. Since joining us, Ty has taken his game to another level. He’s become a key part of our defensive core, and he brings a lot to the table in terms of his leadership, his reliability on the back end, and his physicality.”

Emberson’s story is one of resilience, and his role with the Oilers is a reflection of that. With the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world, Emberson continues to carve out a spot for himself, proving that hard work and perseverance can still earn a player respect, even in a league where talent is abundant.

Family Life and the Support That Keeps Him Grounded

Though much of Emberson’s story focuses on his professional journey, his family has been a driving force behind his success. Raised in a hockey family, his father and mother were always there to support him, even through the toughest moments. His dad, a former player himself, played an instrumental role in his development, teaching him the intricacies of the game and pushing him to give everything he had on the ice.

“The biggest thing my dad taught me was that hockey isn’t just about skill. It’s about heart, it’s about sacrifice, and it’s about being able to push through when things get tough,” Emberson reflected. “He’s been my biggest mentor, and I wouldn’t be here without him. But it’s not just him. My mom, my brother, and the rest of my family—they’ve always been there to support me. They’ve seen the highs and the lows, and they’ve been by my side every step of the way.”

For Emberson, family life has been crucial to maintaining balance in a world that can often be overwhelming. Life in the NHL can be a whirlwind, filled with travel, media obligations, and the pressure to perform night in and night out. But at the end of the day, it’s the love and support of his family that helps him stay grounded.

“My family has always been my rock,” he said. “When things are going well, they’re there to celebrate with me. When things aren’t going well, they’re there to remind me that it’s just part of the journey. They keep me humble, and they keep me focused on what’s truly important in life.”

One of the more challenging aspects of Emberson’s career has been balancing the demands of hockey with his personal life. Long road trips, constant practice schedules, and the rigors of the season can sometimes make it difficult to spend time with loved ones. But Emberson has learned to make the most of the time he does have, appreciating the quiet moments with his family when he can.

“In this game, you’re constantly on the move,” he explained. “But I try to remember that when I’m home, I’m a son, a brother, and a friend, first and foremost. Hockey will always be there, but family is forever. It’s important to keep that perspective.”

Emberson’s Impact on the Oilers and Looking Ahead

As Ty Emberson continues to evolve in his role with the Edmonton Oilers, there’s no question that his story is one of perseverance, resilience, and hard work. From a challenging start in his career to finding his place with one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Emberson has proven that determination and a strong support system can help a player overcome any obstacle.

Looking ahead, Emberson has big aspirations. As he settles into life in Edmonton, he’s focused on continuing to improve, contributing to the team’s success, and ultimately, helping the Oilers win a Stanley Cup.

“I’ve always believed that if you want to succeed in this game, you have to be willing to work harder than anyone else,” Emberson said. “The NHL is the best league in the world, and if you’re not constantly striving to improve, you’re going to get passed by. My goal is to keep growing as a player, be a key contributor to the Oilers, and, hopefully, bring a championship to this city.”

Ty Emberson’s candid reflection on his journey—from the struggles of his early hockey days to finding his place with the Edmonton Oilers—speaks volumes about his character. His story is one of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance, and the importance of family. In a league full of highly skilled players, it’s the mental toughness, the heart, and the unwavering support of loved ones that has allowed Emberson to overcome the challenges and continue to thrive in the NHL.

As he continues to develop with the Oilers, one thing is certain: Ty Emberson is a player with a bright future ahead, and his journey is far from over.