From Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, the Twin Cities hosted the IIHF World Junior Championships. The tournament features the world’s best under-20 national teams, giving fans an early look at the rising stars who will shape the future of the NHL and international hockey.
EJ Emery, Team USA’s only Black player, stood to shape that future through more than just his on-ice skill.
Emery, a 6’3” defenseman who was drafted 30th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, currently plays for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks. If he reaches the NHL, Emery’s presence would mark another step toward increased representation in a league with only a small number of active Black players.
Emery noted the influence previous Black players had on his journey. “Being a young Black player in hockey is definitely something a little different,” Emery said. “Going through it growing up, seeing guys like P.K. Subban, for example, really paved that way.”
Emery, the son of Eric Emery, a former Canadian Football League linebacker, holds dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, meaning he could have represented either country in international competition. When asked what led him to choose the United States, Emery cited the strength of the U.S. development system.
“I think the U.S. program is huge, and with how well the U.S. is able to develop players, I wouldn’t be here without it,” Emery said. “I’m more than grateful to get the opportunity to play for the U.S., and I couldn’t be happier to represent my country.”
That development pathway helped turn Emery into a first-round NHL draft pick. After being selected by the Rangers, he was compared to K’Andre Miller, another Black defenseman who played for New York at the time of Emery’s draft and is a St. Paul native.
Emery is currently listed as the fifth-best prospect in the Rangers’ junior development system. The Twin Cities-based World Junior Championships represent another milestone in his path toward the NHL.
“It’s amazing,” Emery said. “Everyone grows up watching this tournament. It’s really a dream for everyone, and definitely a dream for me. Making the U.S. under-20 team is emotional. To achieve one of my all-time dreams means a lot.”
After not seeing action in Team USA’s opening game, Emery has since carved out a role and earned consistent minutes as the tournament has progressed. He made his first appearance in the United States’ 2-1 win over Switzerland and has played about 12 minutes per game in each of the team’s following matches.
The tournament environment is demanding, with several games played in quick succession. Team USA has also been involved in fast-paced, high-scoring contests, including a 6-5 win over Slovakia. Emery said controlling the tempo and staying composed has been a major focus for the young U.S. squad.
“At times the game can get away from you, and it feels like it gets faster and faster,” Emery said. “That’s when you have to settle down, relax a little bit and calm the game down. That’s been a big thing for our team, making the pace our pace and setting that tempo.”
After losing its final preliminary-round game to Sweden, the United States was set to face Finland in a quarterfinal matchup on Jan. 2, looking to extend its tournament run into the semifinals.
Regardless of how far the U.S. advances, the World Juniors mark a significant moment for Emery in his development. If he reaches hockey’s biggest stage, it will come during a period of growing Black representation in the sport. Recent NHL drafts have reflected that trend, with more Black players being selected as access to the game continues to expand.
“I think it’s incredible,” Emery said. “It’s incredible how much the game’s grown and how many more Black people are able to get into it. It’s special when such a diverse group of people play this sport. I’m super happy for everyone who’s doing what they’re doing.
“It’s special that I’m able to be where I am,” Emery said after practice on Jan. 1, referring to his World Juniors selection. “Showing younger Black kids that anything’s possible, and that if you really put your mind to it, you can be in spots like this.”
Noah Riccardi is a recent Macalester College graduate and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.