Thunder tough guy Riley Emmerson

STOCKTON, Calif. – Stockton Thunder Right Wing Riley Emmerson wants to contribute any way he possibly can, to help move his team into the post-season.   Assigned to the Thunder by their Springfield Falcons affiliate, Emmerson has appeared in 46 games, has one goal, five assists and 78 penalty minutes.   He’s quite an enforcer for the team, at 6’8”, 248 pounds, playing a key role in ensuring opposing teams mind their business.
 
Emmerson loved to play hockey, starting at the age of four, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. As a youngster, he played other sports too, like basketball and rugby.   But when his parents told him to pick one sport and concentrate, there was no question, it would be hockey. “It’s my passion. I love it.”
 
The now 24 year old, right hander played for the Chilliwack Chiefs in 2003-04, appearing in 52 games, six points and 137 penalty minutes. For the next two seasons, he was with the Tri-City Americans.   He was drafted in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round (199^th overall). In 2006 – 08, he played for the Texas Wildcatters, and recorded his career high 142 penalty minutes, with 16 penalty minutes in four playoff appearances.   In 2008-09, he split the season between the Rochester Americans and Springfield Falcons, racking up 111 penalty minutes in 43 games.  
 
Emmerson recollects one of his favorite memories was, “Getting drafted and going to the Minnesota NHL camp with Brian Rolston,” then playing on a line against players like Marian Gaborik, “as an 18 year old. It was a good feeling to have.”  
 
Emmerson is the youngest of three boys.   All of them played hockey.   “My brothers played major juniors and were very tough when they were in the BC League growing up. I just followed in their footsteps and they helped me out.”  
 
The fighting role has always been a large part of his game, most likely due to his size, which runs in the family.   Dad is 6’7” and 360 pounds. “My first fight was against my 17 year old brother in junior camp.”   Emmerson recalled he was only 14, but said “I got the crap kicked out of me, but I didn’t back down.”   As harsh as it may sound, it was educational for him. He said about his brothers, “now I’m the biggest of all of them.”  
 
As part of his training, he attended boxing camp at the Dale Walters Training facility in Vancouver.   Walters is known for winning the bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics as the first Canadian Boxer in 52 years to medal in the sport.   The lessons must have paid off for Emmerson.
 
Emmerson said he’s been fighting in hockey since he was 16, so he’s used to it. “I know I have to go in there and whatever happens happens.   I know I’m going to end up fighting.” he said.
 
Both older brothers have since hung up their hockey sticks.   One has completed college and is currently a physiotherapist in Alaska and the other is a cadet in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Training Academy.   Emmerson added he’d like to attend his graduation, but hopes to be part of playoff hockey in May.   His brother would understand.
 
Hockey fans new and old, have been arguing over the fighting role for years.   Old time hockey included fighting. Many of the fighting players weren’t very good at the other hockey fundamentals, like puck control, but they could stand up on skates and fight. Currently, hockey seems to have changed somewhat.   Players must contribute in more areas of the ice and in play to move forward towards the NHL levels.
 
Emmerson justifies fighting as “part of the game. It helps with momentum.”   Sometimes he needs to drop the gloves to help enforce the rules for a penalty that the referee may have missed.   “I do whatever I can to contribute to the team, to help us win the game.”
 
Emmerson recalls his first regular season game as a professional, no sooner than he’d stepped on the ice there were three players that wanted to fight him. He said he actually did fight with two of the players during the game, and won both battles. He smiled as he said “everyone seemed to want to fight the young kid” apparently to see if he had what it took to match his size.
 
He is enjoying his time in Stockton.   “The fans are great. Going to the rink and playing in front of six or seven thousand fans every night, it’s unbelievable. How can you not like it.”   These were among the largest consistent hockey crowds he’d ever seen.
 
When not playing hockey, Emmerson is a great roommate.    He loves to cook and says he makes a great steak marinade.   He and fellow teammate tag-team the meals, since Anthony Aiello can make a mean salad and several great side dishes.  
 
Right now Emmerson is just working on contributing to the team’s wins as much as possible.   Stockton is currently in fifth place in the National Conference, second in their division.   With only the top seven teams going to the playoffs, they are working hard now.   The Idaho Steelheads have secured the first in their conference, but the other six positions are almost too close to call. With only 6 games for most teams left to play, the seven teams are separated by only seven points from second place to last.
 
Stockton is currently 31-28-4-4 with 70 points, and 5-4-0-1 in their last ten.   The final few games area against currently seventh place Las Vegas Wranglers tonight and tomorrow, then an away and home series against southern rival, the Bakersfield Condors (second place), before heading on the road for their last two games against Alaska (third place).   It’s anyone’s race right now.   Emmerson will bring his game and is ready to go toe-to-toe when needed.
 
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com