Yahoo Sports Oilers Defender Punches Above His Weight
EDMONTON -- Let the fists fly.
The Edmonton Oilers have a few physical players on their team. Evander Kane, Corey Perry, and Darnell Nurse are just three players who aren't afraid to let their fists do the talking.
However, one new defender is making a name for themselves as a player who isn't afraid to chuck knuckles occasionally.
Ty Emberson engaged Jakub Lauko of the Minnesota Wild at 9:11 of the first period.
CENTER ICE THROW DOWN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/UY6NZmAqtU
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 13, 2024
Lauko is one tough customer. He might not be huge (he stands 6-foot-1), but he knows how to pack a punch. He reportedly engaged in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training over the summer, which definitely shows.
Neither combatant was pulling punches in this tilt. After the first period, Emberson was pulled aside to speak with Bob Stauffer for CHED 880.
"He just asked and I said sure," Emberson revealed about the origin of the skirmish. "I felt like I took a couple punches to the face."
Emberson has been a welcome physical presence for the Oilers this season. In addition to his two fights, he has also thrown 38 hits. That has him ranked third among all Oilers in the category. Only Vasily Podkolzin and Nurse have recorded more hits than him.
His physicality and ability to move the puck are important pieces to his game that he must maintain to keep his roster spot. Emberson has been a bright spot among the Oilers' newcomers.
If he keeps letting the fists fly like this, he'll be a favorite among the Oilers faithful in no time.
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