UND Hockey Defenseman EJ Emery Preview’s NCHC Conference Opening Series Against Western Michigan

(KNOX) – The No.10 ranked UND Hockey team returns home tonight and tomorrow to begin NCHC play against No.5 Western Michigan. The Fighting Hawks are 4-3-0 after losing to Michigan State in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game in Austin, Texas 5-3.

UND has lost three in a row, and each loss has been a 5-3 decision. Junior Defenseman EJ Emery says the team has been getting ahead of itself, even though there were some improvements last Saturday.

UND has been outscored 15-9 during the losing streak. Emery also says that there needs to be improvements on defense, and that he and the other defenders on the team need to improve on its mistakes.

Emery is one of the more veterans players on the team, and is the only defenseman that has played with the Fighting Hawks for at least two seasons. He’s taken on more of a leadership role this year, as he’s trying to encourage the younger defensemen.

Emery and Junior Defenseman Brasen Boser are the oldest players on the bac end for UND. Boser is from Minot and is playing for the Fighting Hawks in his first season, after playing the last two at Arizona State. Emery has enjoying building a bond with Boser on and off the ice.

As the Fighting Hawks deal with this losing streak, this team is a younger group with a lot of underclassmen. Emery says the team is experiencing growing pains.

Sophomore Forward Cole Reschny is the team captain, and he is the youngest UND Hockey player wear the “C” on his jersey. Emery has been impressed with his leadership so far this season.

UND plays a Western Michigan team that is No.5 in the nation with the highest scoring offense in the country. Western is also starting conference play with this series, and they are 6-1-0 so far. Emery says he and the team are ready for another challenging opponent.

UND will be playing at the Ralph Engelstad Arena for the first time since October 17th. Emery always enjoys playing in front of the home faithful.

Emery has become a fan favorite, especially among the student section. He is extremely grateful for their support.

As UND is looking to get back in the win column, along with a series sweep to start conference play, Emery believes this team use this adversity to have another successful season.