Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Ty Emberson is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 23, 2000, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, he comes from a family with strong connections to college athletics, particularly ice hockey and baseball.
Ty Emberson is married to Carolyn Emberson, a former college soccer player whom he met at the University of Wisconsin. His parents are Mike and Missy Emberson, and he has two older siblings: a brother named Andrew Emberson and a sister named Mia Emberson.
His grandfather, Dennis “Denny” Zacho, was a college hockey and baseball player at the University of Minnesota and played a particularly important role in introducing Ty to ice hockey.
Ty Emberson’s Wife: Who Is Carolyn Emberson?
Ty Emberson is married to Carolyn Emberson, his longtime girlfriend and former collegiate soccer player.
The couple met while attending the University of Wisconsin, where Ty played ice hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s team and Carolyn attended on a soccer scholarship.
Their shared background in college athletics helped establish a relationship built around their experiences as student-athletes.
According to an interview published by Daily Hive Edmonton on January 28, 2025, Ty and Carolyn married during the summer of 2024.
The wedding took place during an important period in Emberson’s professional career, shortly before he was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Edmonton Oilers.
Although their marriage has been confirmed through interviews, the exact wedding date and location have not been widely documented in reliable public reporting.
Carolyn Emberson’s Soccer Background
Carolyn was involved in competitive soccer before marrying Ty Emberson.
During their years at the University of Wisconsin, both participated in collegiate athletics, although they competed in different sports.
Ty represented the university’s men’s ice hockey program, while Carolyn attended Wisconsin with a soccer scholarship.
The couple’s shared experiences as athletes likely helped them understand the training commitments and demanding schedules associated with competitive sports.
However, detailed public information about Carolyn’s early life, family background, and professional occupation is limited.
She has generally maintained a private lifestyle despite her husband’s growing visibility as an NHL player.
Ty and Carolyn Emberson’s Life in Edmonton
Ty and Carolyn moved to Edmonton, Alberta, after the Oilers acquired the defenseman from the San Jose Sharks in August 2024.
The relocation occurred only a short time after their wedding.
For the newly married couple, moving to Edmonton represented a significant change in their personal and professional lives.
During his January 2025 interview with Daily Hive, Emberson explained that both he and Carolyn had enjoyed their experience living in Edmonton.
He appreciated the city’s passionate hockey supporters and described the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup contender as exciting.
Emberson also discussed how the couple had adopted a dog while living in California during his time with the Sharks.
The dog subsequently accompanied them to Edmonton, where it had to adjust to the city’s colder climate and snowy winters.
Ty joked that their pet was still becoming accustomed to the snow because it had spent its early life in California.
Although the couple occasionally appears in hockey-related reporting, they generally keep their personal activities away from public attention.
Does Ty Emberson Have Children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Ty Emberson and his wife, Carolyn, have children.
Although the couple married in 2024, neither has made a widely documented announcement identifying a son or daughter.
Official NHL and University of Wisconsin player biographies do not provide information about children belonging to Emberson.
His January 2025 interview with Daily Hive discussed his marriage, life in Edmonton, and the couple’s dog but did not identify any children.
Therefore, his parental status has not been publicly confirmed through reliable reporting.
Ty Emberson’s Parents
Ty Emberson was born to Mike Emberson and Missy Emberson in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
His parents raised him alongside his two older siblings, Andrew and Mia.
Both parents have connections to prominent American universities, although their educational backgrounds reflect a friendly sporting rivalry.
Mike attended the University of Wisconsin, while Missy has connections to the University of Minnesota, where several members of her family studied.
Their support helped Ty progress through youth hockey, the United States National Team Development Program, and college hockey before reaching the NHL.
Ty Emberson’s Father: Mike Emberson
Mike Emberson is Ty Emberson’s father and an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin.
His identity is confirmed in Ty’s official Wisconsin Badgers hockey biography and USA Hockey player profile.
Unlike several other members of the family, Mike did not play competitive hockey during his younger years.
In a January 2017 interview published by USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, Ty explained that his father had not played hockey, while his grandfather Denny Zacho was an accomplished college athlete.
Nevertheless, Mike supported his son’s interest in the sport and encouraged him to pursue opportunities in competitive hockey.
As Ty developed his abilities, his parents helped him participate in youth competitions and pursue advanced training.
Mike’s educational connection to the University of Wisconsin became particularly meaningful when Ty decided to attend the same institution.
In an April 2018 USA Hockey interview, Emberson discussed how his family had connections to both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
His mother, siblings, and grandfather had ties to the University of Minnesota, making his decision to attend Wisconsin somewhat unusual within the family.
However, his father’s Wisconsin background meant that Ty had someone in the family who shared his enthusiasm for the Badgers.
The decision eventually allowed him to develop his hockey skills while representing his home-state university.
Additional reliable information about Mike’s professional occupation and personal background is limited.
Ty Emberson’s Mother: Missy Emberson
Missy Emberson is Ty Emberson’s mother and an important supporter of his hockey career.
Her identity is confirmed in official biographies published by the University of Wisconsin and Team USA.
Missy raised Ty and his older siblings in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where the family maintained strong connections to sports and education.
She also has close ties to the University of Minnesota, an institution associated with several members of the family’s athletic history.
In April 2018, USA Hockey published an interview explaining that Missy, Andrew, Mia, and several cousins were part of the family’s University of Minnesota tradition.
Her father, Denny Zacho, had previously played hockey and baseball for Minnesota.
Although Ty ultimately chose the University of Wisconsin, his family supported the decision.
Missy remained an important source of encouragement during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program and college hockey.
His move to Plymouth, Michigan, to join the national development program required him to spend extended periods away from home.
The experience was an important stage in his development as a young athlete.
While Missy’s personal and professional activities have not received extensive media coverage, her relationship with Ty and the family’s sporting background are well documented.
Ty Emberson’s Siblings
Ty Emberson has two older siblings: a brother named Andrew Emberson and a sister named Mia Emberson.
Both are identified in his official University of Wisconsin and Team USA biographies.
Ty has publicly credited his siblings with influencing his personal development and sporting ambitions.
Andrew Emberson: Ty Emberson’s Older Brother
Andrew Emberson is Ty Emberson’s older brother and a former competitive ice hockey player.
Like Ty, Andrew grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he developed an interest in the sport.
According to Elite Prospects, Andrew played as a defenseman and represented the University of Minnesota’s ACHA Division II hockey program during the 2017–18 season.
His involvement in college hockey continued the family’s longstanding association with the University of Minnesota.
Andrew is listed as a former player rather than an active professional hockey player.
Although he did not establish an NHL career, his hockey background gave him experiences he shared with his younger brother.
Ty has publicly acknowledged Andrew as one of the people who inspired him during childhood.
In an October 2018 interview published by Wisconsin Athletics, Emberson identified his brother, sister, and grandfather among his greatest inspirations.
During the same interview, he indicated that he trusted his siblings and maintained a close relationship with them.
Andrew has generally remained outside the public attention associated with Ty’s professional hockey career.
Reliable information about his current occupation, romantic relationships, and children is limited.
Mia Emberson: Ty Emberson’s Older Sister
Mia Emberson is Ty Emberson’s older sister.
Her identity and relationship to Ty are confirmed in official biographies published by the University of Wisconsin and Team USA.
Like other members of the Emberson family, Mia has connections to the University of Minnesota.
In April 2018, USA Hockey identified her among the relatives associated with the family’s Minnesota Golden Gophers tradition.
Although Mia has received considerably less media attention than her brother, Ty has publicly acknowledged her importance in his life.
In an interview published by Wisconsin Athletics in October 2018, Ty identified his brother, sister, and grandfather as people who inspired him.
He also selected his siblings as individuals he would trust with a spare key to his home, reflecting his confidence in their relationship.
Unlike Andrew, whose college hockey participation is documented, reliable public information does not clearly establish Mia’s sporting career or current occupation.
Her personal relationships and other activities remain private.
Ty Emberson’s Grandfather: Dennis “Denny” Zacho
One of the most influential people in Ty Emberson’s childhood was his grandfather, Dennis Zacho, commonly known as Denny Zacho.
Denny was an accomplished college athlete who represented the University of Minnesota in both ice hockey and baseball.
He played hockey for Minnesota during the 1960s, including from 1964 to 1967.
His baseball achievements included receiving NCAA All-American and All-Big Ten recognition.
He also served as captain of the Minnesota baseball team and received recognition for his contributions to the university’s athletic program.
His accomplishments eventually earned him a place in the University of Minnesota’s athletic Hall of Fame.
How Denny Zacho Introduced Ty Emberson to Hockey
According to a January 3, 2017, interview published by USA Hockey, Ty began playing hockey when he was approximately four years old.
His grandfather regularly took him skating on outdoor rinks and helped him understand the sport.
Denny encouraged Ty to develop his hockey intelligence rather than concentrating exclusively on physical skills.
One important lesson involved anticipating what to do with the puck before receiving it.
This advice encouraged Emberson to make quick decisions and develop the awareness required of an effective defenseman.
Denny also encouraged his grandson to consider playing defense because he believed the position offered opportunities for young players.
Although Ty experimented with playing forward during childhood, he eventually returned to defense.
In his 2017 interview, Emberson explained that he was pleased to have followed his grandfather’s advice.
He credited Denny with helping him understand important defensive responsibilities and developing his confidence.
His grandfather’s influence was so significant that Ty identified him as his childhood hero in a 2018 University of Wisconsin interview.
The relationship helped establish a family connection to hockey that extended across multiple generations.
Ty Emberson’s Family Background and Early Life
Ty Emberson was born on May 23, 2000, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States.
He grew up in a family with strong connections to athletics and higher education.
His grandfather had competed in hockey and baseball at the University of Minnesota, while his older brother Andrew also played college hockey.
Ty began skating at approximately four years old and developed his abilities through local youth hockey programs.
He attended Eau Claire Memorial High School, where he became one of Wisconsin’s promising young defensemen.
During the 2015–16 season, Emberson recorded 33 points in 22 high school games and received recognition as the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Defenseman of the Year.
His performances earned him an opportunity to join the United States National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan.
He represented the United States at several international tournaments, including the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games, where he won a gold medal.
He also helped the United States win a silver medal at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
In June 2018, the Arizona Coyotes selected him 73rd overall in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft.
He subsequently attended the University of Wisconsin, continuing the family connection to college athletics.
During the 2020–21 season, he served as captain of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s ice hockey team.
After completing his college hockey career, Emberson began playing professionally in the American Hockey League.
He spent time with the Tucson Roadrunners and Hartford Wolf Pack before joining the San Jose Sharks organization.
Emberson made his NHL debut with San Jose during the 2023–24 season.
In August 2024, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers alongside a 2025 third-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Cody Ceci.
The move happened shortly after his marriage to Carolyn.
He subsequently became a regular member of Edmonton’s defense and appeared in 76 games during the 2024–25 regular season, recording two goals and 11 assists.
On April 19, 2025, the Oilers signed him to a two-year contract extension worth $2.6 million.
His development from a young hockey player in Eau Claire to an NHL defenseman reflects years of dedication and encouragement from his family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ty Emberson’s Family
Who is Ty Emberson’s wife?
Ty Emberson is married to Carolyn Emberson, a former college soccer player. The couple met at the University of Wisconsin and married during the summer of 2024.
Does Ty Emberson have a girlfriend?
Ty Emberson is married. His longtime girlfriend, Carolyn, became his wife in 2024.
When did Ty Emberson get married?
Ty Emberson married Carolyn during the summer of 2024, according to a January 2025 interview published by Daily Hive Edmonton.
Does Ty Emberson have children?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Ty Emberson has children.
Who are Ty Emberson’s parents?
His parents are Mike Emberson and Missy Emberson. Their identities are confirmed by the University of Wisconsin and Team USA.
Who is Ty Emberson’s father?
Ty Emberson’s father is Mike Emberson, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin who supported his son’s hockey development.
Who is Ty Emberson’s mother?
His mother is Missy Emberson, who has family connections to the University of Minnesota.
Does Ty Emberson have a brother?
Yes. His older brother is Andrew Emberson, who played college hockey for the University of Minnesota’s ACHA Division II team.
Does Ty Emberson have a sister?
Yes. His older sister is Mia Emberson, whom Ty has identified as one of his important childhood influences.
How many siblings does Ty Emberson have?
Ty Emberson has two older siblings: Andrew and Mia Emberson.
Who is Ty Emberson’s grandfather?
His grandfather is Dennis “Denny” Zacho, a former University of Minnesota hockey and baseball player who helped introduce Ty to hockey.
Did Ty Emberson’s grandfather play professional hockey?
Denny Zacho played college hockey at the University of Minnesota. His professional hockey career has not been established through the available sources.
Where did Ty Emberson meet his wife?
Ty met Carolyn at the University of Wisconsin, where he played college hockey and she attended on a soccer scholarship.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
