Nelson Emerson was an elite collegiate playmaker for Bowling Green State University, where he played four seasons from 1986 to 1990. A dominant offensive force in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), Emerson racked up 294 points over his career, making him the CCHA’s all-time leading scorer and placing him sixth on the NCAA’s career scoring list at the time of his graduation. His exceptional junior season, in which he tallied 83 points (34 goals, 49 assists) in 45 games, led to his first of three consecutive nominations as a Top Ten Finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 1988. He was a two-time All-American, a CCHA Freshman of the Year, and remains Bowling Green’s career leader in points and assists.

Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 3rd round (44th overall) of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, Emerson went on to have a long and productive 12-year professional career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played 771 career NHL games, registering 195 goals and 293 assists for 488 points. Emerson was a well-traveled veteran, playing for eight different NHL teams, including the Blues, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, and Los Angeles Kings. His most potent offensive year came with the Jets in 1993-94, where he posted a career-high 74 points (33 goals, 41 assists). Following his retirement in 2002, Emerson transitioned into team management and development, eventually becoming an Assistant General Manager for the Los Angeles Kings.