Michael Emerson reunites with UND as Merrimack's run reaches NCAA tournament

— When Merrimack junior forward Michael Emerson learned he would play his former team in the NCAA tournament, it didn't evoke particularly strong emotions. It was just another moment in a chaotic few weeks for the one-time UND player. "It's more just excitement about being in the tournament," Emerson said.

"Obviously, there's a little connection with North Dakota, but it's more (part) of the full whirlwind. " Emerson was a member of the Fighting Hawks' 2023 freshman class. He left the program in January 2024 after playing in six games and recording zero points.

He returned to his junior team, the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. Emerson arrived at Merrimack the following season. Now, he's a member of a Warrior team that has already etched itself into program history.

Eighth-seeded Merrimack beat third-seeded UConn 2-1 in the Hockey East championship on March 21 to cap off a stunning run and secure the program's first-ever Hockey East tournament title. The Warriors became the first No. 8 seed and lowest seed ever to win the Hockey East tournament.