Emerson, however, elected to pursue an NCAA scholarship and spent a second year playing with the Cullitons before attending Bowling Green State University (CCHA) in Ohio in 1986-87.

[3] Upon review of the play, the Jets' goal judge did not see the puck cross the line, and when video review proved inconclusive in determining a goal, Morel let his original call stand, resulting in a 1–0 victory for the Jets, despite intense protests from Blackhawks players and coach Darryl Sutter.

He was traded late in the season, along with Kelly Buchberger, to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Donald Audette and Frantisek Kaberle.

Emerson was hired by the Los Angeles Kings as a video and player development consultant and, after 2 seasons, was promoted to assistant coach/development coordinator on August 4, 2008.

Following his retirement from playing, Emerson has worked within the Los Angeles Kings organization since 2006 and has served as the team's assistant general manager since 2022.

As Director of Player Personnel, a role he served for the team from 2008 to 2019, he won two Stanley Cups for championship victories in 2012 and 2014.