In early December, Ty Emberson got an email from USA Hockey that would turn his plans upside down for the 2015-16 season.

The talented Eau Claire Memorial sophomore defenseman learned that he had been named to the squad that will represent the United States at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway in February.

What should be a joyous time has turned into a political fiasco, as the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association is putting on its Grinch act, just in time to throw everything into turmoil.

The Opening Ceremony for the Youth Games will take place on February 12 and the hockey portion will be contested from February 13-21.

Emberson would possibly miss the last regular season game of the year for the Old Abes, but that is not the issue.

According to the WIAA:

“It is the philosophy of this association that a student owes loyalty and allegiance to the school and team of which he/​she is a member during the season of a given sport. A student becomes ineligible for the remainder of the season for competing in non-school game, meet or contest in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school."

Basically, the legalese translates to 'play for Team USA during the season and your ECM season is done.'

After the Embersons provided additional information to the WIAA about the Youth Olympic Games, the WIAA agreed that Ty would be eligible to return to his high school team at Eau Claire Memorial after the Games, but only if he is available to play in Eau Claire Memorial’s expected regional game, which would be held on February 18th or 19th.

Unfortunately, the Youth Games hockey 'session' does not end until February 21st.

Unless somebody invents time travel between now and the middle of February, Emberson has a problem.

Despite letters from USA Hockey and a few other influential groups, the WIAA refuses to budge. A rule is a rule, they say.

"The WIAA rules do not provide a waiver to delay reporting to the team after the start of the tournament series," WIAA director of communications Todd Clark said.

I understand that the WIAA needs to set rules and guidelines and that they need to enforce them and mete out punishment for infractions as needed.

This is one time where the group needs to swallow its collective prides, make an amendment to their rules, and issue a waiver for Emberson.

​This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young man and as he has the blessings of ECM Coach Mike Schwengler and the rest of the team, he is hurting no one.

The chance to play in Norway is a feather in the cap of Wisconsin high school hockey and shouldn't be missed due to 'technicalities.'

WIAA, for once, let the 'spirit of the law' outweigh the 'letter of the law.'

Let Ty play!