GRAND FORKS — E.J. Emery and his family had some reservations at first. They were confident that if E.J. went to UND, the hockey part would be fine. They knew the program had a long history of producing winning teams and developing NHL players. But how would a community with minimal diversity embrace UND's first Black hockey player in 30 years? "We were all worried at first," E.J.'s mother, Claire, said. "It was Quincy Vaughn who changed that tune." The Emerys had dinner with Vaughn, a UND football quarterback, who assured them that if E.J. came to UND, the city would back him — on and off the ice. "The Ralph speaks for itself," Claire said. "The coaches speak for themselves. But how are...
