Matt Rempe fights himself into an attraction: a newcomer shakes the NHL with his fists

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When Matt Rempe was first called up to an NHL game by the New York Rangers, the Hartford farm team’s journey to the metropolis 110 miles away came to a frustrating end. Rempe, 21 years old, missed the match because he suffered a minor injury shortly before kick-off and had to sit out.

But the striker should still be given a chance. This time not in Madison Square Garden, home of the Rangers, which would already provide enough material for ice hockey dreams, but in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is prepared for outdoor play. On February 18, Rempe will be on the ice for the first time as an NHL player in front of almost 80,000 spectators. Statistically, he hasn’t even completed a second before he’s already heading into the penalty area.

Jonas Siegenthaler also met Rempe

Rempe is an anachronism. Players like him basically don’t exist anymore. Nowadays, teams no longer sign professionals who, at their premiere, grab their opponent before the first puck is thrown in and pound him furiously with their fists. But that’s exactly how Matt Rempe took the hearts of Rangers fans by storm.

Five games later, Rempe is the new attraction of the competition. The Rangers are currently not considering sending the rookie back to the farm team. And the youngster thanks his team with more fights and hard serves: against the New Jersey Devils, the 2.01 m giant knocked down two players. One of them is Swiss defender Jonas Siegenthaler (26), who received a vicious blow from Rempe.

A night later, Rempe had a nearly 40-second battle with Philadelphia’s warhorse Nicolas Deslauriers (33), but was thoroughly defeated in a duel by Canadian Mathieu Olivier in the next match in Columbus.

“He has already left his mark”

What is lost with so much fighting spirit: Matt Rempe, whose grandparents once immigrated to Canada from Germany, essentially brings a coveted total package to the NHL. In addition to his physicality and speed, the attacker also shows scoring qualities. The newcomer was even responsible for the winning goal against Philadelphia.

“In the NHL there are so many professionals who appear for a moment and then disappear. “On the other hand, he has already left his mark,” says ex-professional Colby Armstrong (41) enthusiastically after Rempe’s first performances. “He won’t back down, and that’s great.”

Bad memories come back

However, not everyone sees it so euphorically. Matt Rempe has already become a target for opponents. The motto is: if you can give it out, you should take it. And when it comes to fistfights, renowned Canadian ice hockey journalist Mark Spector (58) comes to a clear conclusion: “This boy shouldn’t do that every day. Because if he does, he will have a short career.”

There are (too) many examples of what Spector means. Ex-professionals such as Derek Boogaard (†28), Rick Rypien (†27) and Steve Montador (†35) mainly made a name for themselves in the NHL with their fights. The “Enforcers” or “Goons” were cheered by the fans. But they all paid for it, with serious long-term consequences due to their numerous head injuries.

Next match – next fight?

In New York these days there is no open ear for such criticism. The Rangers are playing more dominantly than they have in years (2nd place in the Eastern Conference). And with Matt Rempe the team has now had a lot of impact.

The team will play its next match on Thursday evening. Then we meet Columbus again in New York. Matt Rempe still has a score to settle.

Source : Blick