Goliath on Ice: Matt Rempe Powers Rangers with Big Hits and Bigger Dreams
By Marvin Azrak
Meet Matt Rempe, the colossal force on skates, shaking the New York Rangers’ world with his fierce hits and relentless determination.
Matt Rempe is like a walking mountain on skates at 6 8′ and 240 lbs. He’s not just a big body out there; he’s a gentle reminder to everyone that size does matter on the ice, especially when you want the New York Rangers to take notice.
In Tuesday’s 4-2 preseason win over the New York Islanders, Rempe was a wrecking ball. He brought his A-game with bone-crushing hits and a gritty style of play. At one point, he introduced Isles defenseman Isiah George to the boards so forcefully that George needed a breather on the bench to recover. Now, that’s what I call a “Rempe-rail” hit!
From Bone-Crushing Hits to Gloves Dropped: Rempe’s Rise to Rangers’ Radar:
Yet, Rempe didn’t stop at body checks; he decided to tango with Isles heavyweight Ross Johnston. And guess what? He landed a few haymakers that were so powerful they sent Johnston’s helmet on a solo flight. Rempe even left the ice, urging the crowd to increase the volume. His energy was contagious because just 32 seconds later, the Rangers scored, thanks to his motivation.
Now, for the stat sheet: Rempe had one shot, a blocked shot, a hit (well, several big ones), and an even rating in 9 minutes and 27 seconds of ice time. He’s showing he’s not just about brawn; he’s got some skills, too.
This 21-year-old giant was drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round (165th overall) in the 2020 Draft. He signed his entry-level deal in November 2021, and boy, is he making management take notice with his physical play and willingness to drop the gloves.
Fighting is in Rempe’s DNA; he’s done it before, including in the recent Rookie Series against the Philadelphia Flyers. He sent Zayde Wisdom tumbling with a single punch in one memorable moment. As Rempe puts it, “It’s unbelievable. You’re showing courage, trying to get the team going, and it fires the guys up.”
Rempe also picked up a primary assist on a Dylan Roobroeck goal, helping the Rangers’ rookies secure a 4-2 victory. Talk about doing it all!
Last season, Rempe played his first pro campaign with the Hartford Wolf Pack, racking up 6 goals, 4 assists, and 10 points in 53 games. Before turning pro, he was a force with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, notching 30 goals and 29 assists for 59 points in 111 games.
Rempe is expected to start this year with the Pack, continuing his development. But here’s the kicker: with veterans like Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick on one-year deals, Rempe could be a serious contender to join the Blueshirts sooner rather than later. After all, who wouldn’t want a giant on their side?