Enforcer and forward Matt Rempe has officially been a National Hockey League player for over one year.
Rempe was the first player in league history to make his debut outdoors. The Rangers had him play in their Stadium Series game against the fellow-city foe the Islanders on Feb 18, 2024. For Rempe, his league debut was extra special. It was six-years to the day his father Ron passed while shoveling snow at the Rempe family home in Calgary. While Rempe has certainly enjoyed some rest and relaxation as he's not participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he celebrated the day after his NHL debut anniversary by talking about one of his teammates.
Now current New York Ranger J.T. Miller made quite the impression on American hockey fans while seeing action against Canada in preliminary play during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Miller — standing at 6'1" — dropped the gloves against Canada's Colton Parayko in a 3-1 U.S. victory
As the Rangers' current enforcer, Rempe said he was very excited watching Miller throw down.
"I wanted to drill my head against a wall," Rempe said of Miller's fight. "I loved it."
The media had the chance to interview Team USA players ahead of the 4 Nations Championship on Wednesday following practice. Miller was asked about whether he had heard Rempe's comment and if he had any thoughts on it.
"That's great," Miller said with a laugh. "I've been around Rempe a couple weeks now and he's an awesome guy. For him to say that makes me pretty pumped up."
Although Rempe — an Ontario native — is not on a 4 Nations roster like Miller, he has still had a decent year as a Blueshirt. Standing at 6'9" and weighing 255 pounds on skates, Rempe scored his first goal of the season with a backhanded move against Ottawa.
Rempe's career statline moves to 37 games played, two regular-season goals and three assists (+5). He has three points on the season across two assists and one goal. All time, the Rangers also boast a 25-8-4 record with Rempe in the lineup.
THE REMPIRE STRIKES BACK!!!
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 22, 2025
The @NYRangers had a goal disallowed in the first period after Matt Rempe was caught offside, but big #⃣7⃣3⃣ made up for it and picked up his first of the season! #NYR | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/a1cTOQ48GZ
Up Next
Thursday’s previously mentioned 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Feb. 20th has a puck drop of 8 p.m. EST, with the game being broadcast live on ESPN.