Matt Rempe is working on his sparring techniques with Georges Laraque according to a viral X post shared by the retired enforcer.
I’m training Matt Rempe and Tyrel Bauer for hockey fighting, this week in Edmonton, at the Silent Ice arena. If you thought Rempe was a problem this year in the @NHL, wait till you see him this coming season… 🔥🔥
— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) July 8, 2024
J’entraîne Matt Rempe et Tyrel Bauer aux combats de hockey,… pic.twitter.com/Y0zjWNTJjl
"From 1997 until 2010, I was involved in about 150 scuffles in the NHL and feel lucky I never got hurt, knocked out, or suffered a concussion," reads Laraques' website biography.
Laraques spent 13 seasons in the NHL skating for the Edmonton Oilers (eight seasons), Phoenix Coyotes (two seasons), Pittsburgh Penguins (two seasons) and Montreal Canadiens (two seasons).
The 48-year-old retired professional was part of the 2006 Edmonton Oilers and 2008 Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams advanced to the Stanley Cup Final.
His role was similar to Rempe's throughout his career, specifically on the aforementioned conference champion teams. He brought size (6'4) and responsible fourth-line play in pursuit of the Stanley Cup in 2006 and 2008.
The Rangers remain a championship contender and benefit from Rempe's impact when it is contained and responsible. Laraque racked up 44 penalty minutes in the Oilers' 2006 run, but only 4 in the 2008 tournament.
It goes to say both players at some point learned how to manage the target on their back. The antagonists of opposing teams have goaded Rempe the same as they would have Laraque.
The mentorship Laraque is providing for Rempe, who scored the Rangers' first playoff goal in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, could be exactly what the 22-year-old needs.
According to Laraques website, he is also a public speaker for hire, marketing himself as the "Unlikeliest Tough Guy" who has spoken at 500 conferences supporting 8 organizations.
He reaches his audience through motivational speaking sessions, ethics in veganism, and group activities including training sessions.
Rempe will have the opportunity to earn a full-time fourth-line position for the 2024-2025 season if he continues to develop an effective all-around game. He's working on his weaknesses and his strengths.
The intangible energy he brought to Madison Square Garden with heavy checks and fisticuffs harkins back to Nick Fotiu, Sean Avery, Jeff Beukaboom, and "Leapin" Lou Fontinato.
For a player who had minimum brawling knowledge before he entered the NHL, he has tangoed with Matt Martin, Nicolas Deslauriers, Ryan Reaves, and Kurtis MacDermid. What better mentor to have than Laraque?