BREAKING: New York Rangers Confirms Major Matt Rempe announcement
If you thought Hulkamania was big in New York, it’s nothing compared to the buzz around RempeMania, which took over Fanatics Fest on Sunday. Henrik Lundqvist was once the undisputed King of New York, but Rangers forward Matt Rempe seems to have taken that crown.
During New York Rangers Day at Fanatics Fest, a panel was held featuring Mike Richter, Henrik Lundqvist, and Rempe, moderated by Tie Domi.
The crowd’s response when Rempe took the stage was incredible. In professional wrestling, there’s something known as the “Road Warrior Pop”—and that’s exactly the reaction Rempe got.
As the video shows, fans were there for Rempe, coming out in droves to support the player who has brought so much energy to Madison Square Garden. Rempe has become the Rangers’ most popular player since Lundqvist, as evidenced by the long lines for his autograph.
Consider this: Rempe isn’t even guaranteed a spot on the Rangers’ roster this season, yet fans are eager to meet him and want him on the team. Think back to the start of his New York career—he played in the Stadium Series and had a memorable fight with Matt Martin of the New York Islanders during a dramatic Rangers comeback win in overtime.
Early in his NHL career, Rempe built a reputation as a fighter, never backing down from a challenge. It seemed like every tough guy in the league wanted a piece of him. When he returned to Madison Square Garden, the fans cheered him every time he hit the ice, with chants of “We Want Rempe” echoing through the arena. The “Rempe Effect” is now influencing teams across the Metro division, as they add enforcers in response to his presence.
Former New York Ranger and Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi, speaking with Full Press Hockey at Fanatics Fest, praised Rempe for revitalizing the game of hockey.
“I love it, I love it,” Domi told Full Press Hockey. “He changed the game; he brought back the way hockey should be played. It’s great.”
Rempe and Domi share similarities as players and cult heroes due to their playing style. Domi holds the NHL record for most fights, with 313. While the Rangers hope Rempe becomes a well-rounded player rather than just a fighter, his impact is undeniable.
In the AHL, Rempe played 96 games for Hartford, scoring 22 points (14 goals and eight assists). Like Domi, he can contribute offensively, especially in a bottom-six role.
When asked by Full Press Hockey if the two players had similar playing styles, Domi agreed, noting that Rempe has the skills to be more than just an enforcer.
Matt Rempe just got a nuclear pop walking out at @FanaticsFest 🔊 pic.twitter.com/w6stBBzRPL
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 18, 2024
“I just did a panel with him, and I told him that exact thing,” Domi said. “He can play, and because he’s so big, it might look like he’s being rough, but he’s just finishing his hits. He needs to be a bit more cautious. I told him to enjoy it—he’s still young and will learn, but he should have fun and keep improving his game since fighting isn’t as common anymore.”
Matt Rempe is the new King of New York. More to come later even Tie Domi thinks so #nyr @FullPressNHL https://t.co/ll3KXZXwlQ
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) August 18, 2024
One thing is certain: Matt Rempe is the hero at Madison Square Garden. He plays the villain role perfectly throughout the league, much like Tie Domi.
There’s a reason RempeMania is sweeping New York City. If there was any doubt about who the new King of New York is, this weekend erased them.
Exclusive for @FullPressNHL
Myself & @RickyOtazu16 spoke with former Ranger and Maple Leaf Tie Domi.
Domi Hopes His Son can Win a Cup in Toronto #leafsforever
Domi Likes the way Matt Rempe Plays and Believes the Rempe Effect is real. #n yet pic.twitter.com/fRfMgke8nP
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) August 21, 2024