Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe should heed a warning as he prepares for next season

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
August 25, 2024 (7:12 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Matt Rempe proved himself to be unafraid to take a hit, or a punch as he fought nearly every NHL heavyweight in 2023-2024.

Considering he did fight nearly everyone, and was a heavy presence on the ice, he should consider the impact he had last season.

And consider keeping eyes on the back of his head.

He studied different fighting techniques with former NHLer Georges Laraque, who was always a tough customer. He honed his fighting skills, as Laraque offered Rempe his wisdom this offseason.

In the hopes of saving his career, and head from further trauma.

Even though Matt Rempe did arguably level up with his pugilistic training during the off-season. He should be aware of coming challenges in 2024-2025.

In the season of 1958-1959, New York Rangers defenseman Lou Fontinato thought he'd fight everyone, and win all the clout in New York. He did become an idol, like Rempe did. But he was romanticized until he fought Gordie Howe, and well it turned out to be a one-sided fight:

"Louie skated in and Howe cranked him and smashed his nose. I don't think Louie ever saw that punch. Then Gordie grabbed him by the shoulder and held him down and hit him about three times with his right hand. (Howe dislocated his baby finger.)

"Then they swung around and Howe hit him with a left uppercut. By then it wasn't so much a matter of breaking them up as holding them up. Howe was tired from swinging and Louie was tired from getting hit."

Linesman Skov intervened and saved Fontinato from further destruction and humiliation.

Skov: "When Lou finally raised his head he seemed he didn't have any nose at all. There were two little holes at the side of his face and the bridge of his nose was flat. There was blood like you wouldn't believe. My sweater was covered with it. I don't think Fontinato ever hit Howe. Lou could hardly walk."

Fontinato would be hospitalized and ended his reputation as a fight in the NHL. This would lead to the Rangers missing their playoff berth in 1959.

Beware who you decide to challenge.

Source: THN
A Warning For Matt Rempe