THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: New York rangers professional ice Hockey community NHL are overjoyed as head coach Mike Sullivan makes Announcement making Right Winger Matt Rempe the…see more

In a move that has the entire hockey world buzzing, New York Rangers head coach **Mike Sullivan** has made a stunning and symbolic announcement: Matt Rempe the 6’8” powerhouse right winger known for his grit, size, and emerging skillset, will officially be the **face of the franchise** moving into the 2025–26 NHL season.

The announcement, delivered in a dramatic team press conference early Monday morning, has sent waves of excitement through Rangers Nation — a passionate fanbase that hasn’t seen this level of buzz around a single player since Henrik Lundqvist’s prime or Artemi Panarin’s electric arrival.

“This is more than just a nod to a player,” Sullivan said in front of a packed room of reporters at Madison Square Garden. “It’s a statement about where we’re going. Matt Rempe represents the kind of hockey we want to play: fearless, physical, and driven by heart.”

### **From Fan Favorite to Franchise Cornerstone**

Matt Rempe’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Initially considered a depth forward with potential, the towering right winger became an overnight sensation in the 2023–24 season with his old-school, no-nonsense approach to the game. Rempe quickly earned a reputation as a human wrecking ball — dropping the gloves, crushing hits, and energizing the Garden with every shift.

But in 2024–25, under the mentorship of veteran players and the guidance of Coach Sullivan — who joined the Rangers from Pittsburgh last year — Rempe’s game began to evolve. He didn’t just hit anymore. He scored. He passed. He led.

He matured into a dependable two-way forward with game-changing physicality and a steadily improving offensive game. Rempe tallied **22 goals and 30 assists**, along with a league-leading **285 hits** and **12 fighting majors**, becoming a unique combination of brute force and finesse. He also served as a vocal leader both on and off the ice, emerging as one of the locker room’s emotional centers.

“Matt brings a level of old-school toughness and modern NHL versatility that’s hard to find,” Sullivan said. “The way he connects with the fans, how he carries himself — that’s what being a Ranger is all about.”

### **“It’s Bigger Than Me” — Rempe Responds**

Standing beside Sullivan in a sharp navy suit, Rempe was visibly humbled by the announcement.

“This isn’t about me being some kind of superstar,” he said. “It’s about what we’re building here in New York. It’s about fighting for this team, for this city, every single night. I’m honored. But I’m also ready.”

Known for his humility and blue-collar work ethic, Rempe used the moment to reflect on the journey that brought him here — from being a seventh-round pick in 2020 (217th overall) to being named the franchise’s new leader in spirit and identity.

“I came into this league just trying to stick around,” he admitted. “I never imagined this. But I’ll tell you this: I’ll do everything in my power to make Rangers fans proud.”

### **A Cultural Reset for the Rangers**

The move is as symbolic as it is strategic. While the Rangers still boast elite talents like Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and Mika Zibanejad, there has been a noticeable shift under Sullivan’s leadership. Gone is the overly finesse-focused approach that struggled in physical playoff battles. In its place is a team that plays with snarl, structure, and accountability.

And Rempe is the physical embodiment of that identity.

“When you look around the locker room, you see a group that’s buying in,” said Chris Kreider, the longest-tenured Ranger, who has taken Rempe under his wing. “But when you see Matt skate out there and throw his body around, or score a clutch goal — it lights everyone up. He’s earned this.”

### **A Marketing Dream**

Off the ice, Rempe’s charisma and personality have made him a fan-favorite in record time. His unique combination of massive size and gentle humor (including his hilarious TikToks and wholesome interviews) has made him a cult icon among both old-school fans and younger generations.

Rangers merchandise sales have already spiked since the announcement, with “REMPE 73” jerseys selling out in online stores within hours. The team’s official Instagram posted a picture of Rempe standing on the Garden ice with the caption:
**“Our Future. Our Fight. Matt Rempe.”**
It received over **1.2 million likes in 10 hours** — a record for the franchise’s social media channels.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman even commented on the buzz, saying:
“Players like Matt Rempe are good for hockey. He bridges generations. He’s a throwback with a modern flair. The league is lucky to have him.”

### **What This Means for the 2025–26 Season**

The Rangers are coming off a second-round playoff exit against the Carolina Hurricanes, a series that exposed some of their physical and mental inconsistencies. With the team now recommitted to building around Rempe’s aggressive, north-south style, fans are hopeful that next year’s squad will have the grit to go all the way.

Insiders say the organization is planning to expand Rempe’s role significantly — potentially naming him **alternate captain**, placing him on the **second power-play unit**, and giving him more minutes with the top-six forwards.

More importantly, it signifies a changing of the guard. As older stars prepare for their final years and younger players like Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle continue to develop, Rempe stands at the center of a Rangers team that’s evolving — not rebuilding, but retooling around heart and identity.

### **Fans React: “This Is the Guy We’ve Been Waiting For”**

Madison Square Garden was electric even during morning skate as fans began chanting Rempe’s name during team drills. Social media lit up with reactions:

> “He’s OUR guy. He’s New York’s guy. Let’s goooo!” – @BlueShirtFaithful
>
> “You don’t *make* a face of the franchise. He *becomes* it. And Rempe became it.” – @GritAndGloryNY
>
> “This is the best news we could hope for. Finally, a true Ranger to rally behind.” – @BroadwayBloodline

Even former enforcer Colton Orr weighed in:

> “Matt Rempe’s the real deal. Plays hard, hits harder, and now he’s leading. Couldn’t happen to a better guy.”

### **Looking Forward**

Training camp begins September 14th, and all eyes will be on Rempe. While he’s quick to defer praise and focus on the team, it’s clear that this is a defining moment — for the player, the franchise, and the fans.

“We’re not here to just make the playoffs,” Rempe said with quiet conviction. “We’re here to bring the Cup back to New York. That’s the mission.”

With renewed identity, growing support, and an entire city behind him, **Matt Rempe** isn’t just the face of the Rangers — he may be the face of the next great era in New York hockey.

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