New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette expressed his amazement with Matt Rempe offseason as the Rangers training camp opened for day one.
After the season came to an end in the Eastern Conference finals, Rempe told the media during locker clean out day that he will be focusing on several portions of his game this past summer as he wants to make a bigger impact with the Rangers going into the new season.
«He had a big impact on our team last year,» Laviolette said. «He is a young kid coming into training camp and the same thing with other people he is trying to find more. This is a young kid who works tirelessly at his craft. A more physical presence of his skating, stick handling in game and involvement, he worked out hard and that's what you love to see.»
Rempe Did several different tasks including working with former NHL heavyweight Georges Laraque to work on his fighting skills and to help develop a style. He also lived with Rangers goaltender Jonathan quick and worked with Rangers star Chris Kreider as Rempe seek guidance from several different veteran players.
Since his entrance into the NHL late last season, Rempe Has become a fan favorite along with a favorite amongst his teammates as he brings a high energy to the dressing room. During his opening games last year, he chose to fight against several heavyweight NHLer's which became a topic across many sports networks and people around North America.
It remains to be seen on how Laviolette let will use Rempe as he will fight for minutes as several younger players including Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perrault will continue to push to try to secure a roster spot.
Camp will continue and the Rangers will begin their preseason games next week.