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New York Rangers Rookie Matt Rempe Suspended Four Games for Hit to Head
New York Rangers rookie Matt Rempe has been suspended for four games after being ejected for a hit to the head of New Jersey Devils’ Jonas Siegenthaler on Monday. The incident occurred during the final minute of the second period in the Rangers’ 3-1 victory over the Devils.
As Siegenthaler dumped the puck in from the neutral zone, Rempe delivered an elbow to Siegenthaler’s head as the two players collided against the boards. Siegenthaler was slow to get up and did not return to the game.
The NHL, in a video announcing the suspension, stated that Rempe’s actions were intentional and dangerous. Despite Siegenthaler’s movement while dumping the puck, the league determined that Rempe’s elbow to the head was not accidental and constituted a violation of player safety rules.
Rempe will forfeit $17,083.32 as a result of the suspension.
Incident Follows Previous Confrontation Between Rangers and Devils
This recent incident between Rempe and Siegenthaler comes after tensions rose between the Rangers and Devils during their previous meeting on Feb. 22. In that game, Rempe had hit Devils’ Nate Bastian in the head, resulting in a match penalty but no suspension.
Following the hit on Siegenthaler, Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid, who was acquired in a trade after the Feb. 22 game, attempted to engage Rempe in a fight but was restrained by officials and given a 10-minute misconduct penalty. As Rempe exited the ice, he taunted MacDermid by waving at him.
MacDermid expressed his disappointment with Rempe’s actions, stating that he had lost respect for the young Rangers player. He emphasized that there is a proper way to conduct oneself in the league, especially as a rookie.
Despite his limited NHL experience, Rempe has garnered attention for his aggressive style of play, accumulating 54 penalty minutes and engaging in four fights since his call-up from the minors last month. The Rangers and Devils are set to face off for the final time in the regular season on April 3 in New York.
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