Matt Rempe Overcomes Injury Setback After Fight with Ryan Reaves

Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers has made a remarkable return to the ice after suffering a broken left thumb during a fight in October. The injury occurred when he faced off against Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks, leading to surgery to mend multiple fractures in his thumb.

Recovery Journey: A Tough Rehabilitation Process

Following his return to the Rangers’ lineup in a game against the Anaheim Ducks, Rempe discussed the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation.

Key Phases of Rempe’s Rehabilitation:

• Initial Recovery: After surgery, Rempe focused on physical conditioning in the gym.
• Power Skating: For two weeks, he practiced power skating without a stick to regain his mobility.
• Stickhandling: Once cleared to hold a stick, he progressed to light stickhandling and passing drills, gradually increasing the intensity of his training.

The Fight: Realization of Injury

During the fight on October 23, Rempe did not initially realize the severity of his injury. He recounted the moment of discovery:

“I got to the penalty box, we were saying, ‘Good fight’ to each other, and I looked down at my thumb and I was like, ‘Oh my God, this thing’s not right,’” Rempe shared.

He explained that his thumb got tangled in Reaves’ jersey while he was throwing left jabs, leading to the injury:

“I just kept going, ‘Bang, bang, bang,’ and I guess I was just kind of breaking it and breaking it.”

Returning to the Ice: Rempe’s Performance

In his comeback game against the Ducks, Rempe played his fourth-line role alongside teammates Sam Carrick and Taylor Raddysh, logging a total of 9:01 ice time—the lowest among Rangers forwards.

Game Highlights:

• Performance Stats:
  • 1 Shot on goal
  • 5 Hits
  • 1 Takeaway
• Power Play Role: He also participated in the second power-play unit, contributing 1:08 of ice time.

Rempe’s Outlook: Future of Fighting

Despite the injury, Rempe remains undeterred about engaging in fights in the future. He confidently stated:

“Not at all, not at all. I can’t for a little while because I can’t really bend it correctly yet.”

He expects to be back to full capabilities in a few weeks, signaling his eagerness to return to his aggressive playing style.

Summary

Matt Rempe’s journey from injury to recovery highlights not only his resilience but also the physical demands of professional hockey. The fight that led to his injury has not deterred him from his passion for the game, and fans can expect to see more of his contributions on the ice in the coming weeks.

Learn More

For more insights on professional athlete injuries and recovery processes, explore resources on NHL injuries and rehabilitation techniques tailored for athletes.