Yahoo Sports Rempe Revisits Decision To Turn Down Fight With Tom Wilson, Calls It An Example Of Growth: 'Fight On My Own Terms'
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Matt Rempe found himself in a bit of a strange scenario at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, sporting his full New York Rangers getup on Washington Capitals ice.
For him, returning to D.C. was a positive, especially as one of his more recent visits to the area saw him take his fighting ability in a better direction.
Rempe spoke on the art of fighting and the work he put in to improve in that department this summer, as he spent a lot of time practicing with former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque.
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But besides just working on his fisticuffs, he also took away quite a few lessons and also acknowledged that his altercation with Tom Wilson last season was a learning experience in its own right.
After injuring Trevor van Riemsdyk and T.J. Oshie in Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on big hits, Rempe received a couple of hits from Tom Wilson and an invitation to answer the bell. However, the 22-year-old turned him down, and on exit day, Wilson threw some subtle shade at the Rangers enforcer for not taking the bout.
"I just felt like there's a certain point where he hits enough of your teammates — that are kind of borderline hits — that it doesn't matter whether it's the playoffs or a big game, it doesn't mean anything, it's still hockey, you can still stand up for your teammates," Wilson said. "I don't know, maybe that'll be his one chance (to fight me). We'll see."
On Wednesday, Rempe revisited that fight with Wilson, and said that it was an example of growth and another aspect of where he wants to grow his game.
"We're up 2-0 in the series and we're up in the game. I feel like that one, it's not benefitting me. We're away, we're in Washington's barn. I feel like there's no benefit for me in taking that fight," Rempe said. "That's just me kind of trying to grow and be smarter. I'm having an effect, I'm being very physical... I just wanted to keep that going."
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Whether or not a rematch is in the cards for this season remains to be seen, but Rempe said he wants to continue to grow his game in other areas while most importantly, knowing "when to fight on my own terms."
"Not so much the staged fighting, but more natural (fighting) if it happens. Protecting teammates, standing up for teammates, standing up for myself," Rempe said. "Always making sure it benefits the team. That you're doing it at the most advantageous time possible for you, so you're maximizing the value of the fight for the team."
For more content from the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, check out our full gallery and coverage below.
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