The New York Rangers recalled hard-hitting defender Matt Rempe back into the starting lineup on Friday and three days later found himself suspended for eight games.
Rempe bowed and rode Dallas Stars defender Miro Heiskanen during New York's 3-1 win on Friday night. He was given a game misconduct for the game.
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New York Rangers center Matt Rempe is escorted to the penalty box by manager Tommy Hughes before being ejected for game misconduct during the third period against the Stars in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The NHL's Department of Player Protection announced that he was suspended eight games for the game. He was also fined $80,000. The league said Rempe is considered a repeat offender. He only played in 22 regular season games and was sacked four times.
Rempe spent most of the season playing in the American Hockey League for the Rangers' affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. He started the season with New York but did not last long with the team. He was briefly recalled in November before being deployed again.
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New York Rangers center Matt Rempe, who was ejected for game misconduct, hits the Stars' Miro Heiskanen against the boards during the third period in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Friday night's win was Rempe's first game against the Rangers since Nov. 25. Had three goals, two assists and 22 penalty minutes in 18 games with Hartford.
He became very popular among Rangers fans late last season and during the postseason because of his tough style of play. He was ejected twice and given a four-game suspension for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head in March.
The 2020 sixth-round pick has no points and 24 penalty minutes in five games for New York.
New York Rangers center Matt Rempe leaves the game after being ejected for misconduct in the third period against the Stars in Dallas, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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The Rangers lost Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, 3-1. The team is 16-16-1 this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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