Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
As if Matt Lempe wasn't intimidating enough on the ice, the New York Rangers rookie revealed that he participates in martial arts training in the offseason.
The 6-foot-8 forward and Madison Square Garden favorite told The Bronx Zoo that he started playing hockey after his first season of professional hockey.
“I do Muay Thai,” Rempe said. “Me and my buddy started dating a guy in Calgary last summer and we've continued it. We love it.”
Muay Thai originated in Thailand and is also called Thai boxing. It incorporates striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Needless to say, much of Muay Thai cannot be used in a hockey game. But the skills learned in martial arts are just as valuable as the conditioning.
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Rempe doesn't want to compete as much as he did when he was called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. The 21-year-old engaged in a heated match with New York Islanders enforcer Matt Martin outdoors during his first NHL shift at the Stadium Series on Feb. 18. He then played in three of the next six games, but did not get into the game. He has hung up his gloves since March 2, when he got into a tangle with Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Ryan Reeves.
But he is well equipped to fight if necessary. Lempe told the Bronx Zoo that in addition to Muay Thai, he also practices traditional boxing.
“I also box,” Rempe said. “I think it's really cool. Of course I want to learn. I think she's 21 and has a lot to do. I think it's sweet. There's definitely a lot to learn.”
Despite playing fewer games on the ice, Rempe received a four-game suspension earlier this month for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the head.
Since returning from suspension, Lempe has seen limited on-ice time and is expected to be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. That means he has been scratched twice in the last five games, but that has done little to stop the momentum of “Rempe!”. Rempe! ” chant every time we hit the ice at The Garden.
Lempe played 13 games for Rangers, leading the way with one goal and one assist in 54 penalty minutes.
