During the recent Shoulder Check charity game in Stamford, CT, Matt Rempe drew intense criticism for an incident involving defenseman Brett Pesce, which many fans labeled as headhunting. The event has stirred widespread discussion about Rempe’s aggressive play in a charitable setting.
On one play, Rempe came very close to forcefully driving Pesce into the boards, prompting significant negative reactions from spectators and social media users. The controversy around the Brett Pesce headhunting scandal has quickly become a hot topic among hockey fans online.
Fan Responses to Rempe’s Conduct at the Charity Event
Social media commentary reflecting on Rempe’s actions has ranged from harsh insults to defensive statements about his skills. Some fans openly condemned the attempt, calling it unsafe and inappropriate for a charity match. One supporter labeled Rempe:
“biggest joke in the NHL next to Reaves.”
Another fan expressed frustration over the missed hit’s execution:
“Only reason he missed is cause he’s bad. and headhunting in a charity game. trash.”
Additional reactions highlighted varying perspectives on Rempe’s abilities and playing style:
“Those saying he can’t skate clearly don’t watch the games. He can fly, needs to work on his edges,” one wrote.
“If the Rangers were smart they would park his ass in front of the net dave andreychuk style and tell him don’t fuckin move,” another commented.
“It’s crazy seeing a bunch of guys that have probably never done anything athletic in their lives telling an NHL player that he’s bad at hockey,” a user noted.
“The only guy who could get suspended from charity events,” another user wrote.
Matt Rempe’s Recent Contract and Perspective on Growth
Last month, Matt Rempe signed a new two-year contract with the New York Rangers, valued at $1.95 million, which includes an annual cap hit of $975,000. Reflecting on the extension, Rempe emphasized his commitment to improving and contributing meaningfully to the team’s progress.
“I think I improved a lot, especially from last year. From the beginning of the season to the end, I think a lot of development happened. My game got a lot better. I’ve still got a lot of work to do. I want to continue to work on all parts of my game,” Rempe said.
After some difficulty establishing himself initially at the NHL level, Rempe benefited significantly from his time with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, where he gained experience playing extended minutes and various roles.
“Got to go play 17/18/19 minutes the last two games, played center, played all situations (in Hartford.). It was good for me…,” Rempe explained.
This development in the latter half of the season highlights the potential Rempe holds as he aims to solidify his role with the Rangers.
Implications of the Controversy for Rempe and the Team
The backlash surrounding the headhunting incident in a charity game places Rempe under closer scrutiny regarding his on-ice conduct, especially outside regular league play. While his contract extension signals the Rangers’ belief in his future contributions, the controversy could impact public perception and his reputation.
Moving forward, Rempe’s ability to navigate criticism and maintain a focus on his professional growth will be key. The Rangers’ management and fans alike will be watching to see how this situation affects team dynamics and Rempe’s performance in upcoming games.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Brett Pesce’s salary?
A. Brett Pesce agreed to a six-year deal worth $33 million with the New Jersey Devils. He received a signing bonus of $14.5 million and is guaranteed the full $33 million. Pesce’s average yearly salary is $5.5 million.
During the 2025-26 season, he will earn a base pay of $2 million and get a $4 million signing bonus. His total cap hit for that season will be $5.5 million.