Matt Rempe Connects with Fans at NHL Shop Event
Matt Rempe Connects with Fans at NHL Shop Event
NEW YORK — Despite a torrential downpour in Manhattan, dedicated fans made their way to the NHL Shop on Saturday to meet New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe.
Recently signing a two-year contract with the Rangers in June, Rempe spent his afternoon engaging with fans who traveled from various parts of the state for this special signing event at the League’s flagship store.
“Going through the rain and everything, it was awesome,” Rempe stated to NHL.com after the event. “I got to talk to lots of great people. It was lots of fun. I really appreciate them all taking the time to come out.”
Fans braved the rain to meet Rempe, with one father-son duo, Brian and Kienan Walsh, traveling an hour and a half from Poughkeepsie, New York. Kienan, who is turning nine on Monday, was surprised by his father with a trip to the NHL Shop.
“I told Kienan we were going to the NHL Shop today for his birthday,” Brian said. “He realized Matt was going to be here, so when he saw the poster at the door, he got really excited.”
Kienan, who plays hockey, brought along his travel team jersey for Rempe to sign, which features the same number—73—that Rempe wears.
“This feels like a dream!” Kienan exclaimed.
Brian added, “He looks up to Rempe. It’s a really great experience. A great day for us.”
Another enthusiastic fan, Jeremy Suskie, drove three and a half hours from Utica, New York, eager to meet the player he admires.
“I’m a huge Rangers fan,” Suskie shared. “I saw a flyer for the event on Facebook a few days ago and knew I had to make the trip.”
“I’m still shaking from excitement,” he continued. “This has been one of the best journeys ever.”
Aleah Inoue and her mother, Elena, who originally hail from Japan, also made their way to the store to meet Rempe. They are avid Rangers supporters and were aware of Rempe’s recent trip to Japan.
“We came back from Japan two weeks ago,” Aleah said. “(Rempe) said his trip was awesome.”
Aleah’s family became Rangers fans due to her older brother, who is currently studying in Canada and introduced them to hockey. During the meet-and-greet, Aleah even had her brother on a video call.
“Rempe, with so much hype around him, obviously we have to love him,” Aleah remarked.
The event lasted over an hour, with fans forming a line that extended around both levels of the NHL Shop. Store employees noted that fans began arriving approximately four hours prior to the event’s official start time.
“It was a great event,” Rempe concluded. “It was awesome.”
Source Reference (nhl.com): Rempe meets with fans at NHL Shop in Manhattan