Matt Rempe Chooses Dangerous Path To NHL Success – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

In a scathing critique of the NHL's enduring fighting culture, Ken Campbell Hockey News it raises a serious question: Are we really comfortable with the ruthless approach some players take to secure their place in the league? Campbell describes the tragic end of former NHL player Greg Johnson, who suffered from CTE and took his own life, with the painful decision of New York Rangers Matt Rempe to take fighting lessons from Georges Laraque.

Campbell points out that, while fans may enjoy the spectacle of the fights, the physical and psychological trauma to the players is too important to ignore, highlighting the need for the NHL to reevaluate and ultimately move away from this dangerous aspect of the game.

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While fighting in the NHL has long been a pastime enjoyed by many fans, given what happened this week, it's time to take a deeper look at the impact it has on players and the game as a whole. The tragic case of former NHL player Greg Johnson and the recent steps taken by Rempe to become an enforcer highlight the negative consequences and flawed nature of this aspect of hockey.

What is CTE? How Does It Appear?

For any readers who don't know exactly what the term CTE stands for (and I admit I need to learn more), it is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. CTE is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma, such as concussions or blows to the head. It's been a recurring trend for those in professional hockey who have been labeled “enforcers.”

Here is a brief description and explanation: CTE is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head injuries, especially in contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey. It starts when repeated blows to the head cause a build-up of a protein called tau in the brain. This protein forms clumps that can spread throughout the brain, affecting nerve cells and potentially leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia.

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It has been a major problem for law enforcement officers in the fight. However, in Johnson's case, one does not have to be a compulsive person to experience repeated brain trauma.

Greg Johnson: A Tragic Example

Johnson was a skilled, fast-skating NHL player who didn't fit the mold of an enforcer. Despite not being a bodybuilder, he faced many controversies during his career, eventually leading to his untimely death at the age of 48. Two days ago, shocking revelations emerged about Johnson, the former captain of the Nashville Predators. Johnson, who tragically took her own life five years ago, was diagnosed with CTE. The diagnosis comes after a detailed analysis of his brain tissue by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, as announced Wednesday by Johnson's widow, Kristin, and their daughters, Carson and Piper.

His family revealed that Johnson's brain was full of CTE. His tragic story underscores the serious long-term effects concussions and head injuries can have on players, even those not known for physical play. For those who didn't know Johnson as an NHL player, he was a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, who built a remarkable 14 season career in the NHL. He served as the former second captain of the Predators from 1998 to 2006 and also played with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins throughout his career.

His widow Kristin expressed shock when she learned of CTE, noting that her late husband had shown few outward signs of the disease. However, she revealed that Greg was always open about his problems, expressing concerns about his brain health. The finding of CTE in Johnson's case underscores ongoing concerns about the long-term health effects athletes face in contact sports. For those who enjoy hockey, Johnson's story encourages increased safety measures and greater awareness among professional leagues.

As discussions about CTE continue to emerge, Johnson's story serves as a necessary reminder of the hardships and challenges athletes face long after their playing careers have ended. These findings also highlight the need for urgent measures to protect the health and well-being of athletes at all levels of competition. This is true for all players, not just those who fight regularly.

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In his NHL career, Johnson collected 369 points in 785 regular season games. He was a good player. He was known for his leadership and dedication on and off the ice. His career serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and lasting legacy in the NHL. It also serves as a warning to others, including Rangers youngster Rempe.

Matt Rempe: Path of Possible Destruction

In stark contrast to Johnson's less physical, but still debilitating legacy, Rempe pursues the role of enforcer. As Campbell noted in the video above, Rempe is taking fighting lessons from former NHL heavyweight Laraque. While one can understand Rempe's reasoning, it does not make what he is doing in any way a wise move.

Some may say that his willingness to fight is his own choice and that he is mature enough to make that decision. But, when someone is 22 years old, stands 6-foot-7, and weighs 241 pounds, it's easy to feel invincible. Perhaps he believes that this is his only chance to have a professional career in the sport he loves. That said, the fact that he's racked up 71 penalty minutes in his first 17 NHL games shows how much he embraces opportunity.

Still, as Campbell noted in his video, Rempe's willingness to become a pugilist to secure a spot in the NHL is troubling. Despite his lack of experience and previous losses in battles, he chooses to accept this dangerous role. While learning from Laraque may improve his fighting skills and defensive abilities, the risk of collision and serious injury remains alarmingly high.

Additionally, what is it about a game that allows fighting to happen regularly as part of the show? The answer to this rhetorical question is no! Why doesn't the NHLPA (National Hockey League's Players Association) stand up? One should know better. The NHLPA recognizes the controversial nature of fighting in hockey and seeks to balance the culture of the sport with player safety.

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But how much study and testing is needed to understand that there is no way to reduce injuries and allow fighting at the same time? It is past time to step up to promote safe playing conditions for all players. The importance of player welfare in all aspects of the game goes beyond the so-called rush fans might get from fighting.

The Big Picture: Fighting's Limited Contribution to Hockey

Fighting in hockey may be exciting for the fans, but it has little impact on the game itself. The physical and mental trauma to players is great, and the potential for long-term health problems is significant. The NHL has seen many players suffer from the effects of repeated head trauma, leading to issues such as CTE, depression, and (in more cases than is acceptable) death.

The culture of accepting and even celebrating fighting in hockey needs to be reexamined. Forget the spectacle, the cost of the players is too great. The NHL, teams, and fans must prioritize player safety and well-being over the entertainment value of fighting. Establishing rules and procedures to ultimately end fighting can help protect players from unnecessary injury.

The Most Important Line of Scrimmage in the NHL

The stories of Johnson and Rempe serve as stark reminders of the very real dangers associated with fighting in the NHL. The long-term effects on players are too dire to ignore. Although Campbell didn't go so far as to say he wanted wrestling banned from the NHL, I will go on the record as saying that I took that step.

No sane person would want this beautiful game of hockey to be tainted by the kind of gladiator-like engagement that requires fighting. It is prurient. It is time for the NHL to stand up against fighting, focus on creating a safe environment for its players and ensuring the integrity and future of the sport.

By making these changes, we can honor the memory of those like Johnson and protect the next generation of players like Rempe from the same fate.