Reaves vs. Rempe: Fight ignites Sharks, leads to OT win

In an environment steeped in history, where boxing legends like Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield left their mark, Matt Rempe was preparing for a hockey game. Before the match began, Rempe approached Ryan Reaves, a renowned heavyweight, and proposed a fight.

“Yes, maybe,” Reaves replied.

Ryan Reaves

The tension was palpable in Madison Square Garden. After an initial confrontation, Reaves sought contact with Juuso Parssinen, and both players, known for their toughness, engaged in a fight in the purest classic hockey style. Reaves and the San Jose Sharks secured the victory in overtime, marking their first win of the season. “It was incredible. It pushed us all and I can’t say enough about him,” commented Will Smith, center for the Sharks. After a brief struggle, Reaves’ helmet fell, and with a precise blow, Rempe’s too. For more than 20 seconds, they exchanged blows under the watchful gaze of the public. Rempe managed to cover Reaves’ head with his jersey, delivering blows, until the referees intervened to stop the fight.

“He’s a big guy and you have to fight guys like that differently. I’ve seen him fight, so I know what he’s good at, what his weaknesses are. It was a good fight,” Reaves stated.

Ryan Reaves

Reaves was assessed a 5-minute penalty, while Rempe left the field with the medical staff.

The fans chanted Rempe’s name as he left the ice. The 23-year-old player did not return for the second period, and the Rangers announced his withdrawal for the rest of the game due to an upper-body injury. Coach Mike Sullivan reported that Rempe was being evaluated. In recent years, the league has prohibited players from removing their helmets before fighting. Reaves, at 1.88 meters and 102 kilos, is one of the few players who still doesn’t use a face shield. “Most of the guys fighting now have to wear face shields, so if anything, I’m at a disadvantage,” Reaves said. The frequency of fights has decreased drastically compared to the past. Since the 2000-01 season, physical altercations have decreased by 200%. Rempe, with 2.06 meters and 118 kilos, became an idol of the fans in 2024 for his willingness to face the toughest players in the sport.