The line between entertainment and aggression in hockey has always been razor-thin, and on a night meant to unite fans for a good cause, that line was violently crossed. At a charity exhibition game meant to celebrate camaraderie and raise money for local youth initiatives, Matt Rempe’s bone-jarring hit on New Jersey Devils prospect Liam Gilmartin turned an otherwise lighthearted evening into a full-on revival of one of the NHL’s most heated rivalries. The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils have never needed much of an excuse to go at each other’s throats, but this incident has sparked something visceral — not just in the players on the ice, but among coaches, fans, and media across the league.
It was supposed to be a harmless scrimmage. A night of laughs, goodwill, and some relaxed hockey between familiar foes. These preseason charity games are typically marked by a slower tempo, reduced physicality, and a focus on fan interaction more than actual competition. That illusion was shattered less than ten minutes into the second period when Rempe, who has already earned a reputation as one of the league’s most physical young players, delivered a vicious open-ice check that sent Gilmartin crashing to the ice. The sound of the impact echoed through the small arena, and stunned silence followed as the crowd tried to grasp what they had just witnessed.
Gilmartin lay motionless for several seconds before trainers rushed to his side. Though he would eventually skate off under his own power, the damage was done. Devils captain Nico Hischier immediately dropped his gloves, charging at Rempe with fury. What followed was a chaotic brawl involving nearly every player on the ice. Benches stood but did not empty — not quite a full melee, but more than enough to push this game into infamy. For a moment, it felt less like a charity event and more like Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with blood boiling and playoff implications on the line.
Rempe, for his part, was ejected and did not speak to reporters after the game. The Rangers’ front office has kept their comments short, with a spokesperson offering only that the team would “review the incident internally.” But Devils head coach Lindy Ruff had no such filter. “It was supposed to be for charity — not blood,” he said postgame, his voice shaking with anger. “What we saw out there was a blatant disregard for the spirit of this game and the safety of our players. That hit was reckless, predatory, and entirely unnecessary.”
Social media erupted within minutes. Clips of the hit circulated widely, with fans on both sides split between defending Rempe’s style of play and condemning the brutality of the hit. Some called it an example of “old school hockey,” while others viewed it as a stain on an evening that should have showcased unity rather than violence. Even retired players weighed in. Rangers legend Mark Messier appeared on a New York sports radio show, acknowledging Rempe’s intensity but adding, “You’ve got to know when to pull back. There’s no Cup on the line in July.” Meanwhile, Devils alum Ken Daneyko called it “disgraceful” and “an insult to everything this charity game stands for.”
Perhaps most revealing was the reaction from inside the Devils’ locker room. Several players reportedly confronted Rangers skaters in the hallway postgame, with security needing to separate members from both teams. Though no physical altercations broke out beyond the rink, tensions were clearly ready to explode. According to sources, Devils forward Dawson Mercer shouted at a Rangers player, “This ain’t over. October 12. Remember it.” That date, of course, marks the regular season opener between these two teams — now positioned to be must-watch television for all the wrong reasons.
Rempe’s track record doesn’t help his case. During the 2024-25 season, he was one of the league leaders in penalty minutes and had several run-ins with league discipline. While his bruising style has been embraced by Rangers fans craving toughness, others have viewed him as a throwback to a more dangerous era — one the NHL has worked hard to distance itself from. But in a league where physicality is still very much part of the DNA, the question remains: how much is too much?
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has not made a formal statement, but the league is reportedly reviewing footage of the incident and considering disciplinary action. That could include fines, suspensions, or even mandatory training for young enforcers like Rempe. The optics are particularly bad given that this event was in partnership with a children’s hospital and attended by dozens of youth hockey teams, who watched from the stands as their idols turned a charity game into a brawl.
The incident has also reignited debate over the role of fighting and big hits in hockey. While the NHL has cracked down on headshots and boarding in recent years, the enforcement often remains inconsistent, and players like Rempe toe the line between enforcer and liability. Proponents argue that tough play is part of hockey’s fabric, deterring cheap shots and maintaining a code of honor. Critics contend that these types of plays glorify violence and endanger young players who emulate their heroes.
The Rangers, for their part, have been publicly quiet but privately defensive. Head coach Peter Laviolette was seen speaking at length with Rempe in the locker room postgame, though details of that conversation remain unclear. Insiders suggest the Rangers are unlikely to discipline Rempe beyond whatever punishment the league hands down, viewing the hit as an unfortunate overreach rather than a malicious act. Still, with the season approaching and all eyes now on the young forward, there will be immense pressure to either rein in his style or double down on it.
For the Devils, the focus is on Gilmartin’s health and recovery. The young winger was reportedly evaluated for a concussion but has not entered protocol as of yet. He took to Instagram the next day, writing, “Appreciate the support. I’m feeling better and we’ll be back soon.” That brief note was met with an outpouring of support from fans and teammates alike. But no one is forgetting how it all unfolded — and no one on either side seems ready to forgive.
What’s perhaps most disappointing is how a night meant to promote goodwill turned into a powder keg of animosity. This charity event had long been a staple of the offseason, drawing fans from both New York and New Jersey in an effort to put rivalry aside and focus on community. That goodwill may now be irreparably damaged. Organizers are already considering changes for next year, including eliminating physical contact altogether or even scrapping the event entirely. Sponsors have voiced concern, and several youth programs involved in the event are reportedly re-evaluating their participation moving forward.
What cannot be ignored, though, is the sheer passion this incident has reignited in one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries. Rangers vs. Devils has always had a unique kind of venom — born from geography, playoff wars, and cultural identity. And with one hit, one brawl, one night meant for charity turned into a symbolic reawakening of that rivalry’s darkest edge. October 12 isn’t just a date on the calendar anymore; it’s a storm brewing on the Hudson.
No matter what discipline is handed down, or how many apologies are issued, the tone has been set. The gloves are off. The truce is over. And the Rangers-Devils war is back on — not in spite of Matt Rempe’s hit, but because of it. What began as a celebration of unity has instead reminded everyone that in hockey, the line between respect and revenge is often just one hit away.
