Former Alaska governor and outspoken hockey fan Sarah Palin has thrown her support behind New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe following his eight-game suspension for a violent hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Palin’s vocal defense of the 22-year-old player has drawn widespread attention, adding a political twist to an already controversial situation.
The Incident
Rempe, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound force on the ice, delivered an illegal hit during the Rangers’ game against the Dallas Stars last Friday. The play, which involved both elbowing and boarding, sent Heiskanen crashing to the ice and led to Rempe’s immediate ejection. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety quickly intervened, holding him out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes while they reviewed the incident.
On Monday, the league handed Rempe an eight-game suspension, retroactive to Friday’s game. The NHL cited its ongoing efforts to remove dangerous and barbaric plays from hockey as the reason for the severe penalty.
Palin’s Reaction
Palin, known for her love of hockey and connection to the sport as a “hockey mom” from Wasilla, Alaska, took to social media to voice her disagreement with the NHL’s decision.
“Shoot. Because HE IS THE DIFFERENCE,” Palin wrote. “Since when did so many softies become hockey ‘fans’? Anti-Rempe tribe wanting to change the game to kumbaya-hockey think y’all don’t really know the game ~ u better off sticking with tiddlywinks.”
Her comment sparked a mix of reactions, with some fans agreeing that physicality is an integral part of hockey, while others criticized her for condoning dangerous play.
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A History of Support
This isn’t the first time Palin has voiced her opinion on hockey matters. The former governor, whose state shares a deep hockey culture with neighboring Canada, has frequently weighed in on the sport. Palin has previously praised Rempe’s physical playing style, even offering unsolicited advice to the New York Rangers’ front office.
For Palin, Rempe represents the traditional hard-nosed style of hockey she admires, and she views criticism of his play as an attack on the sport’s roots.
The Rangers’ Struggles
The Rangers are in the midst of a frustrating season, currently sitting at 16-16-1 and sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points. A team once seen as a Stanley Cup contender, New York has fallen far short of expectations.
Recalling Rempe from the American Hockey League was part of a mid-season shake-up aimed at reigniting the team’s intensity. Known for his towering presence and physicality, Rempe was expected to provide a spark. However, his suspension has derailed those plans, leaving the Rangers without their “not-so-secret weapon” until mid-January.
A Divisive Debate
The incident has reignited debates about the role of enforcers and physical play in modern hockey. While some fans and analysts support the NHL’s efforts to curb dangerous hits, others, like Palin, argue that the league is losing touch with the sport’s physical roots.
Palin’s comments have added fuel to the conversation, highlighting the divide between traditionalists who value hockey’s rough-and-tumble style and those advocating for a safer, skill-focused game.
Looking Ahead
As the Rangers navigate the remainder of the season without Rempe, questions remain about whether his absence will hinder the team’s chances of climbing back into playoff contention. Meanwhile, Palin’s outspoken support for Rempe ensures the controversy surrounding his suspension will linger.
Whether Rempe’s return in mid-January can make a meaningful impact on the struggling Rangers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over hockey’s identity—physicality versus safety—is far from over.
