Matthew Rempe's Two Goal Night Helps Seattle Win

Matthew Rempe (Seattle Thunderbirds)

There is an adage in hockey that goes "You can't teach size" and that alone might describe why the New York Rangers signed Matthew Rempe their 2020 sixth-round draft pick to an entry-level contract earlier this season. Rempe a 19-year-old from Calgary plays for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League.

On Thursday, Rempe scored twice to help his Thunderbirds snap a two-game losing streak defeating the Spokane Chiefs 6-2. Both goals were power-play goals and were pretty much identical as Rempe used his big body to screen Spokane's goalie as he deflected the puck past the Spokane goalie into the net. 

It was the perfect use of the 6'9 240 forward as the poor Spokane goalie had to physically move to try to see past Rempe's body and it took him out of position. This was exactly what Rempe is going to need to do every night if he wants to make it to the NHL.

On this night, Rempe was very active looking for his offense recording a game-high (and season-high) nine shots. Both of his goals came when Rempe was used as a wing instead of his normal center spot. 

It was the second time this season that Remepe had a two-goal night as he improves to 7-2-9 on the season. Rempe was also 8-9 on faceoffs but it is clear that Rempe should be on the wing full-time and parked in the slot. With his size even at the NHL level, the only way to remove him from the slot is by taking a penalty. 

Simon Kjellberg and his Rensselaer Engineers returned from their holiday break to face Vermont in non-conference play. Kjellberg scored his fourth goal of the season as his Engineers broke a three-game losing streak with a 3-2 win. 

With the score tied at 1-1 and the first period winding down, Kjellberg jumped in and joined the rush. Taking a pass and firing a shot from the left face-off circle, Kjellberg fired a wrist shot (1;57 in the highlights) that beat the Vermont goalie under his glove hand.

The junior defender gave his team the lead for good at 19:37 of the first period. It was part of a 1-0-1 night that had a game-high six shots to improve his season totals to 4-8-12. 

The Rangers 2018 sixth-round pick, Kjellberg is going to make it very hard for them to not offer a contract. Kjellberg has a good size 6'3 195 as well as solid overall skills as a defenseman. In addition, Kjellberg is a good two-way defender who might need to add another 10-15 lbs of muscle in his lower body.

Did Not Play

Evan Vierling and his Barrie Colts are on the OHL's Covid-19 suspended list.

Will Cuylle and his Windsor Spitfires are also on the OHL's Covid-19 suspended list.