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Richter, Lundqvist, Rempe and Tie Domi at Fanatics Fanfest |
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The three-day Fanatics Fanfest at the Javits Center in NYC concluded Sunday. The Rangers were front and center today, as they had what was to be a five-person panel, with Tie Domi acting as the moderator., which was cut to four, as K'Andre Miller was unable to make it in due to the weather issues that morning. The panel consisted of Mike Richter, Henrik Lundqvist and Matt Rempe, the latter of the three getting the biggest cheers.
Cool banner, but really on Domi:
Rempe walking on stage:
Lundqvist just arrived back in New York from Sweden while Richter lives in Connecticut. He has been joined in the state by Rempe, who is staying at Jonathan Quick's house while he trains with Quick and Chris Kreider at Ben Prentiss' gym. Rempe spoke about how Quick and Kreider have taken him under their wing, and we all know that earlier this summer, he worked with Georges Laraque on fighting techniques. While Lundqvist and Richter had their moments in the panel discussion, Rempe drew the biggest cheers and level of interest.
Rempe noted that when the Garden fans chant his name, “it makes me want to rip my heart out of my chest, run through a wall. It's incredible," eliciting a huge roar from the crowd. He added, “I want to have a real, real good camp. I want to go in and earn everything. I think I've improved a lot this summer. I want to show that.’’ Domi gave him some tips in terms of not having to constantly fight, drawing on some wisdom from Mark Messier about affording respect and not always making it a side show, and how his skills could help keep him in the lineup, which were well received by Rempe.
Lundqvist and Richter both spoke about the transition from player to retired, as each of them faced health woes that forced them to hang up their jerseys. For Hank, he is still dealing with the periocarditis, inflammation around the heart, but is in good health. He also spoke about the difference between entering MSG as a player and now as a fan. “When I played, I was very focused. I could hear them but I didn't really pay attention. Now I see the joy that the Rangers bring to so many people, and I love being part of that.’’
Richter went into the climate control venture that is his current business and also how much he enjoys watching the current iteration of his team. “In the last few years, they've been building, just being elite club,’’ Richter said of his former club. “I think it's the most entertaining team in the league. I love watching them. And… there's a buzz — there always is in New York — but that's an exceptionally good team. And, you know, it takes a long, hard road to get there, but they're building it all right and it's just so much fun watching it.’’
Overall, a fun listen between the three players and Domi as the moderator.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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