On what could have been a day of celebration for Matthew Schaefer, as he graduated high school, he chose instead to focus on something deeply meaningful. While attending the NHL scouting combine in Buffalo, the highly anticipated new defenseman for the New York Islanders took time to visit the Western New York Compassion Connection, where he shared his story with young people aged 7 to 17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Schaefer has faced profound personal loss over the past few years. After a promising start as a player for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, tragedy struck when his billet mother, Emily Matson, died by suicide. Not long after, his own mother, Jennifer, passed away after a two-year battle with breast cancer. As if this wasn’t enough, he also lost the Otters’ owner, Jim Waters, unexpectedly due to a heart attack.
This series of tragedies would be overwhelming for anyone, especially a teenager like Schaefer. Yet, he has found strength in his mother’s fight against cancer. Rather than letting grief slow him down, he has used it as motivation to advance his goals in hockey.
“My mindset has changed a lot with everything. Just seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face even during her illness — she wouldn’t let it bring her down,” Schaefer shared with reporters recently. He described her as “the strongest person I’ve ever known.”
Supporting Others in Their Time of Need
Inspired by his experiences, Schaefer is determined to help other young people currently facing similar struggles. “There are kids going through tough times. A lot of people like to keep their feelings inside, and I want to help ease their minds,” he stated. “If love could have saved them, they would have lived forever. Everything happens for a reason, and that makes me stronger. I want to help people.”
Becoming a professional hockey player takes hard work, and Schaefer’s journey has been shaped by his mother’s unwavering support. Jennifer was not only a loving mom but also an active participant in his hockey development. It was common to see her don goalie pads and take shots from Schaefer and his brother, John.
Even now, as Schaefer practices in the basement, he feels his mother’s presence. When he misses the net, he jokingly attributes his mistakes to her — “She’s probably saving them,” he says with a smile.
On June 29th, when he heard his name called as the first pick by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, it was a moment filled with emotion. Inside his custom suit jacket, he carried pictures of Jennifer, keeping her spirit close as he took this monumental step in his career.
Overcoming Additional Challenges
Schaefer’s path to the draft was not free of hurdles. He missed the first nine games of the season due to mononucleosis and later suffered a clavicle fracture while playing for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, which ended his season early.
Despite these setbacks, Schaefer made an impact in the 17 games he played with Erie, scoring seven goals and earning 22 points. His talent became evident, particularly during a standout performance in August when he helped Canada win at the U-18 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup.
Hockey scouts have taken notice of his skills, with many projecting him to be a potential star. Dan Marr, vice president of NHL Central Scouting, described him as “the complete package playing a dynamic style that generates results.” He highlighted Schaefer’s ability to influence the outcome of games, labeling him a future All-Star in the making.
Chris Peters from FloHockey emphasized Schaefer’s maturity and consistency, noting that he possesses all the tools required to be a top defenseman in the NHL. “Despite facing significant challenges in his young life, he has met them with grace,” Peters remarked.
As Schaefer prepares to turn 18 and enter his first NHL training camp, he is focused on what comes next. Inspired by the memory of his mother, he is ready to take on this new challenge with the Islanders.
“She’s always with me in spirit,” Schaefer said. “I know she has a front-row seat at every game. I play for someone even greater. If she were here, everyone would know how amazing she was, even if they never met her, because I love talking about her.”
