The Remarkable Rise of Matthew Schaefer: A Young NHL Star with Heart

Matthew Schaefer, the 18-year-old hockey phenom and first overall draft pick of the New York Islanders, is making an extraordinary impression both on and off the ice during his rookie season. The Ontario-born defenseman has already shattered NHL legend Bobby Orr’s record as the youngest defenseman with a multi-goal game, quickly becoming a fan favorite on Long Island. Despite having visited New York City only once before being drafted, Schaefer now says, “I feel like I’ve known this island forever.” His remarkable composure and maturity on the professional stage have been particularly noteworthy given the personal tragedy he’s navigating—the loss of his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer earlier in 2024. As the NHL observes Hockey Fights Cancer month, Schaefer has been open about his grief, sharing touching memories of his mother: “She would just light up a room—her smile, her laugh, she was always joking around. Every night, I always talk to her.” On draft night, his jersey featured his mother’s initials and a breast cancer awareness ribbon, and he’s expressed interest in supporting cancer-related causes on Long Island.

The young star has found a supportive family environment on Long Island, living with beloved former Islander Matt Martin, his wife Sydney Esiason Martin, and their children—an arrangement that provides warmth and mentorship rather than the isolation often experienced by rookie players. This living situation has created some heartwarming moments, from watching “Paw Patrol” with the Martin children to a unique pregame routine where Sydney selects outfits for him from Martin’s closet. This ritual holds special meaning for Schaefer, reminding him of how his mother used to dress him: “My mom would always dress me up—whether it’s pea coats, turtlenecks and all that. She definitely got some style into me, and now I’m getting even more style into me.” The camaraderie extends to good-natured teasing about Martin’s toughness as a player: “I guess I’m not really a fighter, so maybe he can make me a little tougher,” Schaefer quipped about the former Islander enforcer, who now serves as a special assistant to the team’s general manager.

Schaefer has embraced the passionate Islanders fan culture with enthusiasm, particularly their fierce rivalry with the New York Rangers. He’s endeared himself to the blue-and-orange faithful by playfully teasing Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist during a TNT interview and covering the Rangers logo when Sydney’s father, NFL great and East Islip native Boomer Esiason, jokingly wore a Rangers jersey for Halloween. The rookie defenseman particularly enjoys the Islanders fans’ tradition of singing “If you know the Rangers suck, clap your hands,” which reminds him of similar chants from his days with the Erie Otters in the Canadian Hockey League. His appreciation for this aspect of Islanders culture was evident when he remarked, “We made fun of London, now we’re kind of doing the same thing here for the Rangers. I mean, it’s pretty cool. I love it.” His statement that “we don’t like the Rangers” further solidified his standing with Islanders fans, who have erupted in cheers at UBS Arena since his first NHL goal during the team’s home opener against Washington.

Beyond hockey, Schaefer is embracing Long Island life and culture, particularly its food scene. He caused a minor stir among locals when he mentioned putting “guacamole” on a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel—a faux pas he quickly clarified was actually just avocado: “I don’t know why I said guacamole.” He’s been exploring restaurants in Manhasset and various steakhouses, and has become so enamored with Long Island cuisine that he doesn’t feel the need to venture into Manhattan for special occasions. When asked about potential date plans should his girlfriend Samantha visit from Prince Edward Island, he suggested they would stay local: “Maybe go to the beaches, maybe go for a walk or something like that, get some fresh air. We’re not too picky.” His appreciation for Long Island extends to its recreational offerings as well, particularly its renowned golf courses. Though he describes himself as “very inconsistent” at golf, shooting “high 90s on a really good day, and mid-hundreds on a bad day,” he’s already visited Sebonack in the Hamptons with teammates and attended the Ryder Cup as a spectator.

Despite the whirlwind of attention, success, and new experiences, Schaefer maintains a grounded perspective focused on hard work and family. His humble nature and emotional maturity shine through when he speaks about the tremendous support he’s received throughout his journey. “I don’t think I would get here today if it weren’t for my family,” Schaefer said, acknowledging his father Todd, brother Johnny, and his late mother Jennifer. In speaking about his mother, he shares a sentiment that reveals both his grief and his source of strength: “I know she’s always with us in spirit. I know she has a front-row seat.” This perspective, coming from an 18-year-old thrust into the spotlight of professional sports while navigating personal loss, demonstrates the remarkable character behind the athletic talent. As Schaefer continues to build his NHL career with the Islanders, he carries with him not just the skills that made him the first overall draft pick, but also the values and emotional resilience that make him a special presence both in the locker room and in the Long Island community.

Schaefer’s story represents more than just the arrival of a talented rookie in the NHL; it’s a testament to how family support, community embrace, and inner strength can help a young person navigate both professional pressure and personal tragedy with grace. As he continues to build connections on Long Island—from his extended family with the Martins to his relationship with passionate Islanders fans—Schaefer is writing an inspiring first chapter to what promises to be a remarkable career story. His ability to honor his mother’s memory while embracing new experiences shows a maturity beyond his years, making him not just a hockey talent to watch, but a young man whose journey resonates far beyond the rink. For Islanders fans, Schaefer represents not only hope for the team’s future but also a reminder of how sports can showcase the best of human resilience and character in the face of life’s greatest challenges.