For top prospect Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 NHL draft meant a lot more than the chance to become the first No. 1 pick from the Erie Otters after Connor McDavid. It was a milestone his late mother never got to witness. “I wish she could be here in person, but I know she’s smiling down,” Schaefer said ahead of the draft. While the defenseman stuck a picture of his mother and his signature to the inside of his draft day suit, he probably never guessed how thoughtful the New York Islanders would be.

The Islanders made sure to honor his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer. The sweater that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman handed the 17-year-old had a lavender ribbon stitched on its chest, and the initials of his mother on the inside of the collar. Needless to say, the NHL team had made quite the initial impression on the hockey phenom from Canada. And guess what? Things only got better.

Recently, the defenseman suited up for the first time in full Islanders gear. “Hitting the ice,” wrote the NHL while posting snapshots of Matthew Schaefer from the Islanders Development Camp. That first practice impressed the rookie beyond his imagination. “I love this place, I just love this place. I could see myself being here for a long time. I want to be here forever,” Schaefer claimed in his bold confession.

So what made the No. 1 draft pick’s first experience with his NHL club so memorable? It was the atmosphere and the fans. “They come out to support. I mean, just seeing this game, I can’t even imagine how good a home game is, right?” said the former Ontario Hockey League player. You may say that wanting to be an Islander for life was a reaction fueled by this excitement, but Schaefer made it clear that he was grateful to the New York team.

When Gary Bettman escorted Matthew Schaefer to the giant screen during the NHL draft, the 17-year-old felt overwhelmed with emotion. The Ontario native was in tears as he thanked the team for choosing him. “I appreciate you taking a chance on me. I promise I won’t disappoint,” said the hockey defenseman, and after this scrimmage, that’s exactly what he plans to do. And talking about emotions, the experience has moved the Schaefer family.

An incredibly emotional moment for Matthew Schaefer and his family

While the family kept Jennifer Schaefer close to their hearts during the 2025 NHL Draft, they truly didn’t expect the Islanders to go above and beyond. “I don’t usually cry as much as my dad and brother,” the young defenseman told NHL.com. However, as he put on the New York Islanders sweater after becoming the first pick in the first round, he couldn’t hold the tears back.

The camera panned to Matthew Schaefer’s father, Todd Schaefer, who was also crying. In Mr. Schaefer’s own words, watching his son finally make it to the NHL felt “overwhelming” for him to witness. The rookie pro’s brother called it an “amazing” moment for friends and family. What truly struck a chord with the Schaefers was the Islanders honoring the hockey star’s late mother as well.

“It just took me to a different level of emotions,” Mr. Schaefer said about the gesture. “It was so important for him. He wanted his mom here so much. He has his belief system… But the respect that the Islanders have shown by doing that go to that next level. I mean, when you have an organization like that, you want to work hard,” he added, and that’s why the defenseman is so excited to perform for the Islanders.

In fact, Matthew Schaefer said his father and brother would feel similarly excited if they could make it to the sold-out Northwell Ice Center for his first scrimmage. “They would have been like, ‘Wow’. This is almost home, you know what I mean?” added the 17-year-old. So don’t be surprised if you see Schafer working extra hard to make his NHL debut once the new season arrives.