Matthew Schaefer Honored Mother as He Went First Overall to the Islanders in the NHL Draft

Matthew Schaefer, a 17-year-old defenseman from Ontario, was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL draft, dedicating his achievement to his late mother Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer. The team honored her with a ribbon stitched onto his jersey and her initials embroidered on his collar, symbolizing her lasting impact on his life. Schaefer's emotional moment and tribute highlight his personal journey and the significance of family in his career.