""He's as classy as it gets," Schaefer said today after the final day of rookie camp. "Whether it's him inviting me over to dinner, playing with his kids - I mean, it's probably more fun for me playing with his kids, you know, getting away from everything. Him and his wife are awesome. He took me in right away, and honestly, I call him big brother or another dad.""
""I think I went up and was wrestling him the other day. He still has that like, kid in him, so you go to talk to him and he's gonna have your back no matter what. Whether it's through tough times or, want to come over and get a breath of fresh air, or go for a bite to eat. Him and his family are always open to it, and I enjoy it so much.""
Matthew Schaefer is an 18-year-old defenseman who moved from Hamilton, Ontario, after playing with the Erie Otters and is now living on Long Island. Schaefer is the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He has spent significant time with Matt Martin, who serves as a Special Assistant to the GM with the New York Islanders, and Martin's family. A viral video showed Schaefer playing with Martin's daughter. Martin and his wife recently welcomed twin boys. Martin has taken on a mentorship and familial role, offering Schaefer support, guidance, and social respite from hockey pressures.
Read at Eyes On Isles
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]