""First off, it's pretty tough to get a Ranger asking me the first question," Schaefer said with a grin. "I'd rather the Long Island native ask me first, but I'll let this one slide." The remark drew laughs from the studio panel, which included Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, and Liam McHugh, and instantly earned Schaefer some extra points with Islanders fans."
""Playing against Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Ovechkin your first couple games, it's definitely pretty cool." The Long Island crowd, he added, has already left a big impression. "Every time you play at home, it's probably our best games for sure when the fans are behind us," Schaefer said. "I didn't know much about Long Island before getting drafted here and I love it. The arena is awesome."
Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders, opened with a playful jab at Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist, earning laughs and fan approval. He described early NHL experiences facing stars like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Alexander Ovechkin as very cool. Schaefer praised Long Island's fan base and said home games are the team's best when fans are behind them. He complimented the arena and team amenities, joking about chartered planes, sushi, and Uncrustables. Schaefer highlighted his involvement during Hockey Fights Cancer Month and outreach to children who have experienced loss.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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