"It was just such a great experience. Obviously, this is the league you want to play in and that's just a dream come true to get drafted in the league. But you know, the work doesn't stop after the draft. It's a good stepping stone in the process and it was a pretty cool moment. But once that's over, you just want to get on the ice and work as hard as you can."
"The draft? No, not really. I'll remember a little bit of the area, but besides that, we're going for two points. We want to win a game."
Matthew Schaefer, selected first overall by the New York Islanders in the NHL Draft on June 27, returned to Los Angeles for the first time since that momentous day. During the draft, Schaefer wore a houndstooth suit with pictures of his late mother, Jennifer, who passed from breast cancer in February 2024, and emotionally kissed a ribbon placed on his jersey in her honor. Nine months later, Schaefer accompanied the Islanders on a four-game road trip to face the Kings at Crypto.com Arena, located near the Peacock Theater where the draft occurred. Despite the sentimental significance of the location, Schaefer emphasized that his focus is now on professional performance and winning games rather than reminiscing about draft day memories.
Read at Newsday
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