"Yeah, I've learned so much. Even when I grew up as a young kid, my parents always wanted me and my brother to just be good people. I think that goes a lot farther than anything in hockey, and that's what all these guys are. They're great people and they come from great families."
"When you have a team of such veteran guys and so many great leaders like Anders Lee, obviously he's a great captain. Bo Horvat, that's a great assistant captain. Everyone in our room is a leader, and it's so fun to be around because they've taught me, whether it's being a good person, learning so much on the ice and off the ice, and just everything, playing with their kids, their family, and the family environment that they're in, it's awesome."
Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders' rookie sensation, demonstrates remarkable maturity beyond his years. The 18-year-old has publicly acknowledged the significant influence of veteran teammates, particularly captain Anders Lee and assistant captain Bo Horvat, in facilitating his transition to professional hockey. Schaefer emphasizes that his upbringing taught him the importance of being a good person, a value reinforced by the Islanders' veteran-led locker room culture. He credits the team's experienced leaders with teaching him both on-ice and off-ice lessons, including the importance of family and community. Schaefer's willingness to recognize others' contributions while emerging as a Calder Trophy candidate demonstrates his exceptional character and the supportive environment the Islanders have cultivated.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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