""My dad's been super excited," Schaefer said after this morning's pre-game skate. "He's like 'Oh, I can't believe you're going to play in the NHL.' He's like a kid in a candy store right now, just enjoying it. Through all the hard times where your parents are working and driving you to practice, they're doing a lot of stuff. I wouldn't be here without them.""
""You've dreamed of playing in the NHL one day, and the work doesn't stop here," Schaefer says. "The work's just getting started here, so, honestly, it's just like every other game. You want to get the season going, just get that first shift in, and want to get the game in. Just put your head down and get to work.""
The New York Islanders begin the season with Mathieu Darche now in charge and Matthew Schaefer joining the lineup as the top overall pick. Schaefer will make his NHL debut opposite Sidney Crosby at 18 years, one month, and four days, becoming the second-youngest player to skate for the franchise. A group of 20–30 supporters, including his father and brother, will attend the game. Schaefer credits his parents for their sacrifices and describes his father as excited and proud. He emphasizes that the work continues and plans to treat the debut like any other game, focusing on effort and consistency.
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