After being selected first overall by the New York Islanders at the NHL Draft, 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer fought back tears as he pulled on his new jersey. Spotting a pink ribbon on the shoulder — a tribute to his late mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer 16 months ago — he kissed it and pointed skyward in a heartfelt gesture. The Islanders honored both a rising star and the memory of the woman who helped shape him.
“I appreciate you taking a chance on me,” Schaefer told the team via video call. “I promise I won’t disappoint — and to my mom, family, and friends, thank you for everything.”
