Islanders Draft Schaefer, Honors Mother With Emotional Tribute/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Matthew Schaefer became the Islanders’ No. 1 NHL draft pick, paying tribute to his late mother with a pink ribbon on his jersey. The talented defenseman called the moment emotional, vowing not to disappoint his new team. His selection headlined a dramatic first round in Los Angeles.
Quick Look
- Islanders pick Matthew Schaefer first overall in NHL Draft
- Schaefer honors late mother with jersey tribute
- Busy NHL Draft sees top prospects selected
Islanders’ Top Draft Pick Matthew Schaefer Honors Late Mother With Heartfelt Tribute
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tears welled in Matthew Schaefer’s eyes as he slipped on the New York Islanders’ blue-and-orange jersey after being selected No. 1 overall in the NHL draft. But it was the pink ribbon sewn onto his left shoulder that carried the deepest meaning—a tribute to his late mother, Jennifer, who died of breast cancer just 16 months ago.
As the crowd watched, Schaefer kissed the ribbon and pointed skyward, delivering a moving salute to the woman he credits for shaping him into the man—and the hockey player—he is today.
“I appreciate you taking a chance on me,” Schaefer told the Islanders in a video call. “I promise I won’t disappoint, but especially I just want to say to my mom and all my family and friends, thanks for everything.”
The 17-year-old defenseman from Hamilton, Ontario, becomes the first No. 1 pick for the Islanders since 2009, bringing elite puck-moving skills and solid defensive instincts honed over two seasons with the OHL’s Erie Otters. Despite a collarbone injury limiting him to just 17 games last season, Schaefer still led draft boards with his dynamic two-way play.
The Islanders honored Schaefer’s journey by adding the pink ribbon and his mother’s initials to his jersey, underscoring the franchise’s reputation for class and compassion.
“Seeing the ribbon on my jersey—it really means a lot,” Schaefer said. “I wish my mom could be here today. Obviously, she’s with me in spirit… Cancer sucks. She didn’t feel the best, but she was always the happiest in the family.”
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said the choice was about talent first—but also about character.
“First and foremost, we drafted him because he’s an unbelievable hockey player,” Darche said. “But for a 17-year-old to have that resilience and maturity with everything he’s gone through—it’s beyond impressive.”
Schaefer joins a group of notable top defenseman picks, including Owen Power in 2021 and fellow Erie alum Connor McDavid, who went No. 1 in 2015.
A Busy Night at the Draft
The first round was full of high-profile selections and bold moves. San Jose selected high-scoring forward Michael Misa second overall, while Swedish forward Anton Frondell went third to Chicago. Misa, who dominated the OHL with 62 goals last season, could compete for an NHL roster spot immediately.
The Flyers traded up to pick forward Jack Nesbitt at No. 12 after grabbing Porter Martone at No. 6. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, maneuvered to claim three first-rounders, selecting Benjamin Kindel, Bill Zonnon, and William Horcoff.
Elsewhere:
- The Bruins chose Long Island native James Hagens at No. 7, announced via a playful video by Adam Sandler in his iconic Happy Gilmore character.
- Two goalies were picked in the first round for the first time since 2021: Columbus snagged Pyotr Andreyanov at No. 20, while San Jose picked Joshua Ravensbergen at No. 30.
- The Ducks selected Roger McQueen, a towering center from Saskatchewan, despite concerns over a back injury.
This year’s draft also featured a format shift. Teams operated largely remotely, leading to mixed reviews from fans, though executives praised the smoother pace.
Schaefer’s selection capped a night of celebration and emotion in Los Angeles, a poignant reminder that even at the highest levels of sport, some moments transcend hockey.
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