Rookie Schaefer Shines in NHL Homecoming

0:00For the NHL, it's March 18, here's what's happening, make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. 18-year-old Matthew Schaeffer made a strong impression in his NHL homecoming game for the New York Islanders against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a sore stomach, the rookie defenseman led his team with 22 minutes and 57 seconds of ice time in their 3-1 win-at. Scotia Bank Arena, he even picked up a secondary assist on the game-winning powerplay goal. Schaeffer, the number one pick in the 2025 NHL draft, grew up cheering for the Leafs in that same building. This season, he's racked of 49 points with 20 goals and 29 assists over 68 games, putting him at the top for the call-der. Trophy as rookie of the year. Family and friends filled up to 1,000 seats, including his wheelchair-bound grandmother, old teachers, and even kids from a team he coached. He spotted familiar faces during warm-ups, tossing a putt to a young goalie buddy that sparked a fun scrum in the stands.

1:00Earlier in the day, Schaeffer hugged his former coach from his under 16 days and soaked in the moment on the ice he idolized as a kid. He handled a big media scrum with easy poise, shuckling about pushing through his discomfort. The night wrapped up sweetly when he embraced his grandmother after the game. She's beaming with pride, saying his late mother would have been too after her passing from breast cancer last year. Plenty of folks left feeling the same way about this rising star. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor, see the description. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com. Made in AI.