Matthew Schaefer | How The New York Islanders Star Dominated U16 AAA | Minor Hockey Highlights

Welcome to the #NHL, Matthew Schaefer! It's been quite the journey for the young defenceman, who is set to make his NHL debut with the New York Islanders, after being selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native has been on a soaring rocket ship since the 2022-2023 season, where he starred for the Halton Hurricanes U16 program. Throughout that season, Schaefer would solidly himself as one of the greatest demesive prospects that the #OHL had seen in recent memory. Following a dominant season with Halton, as well as captaining Team Ontario to a gold medal victory in the Canada Winter Games, Schaefer would win the 2023 Jack Ferguson Award, becoming the first overall pick and being selected by the Erie Otters.