Matthew Schaefer Becomes Number One Pick of 2025 NHL Draft
History was made. And we now know who is the number one overall pick of the draft. 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer becomes the number one pick of 2025 NHL Draft after demonstrating excellent playmaking skills and prowess on the ice. A dynamic athlete who is also a 2025 U-18 World Championship Gold Medalist.
The New York Islanders had the number one selection and they picked the young man that many expected to go first. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Despite playing only 17 games with Erie this past season, Schaefer scored seven goals and recorded 22 points.
However, these young men do not get to the draft all on their own. They have family, friends, coaches and teammates who help spur them on every step of the way.
Nonetheless, Schaefer’s big moment was quite emotional. As his name was called out he was thinking of his mom every step of the way. The 17-year-old defenseman of Erie of the Ontario Hockey League lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024, two months after his billet mother, Emily Matson, died in an apparent suicide.
Matthew had even predicted on Thursday that his thoughts would be with his mom. He mentioned to the press,
“I think my mom’s going to go right into my head when I get picked because, you know, I wish she could be here.
My mindset has changed a lot with everything. Just seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face with cancer kind of trying to bring her down, but she wouldn’t let it. She’s the strongest person I’ve ever known.
So, yeah, there’s definitely going to be a lot of things that play a part in it, but it’s more happy tears than anything.”
Happy tears were indeed had. Matthew was thrilled to get drafted and there was not a dry eye in the room. Moreover, he is happy to be able to accomplish a goal that his mom knew he would reach one day. And we are confident he will continue to make her proud.
Matthew Schaefer Becomes Number One Pick of 2025 NHL Draft
Besides having a great work ethic, many also mention Matthew’s humility and mannerable attitude as being some of his strongest traits. And it showed during the draft as well. Hockey analyst of NHL Network, Mike Kelly reports,
“Matthew Schaefer finished his interview on set with NHL Network, shook hands with the people at the desk. Then walked behind and shook hands with all the audio people and camera people as well. Small things are big things. Impressive young man.”
Very nice. Looks like the New York Islanders got themselves a great player and wonderful young man. Congratulations once more to Matthew Schaefer and looking forward to seeing him develop further and embark on a career in the NHL.
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