Islanders' Schaefer Gives Emotional Tribute to Late Mom After Near-Injury

Rookie defenseman credits his mother's watchful eye for protecting him from a serious injury against the Maple Leafs.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player's face and upper body, with sharp planes of blue, green, and red intersecting to create a dynamic, multi-angled representation of the player deflecting a puck away from his head.A young hockey player's near-miss with a puck is transformed into a cubist masterpiece, reflecting the emotional resilience that has defined his breakout rookie season.Philadelphia Today

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer narrowly avoided a serious injury late in Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs when a puck came up high. Schaefer credited his late mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2024, for watching over him and preventing the puck from hitting him in the face. The 18-year-old rookie has emerged as a top contender for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.

Why it matters

Schaefer's emotional tribute to his mother highlights the personal challenges young athletes can face, especially after the loss of a parent. His success this season despite the tragedy has inspired Islanders fans and the broader hockey community.

The details

In the final minutes of the Islanders' 5-3 win over the Maple Leafs, Schaefer took a puck up high that he believes his late mother prevented from hitting him in the face. Schaefer, who was the Islanders' first-round draft pick in 2025, has emerged as a top rookie this season, tying the franchise record for most goals by a first-year defenseman.

  • Schaefer's mother passed away from breast cancer in February 2024, when he was 16 years old.
  • Schaefer was drafted 1st overall by the Islanders just 16 months after his mother's passing.
  • The Islanders beat the Maple Leafs 5-3 on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who is a top contender for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.

Pete DeBoer

The head coach of the New York Islanders, who is in his first season with the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thank God it wasn't the face. I don't think my mom would've been too happy if I, you know, got hit in the face. So knock on wood, thank you, it didn't happen to my face. My mom was definitely blocking it there for me.”

— Matthew Schaefer, Islanders Defenseman

What’s next

The Islanders are one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers with three games left in the regular season. New York has only home games remaining, facing the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Carolina Hurricanes. The Flyers have a tougher schedule, visiting the Winnipeg Jets before hosting the Hurricanes and Canadiens.

The takeaway

Schaefer's emotional tribute to his late mother demonstrates the personal challenges young athletes can face, and how they can use tragedy as motivation to succeed. His breakout rookie season has inspired the Islanders and their fans, and a Calder Trophy would be a fitting honor for the resilient defenseman.