Leaving home and embarking on a new career is a daunting task for anyone, but more so for an 18-year-old. Though Matthew Schaefer has been away from his home in Hamilton, ON, for a few years while playing with the Erie Otters, he’s now in unfamiliar territory on Long Island - a home he’ll hopefully have for over a decade.
Although he’s mature beyond his years, young players in the NHL often look to older players for guidance. In Schaefer’s case, it’s a former player in Matt Martin, who recently took on the role of Special Assistant to the GM with the NY Islanders.