There is excitement in the air as NY Islanders hockey returns tonight. While the beginning of the season brings along new hope for all teams and fan bases, it is a fresh start on Long Island with Mathieu Darche now in charge and Matthew Schaefer stepping into the lineup.
All eyes have been on Schaefer since being selected first overall this summer, and he’ll step onto the ice for his first time opposed by Sidney Crosby. But he won’t be doing it alone. He’ll have the support of 20-30 people in the crowd, including his brother and father, who have been instrumental in his upbringing.