When head coach Patrick Roy was asked what it meant to see 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer make the New York Islanders’ opening-night roster, his answer came with both pride and perspective.
“I know how special it will be for him,” Roy said. “It was very special for me when I started my career — and it’s funny, because it was in Pittsburgh. My first start in my career was in Pittsburgh, and it’s the same thing for him. So I’m happy for him. He deserves it. He played hard, practiced hard. It’s the beginning of a new journey for him and for the Islanders organization as well.