Matthew Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer. Now, he’s achieved the ultimate milestone – becoming an NHL player. The 17-year-old was selected by the New York Islanders with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft on Friday in Los Angeles.

Matthew Schaefer is excited to get going with Isles after first-overall selection after putting up 22 points (7G, 15A) and a plus-21 rating for the Otters

High-scoring forward Michael Misa went second overall to the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish forward Anton Frondell third at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.