Matthew Schaefer’s First Islanders Goal Was More Than Just A Moment
Eighteen-year-old Matthew Schaefer scored his first NHL goal in his Islanders home debut, bringing UBS Arena to its feet in an emotional moment that fans, Schaefer and his teammates will never forget.
Allan Kreda & Stefen Rosner contributed to this story.
ELMONT, NY — Matthew Schaefer, playing his first home game as a New York Islander just over a month after turning 18, felt the love immediately from the Islanders’ faithful, with the sellout crowd erupting during his player introduction:
But, there was nothing that compared to the sound of UBS Arena when the rookie came flying in from the high slot to poke the puck into Washington’s net early in the third period to trim their deficit to 4-2:
“The slow start definitely knocked the wind out of the crowd, but the energy level and speed that Schaefer plays with had the crowd buzzing all night,” Islanders fan Justin Carpenzano told The Elmonters. “He had a couple of good opportunities, and when he put home that rebound, the crowd erupted. Seeing his reaction and having the whole crowd chant his name was an awesome moment to be a part of.”
Because of Schaefer’s story and his willingness to speak on what he’s been through, he made a quick and powerful connection with Islanders fans immediately. So, what was an emotional moment for No. 48 turned into an emotional moment for everyone in the stands.
“To me, Schaefer’s first goal was way more than just a first goal,” Phil Jewell told The Elmonters. “He drives in from the blueline, drops to a knee, and shovels the puck in. UBS just started shaking. Every Islander fan knows what this kid has been through, and to see him get rewarded with that goal was not only beyond exciting, but it also became emotional. The Schaefer chants honestly just gave me goosebumps. To be an 18-year-old kid and, in my opinion, the best player on the ice, both teams included, is just absolutely incredible to watch.”
Schaefer’s exultation was reminiscent of past Islanders scoring their first goals several Octobers ago - Brock Nelson in 2013 and John Tavares in 2009 - but this felt different.
It was a signature moment that will be long remembered, even though the Islanders fell 4-2 to the Capitals.
The excitement surrounding the young defenseman since his electrifying selection viewed live at a UBS draft party is palpable on Long Island. And to score his first NHL goal in his first home game became an immediate bonus.
“I love these fans,” Schaefer said. “Getting your name chanted out there. It’s awesome. It feels like home for sure.”
The previous defenseman taken first overall by the Islanders - Denis Potvin in 1973 - scored his first goal on an October night 52 years ago, no doubt thrilling fans at Nassau Coliseum.
Schaefer logged a game-high 26:04, after he had an assist for his first point with 17:15 of ice time in the Islanders’ 4-3 season-opening loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Islanders coach Patrick Roy raved about his young blueliner.
“He’s so good, he was our best player out there tonight,’‘ Roy said. “I thought he brought energy ... He’s exciting to watch. If I was a fan, I would pay to watch him play.”
Schaefer was calm and collected after the game, expressing joy about his home rink reception while focusing on the bigger picture.
“We wish we could have gotten the win. We are going to keep working toward that,” he said.
Veteran Islanders center Bo Horvat was also duly impressed.
“He carried the offense, making plays and making stuff happen,’‘ the 30-year-old Horvat said. “We’re really lucky to have him. He’s going to continue to grow his game and be a force in this league.”
Islanders captain Anders Lee just shook his head with a smile.
“Look, this kid’s got it all,” Lee said. “He’s just going to continue to get better. But his first one as an Islander, first one in the NHL, was a pretty special moment. It’s too bad we couldn’t find another one to close the gap and give us a chance at the end.”
Schaefer played only 17 games for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League in 2024-25, missing time with mononucleosis and a broken clavicle. He had seven goals and 15 assists in those games.
Still, the six-foot-two Schaefer has made the instant jump into the NHL, playing prime minutes in the early going. His presence clearly represents a positive jolt for the Islanders, who missed the playoffs last spring for the second time in four seasons.
Schaefer continued to credit his new home fans as he mentioned family in attendance to witness the rhythmic chanting of “Matthew Schaefer” by more than 17,000 voices.
“When the fans show so much support, it’s pretty amazing to me,’‘ he said. “My Dad, brother, and all my family that were here, they definitely love that.”
Schaefer knows that his mom, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in February of 2014, played a part in that puck finding the back of the net.
“She’s up there with the hockey gods. Maybe she slipped them a little $20 to get that goal. She’s definitely there to help.”
Touching. This was well written!