EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Schaefer Reflects On Life In The NHL, The Christmas Break & Giving Back
Matthew Schaefer reflects on the NHL grind, a rare Christmas breather, life in the Islanders’ room, family time, and what giving back means to him.
ELMONT, NY — The Christmas Break marks the first real opportunity for the New York Islanders to catch their breath after what’s been a relentless stretch of games.
For No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, though, the pace hasn’t slowed since the moment his name was called — if anything, it’s only accelerated. From the NHL Draft Combine to training camp to life as an everyday NHLer, there’s been little time to pause.
I caught up with Schaefer to talk about adjusting to the league, what Christmas looks like this year, who keeps the room laughing, and much more.