EXCLUSIVE: Sydney On Matthew Schaefer Living With The Martins — And The Behind-The-Scenes Family Impact
Sydney Martin shares what it was like having Matthew Schaefer live with her family — and the lasting impact he has had on their daughters and life at home.
One of the best storylines of the New York Islanders’ & NHL’s 2025–26 season was Matthew Schaefer living with and becoming a special part of the Martin family.
Seeing the photos and hearing Schaefer's stories about life with Matt and Sydney Martin and their two girls, Winnie and Alice, was enough to melt your heart.
Before the season ended, I asked Schaefer just how much the Martins meant to him.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer’s Epic Easter With The Martins & Finding A Second Family In The NHL
EAST MEADOW, NY — For New York Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer, his rookie season hasn’t just been about what’s happening on the ice.
Now, with the season over, Schaefer is going home to be with his family and friends just for a little while after what will be a Calder-winning rookie season once the award is announced.
Don’t worry — he’s staying in touch with the Martin girls and will be back on Long Island soon enough as he gears up for 2026–27.
He Face-Timed them yesterday ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery:
I had the chance to speak with Sydney Martin about what it was like having Schaefer in their home and the impact he had on her daughters and their family: