Matthew Schaefer On Talking With Tom Brady, Playing Through Illness & His Hockey Night In Canada Debut
Matthew Schaefer has signed with Tom Brady's brand, NOBULL.
ELMONT, NY — New York Islanders No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer dominated on Saturday night while battling the flu. He didn’t skate on Monday but will be in the lineup tonight against the New Jersey Devils.
In our chat with Schaefer, he spoke about playing through illness, his chat with Tom Brady, and being on Hockey Night in Canada.
Q: How are you feeling right now after missing a day?
Matthew Schaefer: “Yeah, I’m feeling good. The first night was the toughest, but after that, I started eating a bit more and getting my energy back. Safe to say I’m good to play tonight. I don’t want to miss any games. I guess I like playing sick now, so we’ll keep it that way.”
Q: You missed practice yesterday. How eager were you to get back with the group?
Schaefer: “Anytime you miss a day with the guys, you kind of get a bit of FOMO. When you’re away for a couple of days, you feel like you’re missing out, and you just want to be back in the mix. It was good to get a little bit of rest, but it’s way better being back on the ice with the guys and getting ready to play tonight.”
Q: Tom Brady released a video talking about you. Have you heard from him directly?
Schaefer: “Yeah, I FaceTimed him one time. He’s a great guy and someone I really look up to. We talked a lot about the brand and what they’ve got going on with NOBULL. You never know what could happen down the road.”
Q: What was that conversation like for you personally?
Schaefer: “It was really cool. I’m super honored to be a part of what they’ve got going on, especially with Tom involved. I didn’t grow up watching a ton of football, but of course, I knew who Tom Brady was. Everyone did. He was the GOAT. It was pretty special to talk to him and hear from someone I’ve looked up to.”
Q: You played on Hockey Night in Canada against Toronto. Did the attention or the moment feel any different?
Schaefer: “Honestly, it just felt like another game. Obviously, Hockey Night in Canada is huge when you’re from Canada. Growing up watching those games, it’s special. Playing against Toronto made it even cooler. It was a fun night.”
Rosner: What about the towel — are you keeping it, or does it go to your dad?
Schaefer: “It’ll probably go back home. My dad was pretty pumped about it. He’ll put it somewhere, I’m sure. It’s definitely something special.”
Nice 👍 way to establish Home Ice 🧊 the last dozen at UBS! Can DuClair Druion Shabonov Holmstrom get it go? They need all to do more.