Matthew Schaefer turns personal loss into strength ahead of the 2025 NHL draft | NHL News
At only 17 years old, Matthew Schaefer has gone through pain that would rock even the strongest of adults. But young Schaefer emerged not defeated but transformed. There is no doubt that as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches and with Schaefer seemingly poised to go first, his story stands out for athletic promise as well as emotional resilience. Every time he shifts on ice, there lies a memory, an homage, and a motivation turned from a tragedy into courage.
Matthew Schaefer maintains unshakable determination after witnessing such loss of his mother and mentors
Matthew Schaefer has not had a typical path to becoming a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. Throughout the year, his life was marked by unimaginable loss. In December, Schaefer lost Jim Waters, his OHL team’s owner, the Erie Otters. Just weeks prior, his billet mom, Emily Matson, passed away in an unfortunate manner. And in February 2024, his mother, Jennifer, died after a hard fight with breast cancer. Every loss cut deep into him; however, none cut down Schaefer. In late December during the World Junior Championship, he suffered a collarbone injury; despite this, he impressed everyone throughout his shortened season with 22 points in 17 games. But numbers tell only half the story. What defines him is the mental strength he developed watching his mother smile through the pain and continue to help him and his brother on her worst days. Those memories now instill a spirit of inspiration into every stride he takes.His tragedy inspired a mission to help others. Schaefer’s platform has been used for various causes that benefit children experiencing trauma, like the Smilezone Foundation and Western New York Compassion Connection. For Schaefer, healing does not mean forgetting; it means remembering. Whether that means remembering shooting pucks with his mom in the basement or being there for families who have suffered loss, he is more determined than ever to translate pain into purpose.The bond with his mother remains deeply ingrained. Schaefer is convinced she is still with him, spirit-wise, watching every game and standing beside him, invisible, as he steps onto the biggest stage his hockey career can offer. And because of that belief, he is imbued with peace and power.Also Read: Matthew Schaefer injury update: Islanders’ potential No. 1 pick gives major update that changes everythingMatthew Schaefer’s story is one of passion, pain, and hope. Chances are, his name might top the 2025 NHL Draft, but it is off the ice that his power continues to resonate through. Through loss, he has become a symbol of resilience—playing not merely to win but to pay tribute to those who have shaped his journey.
