Matthew Schaefer Bettman

Who you gonna call? Your team's No. 1 pick at the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee checked in with top pick Matthew Schaefer after the team made him the newest part of the organization on what was a very emotional night.

The 17-year-old defenseman, previously of Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, paid tribute to his late mother after hearing his name called. He arrived to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a suit jacket that included photos and the signature of his mom, Jennifer, who passed away in February 2024 from breast cancer.

When the big moment arrived, the Islanders presented with him with a jersey that featured a Hockey Fights Cancer ribbon and the initials “JS” stitched on it.

“A lot of tears got to me today for sure,” Schaefer told Lee on the call. “I hear a lot of great things about the team. I know you’ve got a lot of guys under your wing, and obviously it starts with you. Can’t wait to meet you hopefully soon.”

“It’s going to be great, man,” Lee responded. “Soak it all in. It’s well-deserved. You’ve earned it. You worked for this, and you deserve everything that’s coming. … Welcome to the Island.”

The emotional night was capped off with the call from Lee, a moment the young defenseman is sure to remember for a long time to come.

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