Getty ImagesMatthew Schaefer
Seventeen-year-old Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. But behind the spotlight and scouts鈥 praise lies a deeply personal and painful journey that has tested the teenager beyond the rink. In the span of just 12 months, Schaefer lost three people who were instrumental in shaping his life and career鈥攈is mother, his billet mom, and his junior team鈥檚 owner. For the rising star, draft night won鈥檛 just be a career milestone鈥攊t will be a tribute to those who helped him get there. 鈥淪he鈥檚 got a front-row seat every game鈥: Losing his mom to cancer In February 2024, Schaefer鈥檚 mother, Jennifer, passed away after a two-year battle with breast cancer. She was not only his biggest cheerleader but an active part of his hockey life鈥攐nce donning goalie pads in the basement so her sons could practice shooting. 鈥淛ust seeing what my mom went through, always smiling even with cancer trying to bring her down鈥攕he never let it,鈥 Schaefer said. 鈥淚 look up to her so much.鈥 Even now, he says, he feels her presence on the ice: 鈥淚 know she has a front-row seat every game.鈥滾ive Events Tragedy strikes again鈥攍osing his billet mom and team owner Just three months before his mother鈥檚 passing, Schaefer鈥檚 billet mother, Emily Matson, died after being struck by a train in Erie, Pennsylvania. The local journalist had welcomed Schaefer into her home and helped him adjust to life away from his family. Her death, ruled a suicide, was another devastating blow. Then, in December 2024, Schaefer lost Erie Otters owner Jim Waters to a heart attack. Waters, who had guided the team since 2015, was a key mentor and supporter. 鈥淛im and his wife, Sheila, were huge parts of my life,鈥 Schaefer shared. A top draft pick shaped by loss鈥攁nd strength As if the emotional toll weren鈥檛 enough, Schaefer also suffered a collarbone injury that kept him out for the final stretch of his season. But in his words, 鈥淚鈥檝e been through a lot in my life and I鈥檇 rather have an injury than lose someone I love. There are a lot worse things than injuries.鈥 Now, as he awaits the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer is not only chasing a dream鈥攈e鈥檚 honoring the people who believed in him most. His resilience and heart have made him one of hockey鈥檚 most compelling young figures, and his story is a reminder that greatness is often forged in the fire of loss.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onMatthew SchaeferNHL Draft 2025Canadian defensemanErie Ottersbillet familyJim WatersNHLviral news(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
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