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Hours after the NHL announced Matthew Schaefer as the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Islanders rookie walked into Cohen Children’s Medical Center carrying the award that capped one of the greatest rookie seasons in hockey history.
But Wednesday afternoon in New Hyde Park wasn’t about records, goals or accolades.
Instead, Schaefer spent the day posing for photos with young fans, signing autographs and surprising patients throughout the hospital as kids gathered around the NHL’s newest star and the silver trophy resting beside him.
Here from Schaefer:
Fresh off winning the Calder Trophy, Matthew Schaefer visited Cohen Children’s Medical Center to surprise young fans. 🏆
— Greater Long Island (@Greater_LI) May 13, 2026
In October, Matthew Schaefer and the New York Islanders will partner with Northwell Health to open “The Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center, sponsored by… pic.twitter.com/rKnK31JESj
Some smiled shyly as Schaefer entered the room. Others quickly pulled out Islanders jerseys, hockey sticks and phones for photos. Parents snapped pictures while hospital staff watched the 18-year-old defenseman move from family to family, spending time with each child.
The visit came just months before Schaefer, the New York Islanders and Northwell Health open “The Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center, sponsored by the Islanders Children’s Foundation” at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center.
The center, named in honor of Schaefer’s late mother, is scheduled to open in October and will feature hockey-themed décor, Islanders memorabilia and uplifting messages from Schaefer for families navigating difficult moments.
Wednesday’s stop at Cohen Children’s gave families a preview of that mission in action.
Schaefer’s rookie season with the Islanders quickly became one for the NHL record books.
The Hamilton, Ontario native finished the year with 59 points, including 23 goals and 36 assists in all 82 games. He tied Brian Leetch’s NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman and became the youngest defenseman in league history to reach both 20 goals and 50 points in a season.
Schaefer also became the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history and just the fourth defenseman ever to win the award as an 18-year-old rookie.
Photos
All photos by Andrew Theodorakis
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