# Matthew Schaefer's wild ride from high school to the NHL

> The Islanders defenseman reflects on his rapid rise from rookie camp uncertainty to established NHL player in just one year.
- Title: Matthew Schaefer's wild ride from high school to the NHL
- Summary: The Islanders defenseman reflects on his rapid rise from rookie camp uncertainty to established NHL player in just one year. Schaefer went from a Long Island…
- Keywords: matthew schaefer, new york islanders, nhl, rookie camp, defenseman, ontario league, long island, toronto maple leafs, easton cowan, news, entertainment, Matthew
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/sports/matthew-schaefer-knows-islanders-year-2-isnt-going-to-get-any-easier
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:44:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matthew schaefer, new york islanders, nhl, rookie camp, defenseman, ontario league, long island, toronto maple leafs, easton cowan, news, entertainment
## A year ago, everything was uncertain
Schaefer was staying at a Long Island hotel, finishing rookie camp. He had to prove he was worth keeping past the nine-game contract limit.
## Nobody knew what he could do
Even though others thought he'd likely make the team, Schaefer didn't know where he'd live or if he could cut it at the NHL level.
## Now everyone knows what he's capable of
Schaefer proved himself over his first season with the Islanders, establishing his place on the roster.

> We all know now.
## The transformation happened incredibly fast
Schaefer marvels at how much his life changed in just twelve months, from uncertainty to NHL regular.

> How much stuff has changed in a year, it's crazy
## From high school to the big leagues
Just two years ago, Schaefer was still in high school. Now he's an established NHL defenseman facing his second season.

> I was in high school two years ago, you know what I mean?
## Key takeaway

Schaefer went from a Long Island hotel room and rookie camp uncertainty to proving himself as an NHL-caliber defenseman in a single season.