This week on Village Media’s ‘Closer Look’ podcast: Rising star Matthew Schaefer is focused on his game — and on sharing the legacy of his mother, Jennifer, who died of breast cancer in 2024
Matthew Schaefer was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft — and he definitely lived up to the hype. In his first season, the talented defenceman put up Bobby Orr-esque numbers, tallying 23 goals and 36 assists on his way to being crowned the league’s rookie of the year.
Off the ice, Schaefer has shown resilience and maturity way beyond his years.
When he was only 16, he lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer. In the time since, he has used his star power to honour her legacy and help others touched by the disease — including the creation of the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center.
With a new NHL season underway, Schaefer was kind enough to share some time with Village Media’s Closer Look podcast.