As the spotlight shone on Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, there was more than just hockey history unfolding in Las Vegas—it was a moment deeply personal, emotional, and unforgettable. The New York Islanders’ newest star stood at center stage, tears falling freely as his name was called, wearing a jersey unlike any other: stitched just above his heart was a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon honoring his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer, who passed away in February 2024 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
In a powerful tribute to her enduring spirit, Upper Deck and the NHL officially dedicated Round 1 of the 2025 Draft to Jennifer’s memory, celebrating not only her role as the mother of a rising star, but also her legacy of strength, compassion, and inspiration.
Jennifer Schaefer: A Mother, A Fighter, A Guiding Light
Jennifer was more than a hockey mom—she was a force of nature. A woman whose love for her children was limitless and whose resilience inspired everyone who knew her. Diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2022, she faced every treatment, setback, and challenge with courage, humor, and unshakable love.
Through hospital visits and hard days, she never stopped showing up for her family. Even when she was too weak to stand at the glass, she made sure Matthew knew she was proud. “She never missed a game—not really,” Matthew once said. “Even when she couldn’t be there, she always found a way to remind me she believed in me.”
The Pain Behind the Glory
When Matthew heard his name called on draft night, the overwhelming moment wasn’t just about a lifelong dream realized. It was about everything that led up to it—the empty seat in the crowd, the long months without his mother’s voice, and the promise he made to her: “I’ll make it, Mom. I’ll do it for you.”
The pink ribbon sewn onto his Islanders jersey wasn’t just a symbol; it was a tribute to that promise, and a testament to her enduring presence. The Islanders organization, in a touching surprise, added the ribbon as a nod to Jennifer’s battle—and Matthew’s strength.
As he embraced his father, both in tears, the arena fell quiet in reverence. In a draft class full of talent, this moment stood out—not for speed, stats, or potential, but for love, loss, and legacy.
A Round Dedicated to a Life Well-Lived
Jennifer Schaefer was remembered by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during opening remarks, calling her “a mother who gave everything to her children and to the game that brought them joy.” Round 1 of the draft was officially dedicated in her honor—a rare but heartfelt gesture meant to remind the world that behind every athlete is a story, and sometimes, a hero in the stands.
Upper Deck later confirmed that special tribute cards would be released later this year to honor the memory of Jennifer and raise awareness for breast cancer research, with proceeds benefiting national cancer foundations.
Her Legacy Lives On
Jennifer’s passing left an immeasurable hole in the Schaefer family’s life, but her legacy endures through Matthew, through his siblings, and through every fan who saw themselves in that emotional moment on draft night. It was a reminder that sports are not just about wins and records—they’re about people, about love, about the ones who never stop believing in us.
Her family describes Jennifer as “soft but fierce,” “gentle but unyielding,” and “the kind of person whose love could move mountains.” She was the one cheering loudest at games, the one comforting Matthew through his setbacks, and the one holding the family together through unimaginable pain.
Rest in Power, Jennifer
Jennifer Schaefer may not have seen her son take the NHL stage in person, but her spirit was unmistakably there. In the tears on his cheeks. In the ribbon over his heart. In the roar of the crowd standing to honor a mother’s love.
She will be remembered not only as the mother of an NHL star—but as a star in her own right.