For years, Jennifer Schaefer had a front-row seat to her son’s journey to the NHL. Matthew Schaefer’s big dream officially became a reality when the Islanders’ 18-year-old rookie defenseman took the ice for his first NHL game. For more on Schaefer’s story, visit the link in bio. (Photo Credit: Alejandra Villa Loarca, The Schaefer family, Getty Images/Bruce Bennett) #longisland #longislandny #liny #longislandnewyork #suffolkcountyny #suffolkcounty #nassaucountyny #nassaucounty #matthewschaefer #islanders #nyislanders #Isles #nyisles #newyorkislanders #Islandershockey #Isleshockey #erieotters #mom #hockeymom #hockeyfamily #nhl #nhlhockey #schaefer #nhldebut #hockeyplayer #cancer #family #ubsarena