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Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Top NHL draft prospect Schaefer honors late-mother in not letting personal tragedies define him
When the time comes for defenseman Matthew Schaefer to take the stage at the NHL draft inside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this week, the top-ranked prospect won't be climbing the stairs alone. HT Image There's no doubt in Schaefer's mind his late mother Jennifer will be accompanying him in spirit. It will stand as a joyous moment for the 17-year-old Erie Otters player celebrating the person who's been at his side for every step even after she died of cancer some 16 months ago. 'I love talking about my mom, because I talk about the happy memories instead of the sad memories,' Schaefer said. He recalled the times Jennifer suited up in goalie equipment to face shots from him and his older brother. Even when sick, she'd muster the energy to play mini-sticks in the family basement. 'She's always with me in spirit. I know she has a front-row seat to every game,' Schaefer added. 'I just want to carry on her legacy and character and the person she was.' His mother's poise and strength are reflected in shaping Schaefer's-upbeat perspective in the face of other losses and setbacks. Some two months before Schaefer's mother died, the mother of his billet family was struck and killed by a train in what was ruled a death by suicide. In December, he was in Ottawa representing Canada at the world junior championships when Otters owner and Schaefer's mentor, Jim Waters, died of a heart attack. Schaefer broke his collarbone at the tournament, forcing him to miss the final three months of the season. Through it all, Schaefer refuses to be defined by pain and tragedy. 'My mindset has changed a lot with everything. Just seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face with cancer kind of trying to bring her down, but she wouldn't let it,' he said. 'She's the strongest person I've ever known.' A testament to Schaefer's perseverance: The 6-foot-2, 183-pound player from Hamilton, Ontario, has remained atop NHL Central Scouting's rankings among North American skaters with the two-day draft opening on Friday. Though the debate between ranking Schaefer over high-scoring OHL Saginaw Spirit center Michael Misa was close, scouting director Dan Marr said Schaefer earned the nod because of the development he showed when healthy. Marr referred to Schaefer as 'stealing the show' at Canada's Under-18 summer camp before scoring six points in captaining Canada to win the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in August. After missing the start of the OHL season with mononucleosis, he posted 22 points in 17 games with Erie before being sidelined at the world juniors. 'He's one of the guys I think teams can safely interpret what you see is what you get,' Marr said of a two-way, fluid-skating defenseman who is responsible defensively, a play-maker offensively, and labeled 'a special talent' by Central Scouting. What's unmeasurable is Schaefer's character. 'He's just a breath of fresh air,' Marr said. It's a quality Otters forward Malcolm Spence saw in Schaefer every day as a roommate. 'He's a guy that you wouldn't even know what he's gone through,' Spence said. 'He wakes up every day with a smile on his face.' Schaefer's engaging personality was on display throughout the pre-draft combine in Buffalo, New York, followed by him joining top prospects in attending Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in Florida. In skipping the combine's bench-press and pullup testing portions, he urged his fellow prospects to succeed. In Florida, Schaefer recalled how his hotel room wasn't ready upon arrival, so he took advantage of a sunny day. 'We got a little tan going on, a couple of us,' he said. 'I'm happy with that. I'm pretty light as it is. I have a hockey rink tan, as I'd say.' The only thing fazing him was being awestruck in meeting several NHL players, including Florida's Brad Marchand and Edmonton's Connor McDavid, a former Otters player who went No. 1 in the 2015 draft. Schaefer elicited a laugh when saying he was rooting for the Oilers, before noting he failed to mention that in meeting Marchand. There is a serious side to Schaefer, evident during the combine. He made a point to visit a Buffalo-area outreach group for grieving youths. Gwen Mysiak, co-founder of Western New York Compassion Connection, was impressed by how Schaefer engaged an audience that included about 15 youths, ranging in ages 7 to 17. 'When he walked through these doors, you sensed the genuine nature he has, and how passionate he is to make a difference with all his pain,' she said. 'To have peer support coming from a young man like that on the precipice of his NHL career was a gift,' added Mysiak, whose husband died two years ago. 'I will be watching the NHL draft for the first time in my life because he really captured our hearts.' Schaefer said the visit was the least he could do, noting he skipped his high school graduation ceremony to be there. 'There's young kids that are going through tough times. A lot of people love to keep it in, and I want to try to put their minds at ease in any way,' Schaefer said, before reflecting on his experiences. 'You know, if love could have saved them, they would have lived forever. That's a good saying I go by,' he said. 'But everything happens for a reason in life. Makes me super stronger. And I want to help people.' NHL: /hub/nhl This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Otters' Schaefer awarded with CHL top draft prospect award
Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer was recognized by the CHL as the league's top draft prospect award winner. The 17-year-old, Schaefer, is the second Otter to receive that recognition with Connor McDavid being the other back in 2015. Schaefer, a former number one overall pick in the OHL priority selection back in 2023 who had his season cut short after suffering a broken collarbone in December, totaled 22 points in 17 games this past season. Currently ranked as the #1 North American Skater by NHL Central Scouting and projected to go first overall in the NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, this award adds to the list of accolades for Schaefer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox Sports
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Top NHL draft prospects have breakfast with Marchand, meet McDavid at the Stanley Cup Final
Associated Press SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Visiting the Stanley Cup Final weeks before hearing their names called early in the NHL draft, top prospects Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, James Hagens and Jake O'Brien got a surprise at the Panthers' practice facility on Monday. Brad Marchand pulled up a chair and joined them for breakfast. The 37-year-old veteran shared some laughs and chatted with them hours before he and the Florida Panthers face the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3. 'You think you're just going to say hi, and then you're sitting at a table with Marchand and he's talking to you,' Schaefer said. 'We were talking about the draft and the (scouting) combine, and he was like, 'I didn't get to go there.' And he's laughing, and I'm like, 'Well, look where you are now: You're in the Stanley Cup Final.'" Schaefer, Misa, Hagens and O'Brien also met Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and took in the Oilers' morning skate. Schaefer first met McDavid in January when the three-time MVP returned to Erie, where his No. 97 was retired by the Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. This interaction — in the arena where McDavid was drafted first a decade ago — went a little smoother. 'I didn't think I was going to have to talk at his jersey retirement, and then I ended up talking to him,' Schaefer recalled. 'I ran out of things to say, and I ended up looking at McDavid and go, 'I'm proud of you.' Nobody would say that." Schaefer is NHL Central Registry's top-ranked prospect, though there is still considerable debate as to whom among Schaefer, Misa and Hagens the New York Islanders will select with the first pick after winning the draft lottery. Hagens grew up on Long Island cheering for them and went to games at Nassau Coliseum. Recently, he saw a bumper sticker that read, 'Bring Hagens home,' but he's also a realist about the possibility of his hometown team not selecting him. 'I just want to be (with) a team that wants me the most — I want to play for any of these teams,' Hagens said. 'It's just a competitive nature that you want to be the first person off the board. It's exciting, so I can't wait.' RNH a game-time call Edmonton's longest-tenured player, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, missed practice Sunday, skated some on Monday and is considered a game-time decision, coach Kris Knoblauch said. It is not clear what is ailing Nugent-Hopkins, though he is expected to take part in pregame warmups. Jeff Skinner, who played an NHL-record 1,078 regular-season games before finally making his playoff debut earlier this spring, is on standby if Nugent-Hopkins cannot go. Skinner has been a healthy scratch for all but two of the Oilers' 18 games this postseason. 'It's just part of being a team,' Skinner said. 'You've got to have guys who are ready to step in when there's an opportunity.' 'Trading' Barkov Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov did not register a point in either of the first two games of the final and has a minus-4 rating. Leave it to coach Paul Maurice, ever the jokester, to cut the tension. 'We're trading him.' Maurice quipped. "No, I'm not (worried) at all. There's action at both ends of the ice all the time. I don't think this is a statistical series because it's not relatable to series that you played in the past. Shot attempts, the sheer volume of quality offense driven by both teams and at the same time, both teams are defending very well. He got a minus on the 4 on 4 with a heck of a shot block, but it's in the back of the net.' Barkov recently won the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward for a third time. He played a big role in keeping McDavid off the scoresheet in Game 7 of the final last year when Florida won 2-1 to capture the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. ___ AP NHL playoffs: and recommended
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Evansville Flag Group and Otters to raise money for Marvin Gray tribute
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Evansville Flag Group and the Evansville Otters will be raising funds to construct a permanent memorial outside of Bosse Field in honor of Flag Chairman Marvin Gray. Marvin was a regular fixture at Otters and Triplets games for over 50 years, raising the flag before Otters games and manually operating the scoreboard at Bosse Field. In honor of his legacy as a lifelong Evansville Sports fan, the Evansville Flag Group has started a GoFundMe to raise money for a lasting tribute to Marvin nearly a decade since his passing. The Evansville Otters will wear city flag jerseys on June 14, Flag Day, in his honor and to raise awareness of the GoFundMe campaign for his memorial. After the game, fans will be able to see a fireworks display in celebration of Marvin's life. An auction will be held for fans to bid on the jerseys won by the Otters during the Flag Day game. Officials say proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting Otter's baseball, which was a cause Marvin championed during his lifetime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Exciting Experiences Await Travelers this Summer in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Daytona Beach area, known for its beautiful beaches, rich motorsports history and family-friendly attractions, will have new experiences, amenities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy this summer vacation season. Whether it's a first-time or returning visitor, there will be new coastal fun to discover in Daytona Beach this summer. Here's a look at some of the new developments within the destination: The Rainforest Set to Open at Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure: The much anticipated rainforest portion of the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure will open this summer at the destination's first aquarium offering. The new Rainforest will feature multiple species of mammals and exotic birds including Toucans, Sloths, Otters, Tamarins, and many more. The 55,000 square-foot facility, which opened last year, features more than 50 separate exhibits including a 110,000-gallon shark exhibit and a guest-favorite 10,000-gallon stingray touch pool. The Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest will post updates on the official opening date of The Rainforest to their website and social media platforms. New Exhibits at Museum of Arts & Sciences: The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), the 100,000-square foot art, science and history museum, will have two new exhibits for visitors to enjoy. Shoosty Bugs Exhibit features the work of Stephen Shooster. Also known as Shoosty, Shooster is a fine artist and writer whose works display multiple themes and styles, concentrating on music, landscapes, and conceptual art. At the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, which is located on the MOAS campus, It's a Ship Show has opened and will take guests on a visual voyage through Florida's maritime history. Both exhibits will remain open through Jan. 4, 2026. Veterans Memorial Plaza: Located on the northwest corner of the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge in Downtown Daytona Beach, the Veterans Memorial Plaza recently opened and provides a dedicated location where residents and visitors can memorialize and honor the valiant men and women who lost their lives while defending our freedom. Features include flags representing the six branches of the U.S. Military, a World War 1 memorial, and a six-foot-fire monument with the names of Volusia County residents who died in the line of duty. Marine Science Center: Located in Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center is undergoing a $4.2 million renovation that will bring new marine exhibits and expand areas for public education, staff and volunteers. The Marine Science Center is expected to reopen on June 23. Coke Zero Sugar 400: After a one-year absence, the NASCAR regular-season finale returns to the Coke Zero Sugar 400, scheduled for Saturday night, Aug. 23. This year's 160-lap, 400-mile race will be the final opportunity for drivers to secure their spot in the 10-race battle for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. International Speedway Blvd. ramp and World's Most Famous Beach Sign: The International Speedway Blvd. beach approach at A1A, where the iconic "World's Most Famous Beach" sign is located, has reopened after the completion of a ramp improvement project. The upgraded ramp features three lanes to improve traffic flow onto the beach and enhance the overall beach experience. Also reopening is Sam's Coal Fired Pizza, a popular pizza shop located adjacent to the ramp that was closed during the improvement project. Jackie Robinson Ballpark: Fans attending Daytona Tortugas minor league baseball games this summer will notice significant improvements to Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where ground-breaking African-American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. The facility is undergoing a multi-million, multi-year renovation project that will be completed in phases. Among the enhancements completed ahead of this season are the replacement of 1,300 seats, a new sound system, the batter's eye located in center field and the foul poles. Ambros Daytona: Daytona Beach's newest hotel property, Ambros Daytona, opened in the spring in Daytona Beach Shores. The 50-room independent boutique lifestyle hotel offers an elevated relaxed environment with a mix of single king rooms, double queen rooms and suites that cater to families, singles and couples. Half of the rooms feature kitchenettes. Mystic Lobster: Located within the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, a new fast-casual seafood chain, Mystic Lobster, has opened serving a variety of lobster rolls, crab cakes, lobster tacos, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Plan Your TripWith 23 miles of white-sand beaches, new family-friendly experiences, and world-class dining, Daytona Beach is more than just a beach—it's a destination of discovery. Start planning your unforgettable vacation now. About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeachOften called home of the world's most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area is made up of several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach's year-round appeal. To receive a complimentary Daytona Beach Destination Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit #LoveDaytonaBeach. Media Contact:Andrew Booth, Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureauabooth@ | (386) 255-0415, ext. 125 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
