“My mom, my family”: Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Trophy, dedicates award to his late mother in an emotional moment
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, becoming the league's top rookie.
The 18-year-old became emotional during a surprise family reveal on GMA3, dedicating the award to his late mother.
Schaefer led all rookies with 23 goals and 59 points in a historic debut season.
- WATCH: NHL star Matthew Schaefer gets big surprise ABC News —
- Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer becomes first unanimous Calder winner since 1993 The Globe and Mail —
- Islanders' Matthew Schaefer unanimously wins Calder Trophy as NHL's top rookie The New York Times —
- Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Makes NHL History With Unanimous Calder Trophy Win Newsweek —
- Islanders' Matthew Schaefer is the unanimous Calder Trophy choice as NHL rookie of the year ABC News —