NY Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer awarded the Calder Trophy

After a historic rookie season with the NY Islanders, Matthew Schaefer has been named the winner of the Calder Trophy, given to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League.

Schaefer didn't just win the award - he ran away with it, becoming only the second unanimous winner, joining Teemu Selanne following the 1992-93 season.

Schaefer wins the Calder Trophy

Since coming into the spotlight during his draft season with the Erie Otters, Schaefer has emphasized the importance of family. A guest today on Good Morning America, Schaefer was surprised on set by his father and brother, with his dad breaking the news that he'd been named Rookie of the Year. Not only was he joined by his father and brother, but Schaefer's girlfriend, along with Matt Martin, Sydney Martin, and their two daughters, Winnie and Alice, made an appearance as well.

In a room full of emotions where Schaefer thanked his family, including his late mother and all the sacrifices they'd made, he made sure to mention Ivan Demidov and Beckett Sennecke, who finished second and third in voting.

"This obviously could have gone to two other amazing people," Schaefer said, fighting back tears. "Demidov and Sennecke, they've done a lot this year, and they've done a lot for this league. So, you know, I'm super honored to be there with a lot of great names."

At just 18 years old, Schaefer tallied 23 goals and 36 assists, tying Brian Leetch for the most goals in a season by a rookie defenseman while beating Phil Housley's record for most points by an 18-year-old defenseman.

At 18 years, 223 days old, Schaefer is the youngest player to capture the Calder Trophy, one day younger than Nathan MacKinnon, who won the award in 2014.

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