NY Islanders' Matthew Schaefer hears from one of the NHL's good guys after being named to the opening night roster

Making an NHL roster is a major accomplishment for anyone, but it is more special as an 18-year-old. What makes it even more momentous is being congratulated by your opponents.

Matthew Schaefer was named to the NY Islanders opening night roster, and upon hearing the news, he heard from Chicago Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno.

Foligno, entering his 19th NHL season, lost his mother to cancer in 2009 when he was just 21 years old.

Schaefer congratulated by Foligno

As many know, Schaefer lost his mother, Jennifer, to cancer in February of 2024.

“You know, Nick Foligno, I became close with him,” Schaefer said. “He lost his mom to cancer at a young age. He spoke to me, and I was talking to him about stuff like that. We have the same agent, so, yeah, he’s been awesome. He’s a character and he’s a great guy too.”

Schaefer has been extremely open about the loss of his mother, taking time out of his day to spend time with young people going through similar traumatic experiences.

Foligno and his brother Marcus started the Janis Foligno Foundation, supporting local charities and research projects committed to finding a cure for cancer.

“I know my mom and she would hate the limelight,” said Foligno in 2021  upon the foundation's $50,000 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.  “But I think she would be very happy that her kids are carrying on her legacy and shining the light on her name and her story.”

Schaefer has been an inspiration on and off the ice to many, but seeing an 18-year-old supported by one of the league's good guys is a terrific sight to see.