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.

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 spoke with former Erie Otters forward and current camp director Brendan Sellan. He says the goal is to give these kids comfort—and connection—while they’re far from home. “Just hearing some of the ...

He played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season for the Erie Otters and had 32 goals in 65 games. At 6-foot-2, he’s a relentless forechecker who gets to the net.

24. Los Angeles Kings – Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie Otters). Spence had 73 points for the Otters last season and brings a ton of speed. 25. Chicago Blackhawks – William Horcoff (C/LW, USNTDP).

24. Los Angeles Kings – Malcolm Spence (LW, Erie Otters). Spence had 73 points for the Otters last season and brings a ton of speed. 25. Chicago Blackhawks – William Horcoff (C/LW, USNTDP).

1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer (LHD, Erie Otters). The Islanders have an easy pick here. Schaefer is a dynamic, two-way defenseman that could develop into a Norris candidate in time. 2.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer has refused to let the pain and grief of personal losses and injuries define him in leading up to the NHL draft in Los Angeles. The 17-year-old is the NHL's ...