Hamilton’s Matthew Schaefer wins NHL Calder Memorial Trophy

New York Islanders defenceman and Hamilton’s Matthew Schaefer was awarded this year’s Calder Memorial Trophy by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The award is presented, “to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition,” according to a statement by the NHL.

Schaefer and his family were surprised with the award during an interview on Good Morning America Wednesday, who fought off tears in accepting the award thanking the league and for the support of his family.

The 18-year-old is the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history, one day younger than Nathan MacKinnon in 2013-2014.

Schaefer was the unanimous first choice on all 198 ballots in favour of getting the trophy since Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets received first-place votes on all 50 ballots after his 76-goal season in 1992-93.

The young man from Stoney Creek has made several accomplishments including being the youngest defenseman to record a point in his NHL debut, and the youngest defenseman to score a goal in over 80 years.

READ MORE: Stoney Creek teen finds triumph after tragedy in emotional night