For Kevin Schaeffer, a 2003 graduate of
St. Anthony High School on Long Island, playing minor league hockey for the in the New York Rangers system is a dream come true. The 25-year old defenseman from South Huntington grew up rooting for the blue shirts. “It is pretty cool to be playing in the Rangers system, especially after being a fan growing up,” Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer got started at a very young age, playing for the Long Island Gulls. While playing youth hockey, he was a fan of Brian Leetch and the Rangers. “He was an incredible player and was able to do some great things on the ice,” Schaeffer said. “He was unreal in the 1994 playoffs as well, which really cemented him as one of the best of all time.”
After playing for the Gulls, Schaeffer went on to play at St .Anthony, where he the team’s most valuable player as a junior and senior. He also played junior hockey for New York Apple Core. After a solid career at St. Anthony, he earned a scholarship to play at Boston University.
Schaeffer’s excellent freshman season was highlighted by a hat trick, the first to be recorded by a BU defenseman. He scored five goals and 12 assists, earning Hockey East All-Rookie Team recognition. From 2005-2007, BU won three Beanpot tournaments. The Beanpot is an annual tournament played by the four major college hockey schools (BU, Boston College, Harvard and Northeastern) of the Boston area.
The team also won the Hockey East conference and qualified for the NCAA tournament for each of those three seasons. Schaeffer enjoyed his college years. “BU was an unbelievable experience,” Schaeffer said. “I wouldn't trade it for anything. To be a part of such a storied tradition, and be a part of the BU hockey family is something I will never forget.” Schaeffer graduated BU in 2007.
In 2004, Schaeffer was drafted in the sixth round with the 193rd pick of the draft by the Nashville Predators. “Being drafted by Nashville after my freshman year at BU was a pretty special feeling,” Schaeffer said. “You work hard your whole life to be the best player you can be, and to have an NHL team take interest in you is pretty neat.” Schaeffer opted to continue his college career.
Schaeffer started his minor league career in 2007 with the Reading Royals of the ECHL. He is now playing for the Charlotte Checkers of the New York Rangers system. Schaeffer is having the best season of his young career. He has four goals and seven assists. In 64 games in the ECHL, Schaeffer has a total of 18 points (six goals and 12 assists). Schaeffer hopes to get called up to the AHL when season ends.
