19-Year-Old NHL Player Matthew Schaefer Sets Record by Playing Entire 5-Minute Overtime Without Substitution

Matthew Schaefer (19) of the New York Islanders set a rare record in the physically demanding National Hockey League (NHL) by playing the entire five-minute overtime period without a single substitution.

U.S. media outlet ESPN reported on October 29 (Korean time) that Schaefer skated continuously from start to finish during the overtime period against the Nashville Predators.

This marks the first time for a skater other than a goaltender since the NHL began tracking real-time ice time in the 2009–2010 season.

Unlike regulation time, where each team plays with five players, NHL regular-season overtime reduces the number to three players per team.

Because fewer players are on the ice and open space is vast, relentless transitions between offense and defense as well as full-sprint skating are required.

Considering that the average shift for an ice hockey player is only 40 to 50 seconds, Schaefer endured the equivalent of six player rotation cycles entirely on his own.

Schaefer did not simply linger in the defensive zone to catch his breath.

During the five minutes of overtime, he attempted four shots and even drew a penalty from the opponent, dominating the game with overwhelming mobility.

Powered by Schaefer, who logged a career-high 32 minutes and 16 seconds of ice time on this day along with one assist, the Islanders won 4–3 in a shootout.

Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer praised him, saying, "Every time Schaefer steps onto the ice, he has an extraordinary passion to change the game."

Schaefer is a top defensive prospect in the league who won the Rookie of the Year award (Calder Memorial Trophy) unanimously last season.
 

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.