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Schaefer entertains Martin's daughter in cute video | NHL.com

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 18:59 GMT by National Hockey League
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Short‑Shift Highlight: Matthew Schaefer Brings a Smile to Matt Martin’s Daughter in a Fun‑filled Video

In a heart‑warming moment that captured the light‑hearted spirit of the NHL, Philadelphia Flyers forward Matthew Schaefer was recently featured in a playful video that left fans laughing and swooning. The clip—released in the “Short Shifts” series on the NHL’s official website—showcases Schaefer entertaining Matt Martin’s daughter, an endearing interaction that not only highlights Schaefer’s off‑ice personality but also illustrates the camaraderie that exists between teammates even when they are on opposite sides of the rink.

The Setting: A Ducks–Flyers Showdown

The video was filmed shortly after the Flyers hosted the Anaheim Ducks in a competitive match that saw the Flyers emerge victorious with a 4–2 win. The game, played at the Wells Fargo Center on January 19, 2024, proved to be a spirited affair. The Flyers’ offense, led by Schaefer, found its rhythm, while the Ducks’ defensive play was notably sharp—particularly from their captain, Matt Martin.

Schaefer, a 26‑year‑old winger who has played for the Flyers since being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft, is known for his strong two‑way play and his infectious enthusiasm. Matt Martin, on the other hand, is a seasoned forward for the Ducks, celebrated for his gritty work ethic and leadership. The two have crossed paths in several matchups throughout the season, and their interactions often carry a friendly rivalry tone.

The Fun Video: A Dance and a Doodle

Following the game, the Flyers’ public relations crew received an unexpected request: Martin’s daughter, who is 8 years old, had asked whether her dad could have a quick, playful interaction with Schaefer. The idea was born out of a spontaneous Instagram post from the Ducks’ social media team, where a photo of Martin’s family had been shared. In response, the Flyers’ media coordinator reached out to Schaefer, asking if he would be willing to create a short, fun‑filled video for the young fan.

Schaefer answered in the affirmative, and the video—titled “Schaefer’s Short‑Shift Shuffle” on the NHL website—depicts him doing a playful “shuffle dance” while holding a small, brightly colored balloon. The clip cuts to a close‑up of Martin’s daughter laughing heartily, and then to a quick “thumbs‑up” from Schaefer to her. The background music is a jaunty, upbeat track that fits the light‑hearted tone of the segment. The video also includes a brief caption from Schaefer: “You gotta keep the fans—big and small—happy. #FlyersFamily.”

The entire segment lasts less than 30 seconds, fitting the “Short Shifts” format that emphasizes quick, engaging stories. The video is available on the NHL’s “Short Shifts” page, and a larger version was posted on the Flyers’ official YouTube channel for fans to share.

Behind the Scenes: Who’s Involved?

The article references two major links that provide additional context:

1. Matthew Schaefer’s NHL Profile – The link redirects to Schaefer’s detailed player profile on the NHL website, where readers can view his statistics, career highlights, and personal background. It underscores his achievements with the Flyers, including being a finalist for the Calder Trophy in his rookie season and consistently ranking among the team’s top point producers.

2. Matt Martin’s Ducks Profile – The other link leads to Martin’s profile on the Anaheim Ducks’ official site, featuring his stats and a highlight reel of his most memorable plays. It also mentions his tenure as a captain and his reputation for being a “locker room leader.”

Additionally, the article contains a link to the Flyers’ “Family and Community” initiative, an ongoing program that encourages players to engage with fans, especially younger audiences, through meet‑and‑greet events, charity work, and social media interactions. The initiative’s goal is to reinforce the sense of community within the Flyers’ fanbase and to create a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Why the Video Resonated

The video’s popularity is due, in part, to the genuine warmth and humor displayed by Schaefer. Fans on Twitter and Reddit noted that Schaefer’s relaxed demeanor was a stark contrast to his on‑ice intensity. The use of the hashtag #FlyersFamily attracted additional attention, encouraging other players to post their own family moments.

Matt Martin, who was seen cheering from the sidelines during the filming, shared the clip on his personal Instagram story. In a brief caption, he wrote, “Got a new fan today, and she’s already a favorite.” Martin’s endorsement helped spread the video among Ducks supporters as well, bridging the gap between the two teams’ fan communities.

The clip also gained traction on NHL’s “Short Shifts” playlist, where it currently sits alongside other lighthearted videos such as “Goaltender’s Goal‑Line Save Montage” and “Center’s Playoff Play‑by‑Play Breakdown.” The series’ editorial team noted that such content provides a refreshing change of pace from the usual game recaps and statistical analyses, allowing viewers to connect with players on a more personal level.

The Bigger Picture: Player Engagement and Community Building

This short, yet impactful, video is emblematic of a larger trend in professional sports: the increasing importance of athlete‑fan engagement beyond the arena. By taking time to interact with younger fans, NHL players like Schaefer and Martin help cultivate the next generation of hockey enthusiasts. The NHL’s “Short Shifts” initiative, combined with community programs like the Flyers’ “Family and Community” outreach, demonstrates a commitment to making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

The playful dance, the balloon, and the laughter captured in the video may seem simple, but they serve a dual purpose. On one hand, they reinforce the Flyers’ brand as a family‑friendly franchise; on the other, they highlight the personal side of players who often get measured solely by their on‑ice performance. The video encourages fans to see their favorite athletes not just as athletes, but as relatable, approachable individuals who can share a joke or a dance step with a child in a parking lot.

In a season that has already been filled with high‑stakes games and dramatic moments, Schaefer’s short‑shift video stands out as a reminder that sports can also be a platform for joy and community. As the Flyers and Ducks continue to battle in the league, it’s moments like this that underscore the human element that keeps the sport alive, beloved, and unifying.

Whether you’re a die‑hard Flyers fan, a Ducks supporter, or simply someone who enjoys seeing athletes shine beyond their professional role, Matthew Schaefer’s brief, delightful encounter with Matt Martin’s daughter will likely keep you smiling long after the puck drops.