Matthew Schaefer is living a childhood dream this holiday season as he suits up on Canada’s World Juniors team.

Just like many other hockey fans, he grew up spending the winter break gathering with family cheering on Canada in the annual tournament, while also enjoying the time off from the regular season.

“It was always good to live at home and play with your hometown friends. I played with a lot of them growing up. It went by so quick. The tournaments and the OMHA was a great league, I loved it,” said Schaefer.

Canada is looking to get back into the medal column after capturing gold in 2023 but failing to make the podium last year. Schaefer’s experience on defence should help with that.

He’s been part of three teams that won international tournaments – the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, World U17 Hockey Challenge and the U18 World Championships.

“The three times I’ve played with Canada we’ve won gold. Hopefully we can do it again.”

Those tournaments have given Schaefer the opportunity to play with some his now-World Juniors teammates, adding a comfort level and familiarity as he joins the team as one of its youngest players.

This year’s tournament takes place on home soil in Ottawa, where Canada is expected to play in front of a sold out crowd every game. Schaefer is excited to play in the nation’s capital.

“It’s always cool when it’s in Canada because all the fans show out. There’s never been a year where I haven’t watched that the fans haven’t shown out. It’s going to be really cool to play in Canada.”

The Hamilton native played in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs (now Steel) and Halton Hurricanes and was the first overall pick in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League draft. He will be joined on Team Canada by fellow OMHA grad Calum Ritchie (Oakville Rangers).

For Schaefer, it may take until the opening whistle for the feeling of wearing the maple leaf to really kick in.

“It doesn’t even feel real still. It’s super cool because I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life. I’m so excited to get started.”