We welcome back our friend Joe Buono of IslesFix to rediscover Mathieu Schneider, an excellent defenseman who made a big impact on the Islanders in a surprisingly short period of time.
The “other” piece
of the disastrous Kirk Muller trade, Schneider was a born-and-bred New Yorker and the rare player who actually looked forward to coming to Long Island in the mid-1990’s. After winning a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens and gaining headlines for calling out NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before the 1995 lockout, Schneider seemed like a big get for the Islanders and was a popular player among fans, many of whom were also members of the Jewish faith. He was their All Star Game representative in 1996 and an alternate (and sometimes temporary) captain. Then, just like that, he was gone in another big trade that sent yet another All Star away (but at least brought back a couple of future ones).
Along with Joe, we discuss Schneider’s high standing among fans of this time, some of his standout moments on the ice and the quietly impactful NHL career he had a for a long list of teams and even after retirement. We also run down some other Islanders All Stars who were weird for various reasons.
Thanks again to Joe for coming on, it’s always a pleasure talking to him. If you’re not already signed up for the IslesFix newsletter for some reason, fix that immediately.
WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL
- Matheiu Schneider was a rare prospect in his time because as an American (and a New Yorker!), he opted to play Junior hockey in Canada. Here’s an interview from Sportsnet – nearly ruined by Ron McLean’s cringiness – where he talks about his earliest days in the game and winning the Stanley Cup as a Canadien.
- Here’s a short article from Schneider’s trade to the Island.
- Unlike the guy he was traded with, Schneider was happy to be an Islander and received a warm welcome from the fanbase. It was a far cry from how things ended in Montreal, with language tensions and a fight in practice with the Habs’ starting goalie, Patrick Roy!
- He also reveals in the article that he apologized to Gary Bettman for this, sported during the 1995 lockout. That gag is even funnier when you find out that Schneider spent 12 years with the NHLPA and left the organization months after Marty Walsh took over as director.
- Here’s a goal you don’t see anymore: a defenseman scoring from center ice.
- Maybe Schneider’s most memorable goal as an Islander was this OT game-winner over Buffalo. Check out the ultra-rare “C” on his jersey.
- He played less than a season in the Fisherman jersey but Schneider did represent the team in the 1996 NHL All Star Game in Boston. Who the hell boos an Islander at the All Star Game?
- When he was traded away from the Islanders, Schneider was barely mentioned. Wendel Clark and Kenny Jonsson were the headliners for their respective sides.
- It took a while but Schneider has received accolades for his career post-retirement. He was named to the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 and to the The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
What makes a “Weird Islander?”
We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:
- Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
- Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.
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