Mathieu Schneider

Mathieu Schneider (born June 12, 1969) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 21 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his offensive prowess from the blue line, he recorded 223 goals and 520 assists for 743 points over his career.

Schneider was selected in the third round, 44th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1987–88 season and contributed to their Stanley Cup victory in the 1992–93 season, appearing in 11 playoff games during their championship run. Over his NHL tenure, Schneider suited up for ten teams: the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks, and Phoenix Coyotes. His career highlights include two NHL All-Star Game selections in 1996 and 2003, as well as ranking among the top American defensemen in several statistical categories, such as third in games played (1,289), fifth in points (743), and fourth in goals (223) as of 2015.

Mathieu Schneider was born on June 12, 1969, in New York City, New York, into a Jewish family with French-Canadian roots through his mother.

His father, Sam Schneider, was a Jewish youth hockey coach who had played the sport growing up in Rhode Island and emphasized strong Jewish values in raising his sons. Schneider's mother, Aline, originally from Thetford Mines, Quebec, converted to Judaism before marrying Sam, blending French-Canadian cultural influences with Jewish traditions in the household; the couple divorced in 1981. The family moved from Manhattan to New Jersey shortly after his birth, where Schneider was raised initially in West New York and Toms River in a supportive environment that encouraged athletic pursuits. After the divorce, Schneider and his brother moved with their father to Providence, Rhode Island.

Schneider was born to a Jewish father and a French Canadian mother, who converted to Judaism upon their marriage. He identifies strongly as a proud Jew and has emphasized raising his children in the Jewish faith. Schneider has attended temple services during the High Holy Days.