Nolan Schaefer

Nolan Schaefer (born January 15, 1980 in Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for HC Ambri-Piotta of the National League A.

Playing career
Schaefer began a four-year tenure with Providence College, beginning in 1999–00. He played in 99 games total with Providence and recorded a school record 2,848 saves. He enjoyed his most successful season as a Friar in 2000–01 when he posted 15 wins, leading PC to the NCAA Tournament and was named to the All-American Second Team.

Following his freshman year with Providence, Schaefer was selected by the San Jose Sharks in fifth round (166th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft on June 24, 2000. He followed in his brother Peter Schaefer's footsteps and became the second person from Yellow Grass to be drafted and play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Schaefer signed a contract with San Jose on August 19, 2003, and spent three seasons playing with the Sharks' AHL affiliate Cleveland Barons (The Barons moved to Worcester, Massachusetts and changed the team name to the Sharks in 2006). On August 15, 2005, he was re-signed to a one-year contract as a restricted free agent by San Jose.

Schaefer made his first NHL appearance with the Sharks by being called up to replace the injured Vesa Toskala on October 26, 2005. He played 7 games in total that season, recording 5 wins. During that stint, Schaefer was the first Sharks goaltender to earn a win in a shootout, which had been implemented in the NHL, beginning that season in 2005–06. Schaefer subsequently bounced back and forth between San Jose and Cleveland serving as the Sharks' third string goaltender.

On February 27, 2007, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2007 late-round draft pick. On July 3, 2007, Schaefer signed with the Minnesota Wild as a free agent. On 05 August 2009 left Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL) and signed for Kontinental Hockey League club HC CSKA Moscow.

Personal life
Schaefer runs the website unmasklyme.com, which he uses to increase the awareness of lyme disease, which his wife currently suffers from.

Awards

 * 2000-01 HE  First All-Star Team
 * 2000-01 NCAA  East Second All-American Team
 * 2007-08 AHL  Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award

Personal
Nolan is the younger brother of Peter Schaefer, a left winger with the Providence Bruins.