Someday, perhaps, UBS Arena will be full of replica No. 48 Islanders jerseys. That is for Matthew Schaefer and the hockey gods to determine in the coming months and years.

But there were more than a few early adopters on Saturday night among the usual No. 13, No. 30 and assorted other jerseys when the defenseman made his regular-season home debut.

One onlooker particularly appreciated it.

“I paid people to wear them,” Matthew’s father, Todd, joked as the Islanders and Capitals came out for warmups.

Seriously, though . . .

“It’s exciting,” the elder Schaefer told Newsday. “It’s surreal. This is all he’s ever wanted as a kid, and I’m proud of him and happy that his dreams are coming true.

“It’s just great to be here. Long Island fans have been amazing, so amazing.”

This was another

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