Kids who have suffered the loss of a parent got to share a special moment with one of the newest members of the New York Islanders - who also lost a parent.

A total of 20 kids got to meet Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders' No. 1 pick.

Cole Lombardo, a 15-year-old from Merrick, got to hand Schaefer his rookie contract to sign.

Like Schaefer, each of the kids has lost a parent.

"Two years ago today, my dad passed away," said Lombardo.

Lombardo says it was a special opportunity to meet with others sharing similar grief.

"It's greater to connect with more people than only one person. So, I felt the group connecting with Matthew, so it was pretty good, it's special to everyone," he said.

The Islanders also gave Lombardo a special treat - he handed Schaefer his rookie contract to sign to join the team.

"Words can't even express how happy I was," Lombardo said. "To give a contract to an NHL player whose drafted first overall, it's kind of it's insane."

Lombardo's father worked for the Islanders for years, and since his death, the organization has been helping his family, like giving Lombardo a job at the Islanders' practice rink at Eisenhower Park.

"I'm really upset about my dad but I'm so grateful for the impact he left on the organization," Lombardo said.

Lombardo's goal is to work with the Islanders full time, like his dad.

Every kid received an Islanders hockey jersey signed by Schaefer.