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Saturday was the ninth day of the World Junior Summer Showcase to help determine the rosters for the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, to be held in Ottawa from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. –– The United States’ 5-4 shootout win against Canada on the final day of the World Junior Summer Showcase featured an interesting subplot: the battle between U.S. forward James Hagens and Canada forward Porter Martone, who could be the first two players selected in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Hagens, who measures 5-foot-10 and weighs 168 pounds, showcased his impressive playmaking skills by assisting a second-period goal by Quentin Musty from San Jose Sharks. On the other hand, Martone, standing at 6-3 and weighing 196 pounds, didn’t score a point but demonstrated some of his top-tier abilities as a power forward.

The rivalry mainly carries a friendly tone, tracing back to their younger days when they were on the same spring team for several years in youth hockey, which included a tournament in Italy.

“Martone is an exceptional player,” commented 17-year-old Hagens. “Competing against him on the ice is always challenging. He’s the kind of player who pushes you to your limits… You can’t afford to let him control the puck because he creates opportunities. He’s truly a unique individual and an outstanding player.”

“Obviously, Hagens is an incredible player, and you can clearly see that from the plays he makes,” said 17-year-old Martone about Hagens.

Throughout the upcoming season, the two are likely to be intertwined, including the opportunity for each to participate in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

“Off the ice, we’re friends, but once that jersey is on, there are no friends,” said Martone. “We fight fiercely and compete, so it’s always enjoyable to face him.”

Musty gained a unique perspective from playing on Hagens’ line at the WJSS and competing against Martone with Sudbury in the Ontario Hockey League. However, he wasn’t prepared to take on the role of a fantasy general manager at this stage.

“He expressed sympathy for the GMs tasked with making that decision, praising the players. “They’re fantastic athletes. Watching them is enjoyable. Really, all one can do is sit back, observe, and appreciate their talent,” he stated.

Here are three things learned Saturday:

New skates would be great for Luchanko

One of Jett Luchanko‘s strengths is his skating, but the Canada forward impressed the Philadelphia Flyers development staff even more when they learned he was using skates that were more than two years old.

“From the way he seemed to be just floating on the ice, I could tell something was off,” said Riley Armstrong, the Flyers director of player development. “When he confessed that he was using two-year-old skates and disliked wearing new ones, I was surprised. I immediately suggested, ‘Let’s get you into some new skates. The potential of what you could achieve could be incredible.'”

It’s quite humorous to observe. Despite using worn out old skates, he’s still zipping around the rink effortlessly.

Luchanko employs an older Bauer Supreme skates model, but he hasn’t been able to find a comfortable fit with any of the newer models he’s tested.

“He admitted on Saturday, “It’s simply challenging to break free from them. I’ve experimented with various skates, but I’m particularly fond of these. So, I’m still figuring it out. I’m hopeful that I’ll find something to my liking.”

The 17-year-old Luchanko has performed decently in his well-used skates. He scored a goal on Saturday and was a leading scorer for the Guelph team in the OHL, earning 74 points (20 goals, 54 assists) in 68 games. This performance led to his selection by the Flyers in the first round (No. 13) of the 2024 NHL Draft.

He’s hoping his search for skates will lead him to a comfortable pair as he’s uncertain about the durability of his current model.

He said, “They’re nearing the point of breaking. Ideally, I can locate a pair and perhaps purchase a bulk for my entire career. That would likely be the optimal solution.”

Golden opportunity for Nadeau

Bradly Nadeau played on Canada’s top line for each of its two games at USA Hockey Arena here, including Saturday, when he and had an assist before scoring in the first round of the shootout.

Nadeau, who inked a three-year, entry-level agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes on April 7 and first appeared in the NHL on April 16, could get the opportunity to begin the season with the Hurricanes. However, this prospect could potentially dash his WJC aspirations.

The 19-year-old has never participated in an international tournament for Canada, but he’s not considering that far into the future.

“I’m committed to working hard and seeing where it leads,” he stated on Friday. “Regardless of where I end up, my focus is to give my best and strive for the next level.”

Nadeau, who was picked by Carolina in the first round (No. 30) of the 2023 NHL Draft, stated that his solitary NHL game to date was a revelation, demonstrating the level of effort he’ll need to exert to remain with the Hurricanes.

“He stated, “Spending time with those guys always leaves you feeling as if you’re not doing enough. It prompts you to alter your training routine and do more. It was beneficial for me to have that experience and observe their methods, so I could incorporate some of their techniques into my own game.”

Nadeau (5-10, 161) stated that the primary advice he has received from the Hurricanes development staff is to increase his strength.

“I feel that I’ve made significant progress in the months following the season’s end. However, another month and a half is still ahead of me,” he stated. “I’ll ensure to keep up with this progress.”

Pieniniemi learns from Letang

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman prospect Emil Pieniniemi spent about three weeks during the offseason skating and training in Pittsburgh, where he kept a close watch on Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

At the age of 37, the player scored 51 points, including 10 goals and 41 assists, and participated in all 82 games last season, marking his 18th season in the NHL. The impressive conditioning required for such performance certainly caught Pieniniemi’s attention.

“I just observed him exercising. Despite being much older than my 19 years, he still manages to perform all his tasks quite excellently,” the teenager stated.

Pieniniemi, who stands 6-2 and weighs 170 pounds, was selected as a third-round pick (No. 91) by the Penguins in the 2023 draft. He is aware that building more strength is essential for his effective progression. Although his stint in Pittsburgh has aided him in gaining some strength, he acknowledges that there is still more progress to be made.

“Through substantial physical training, he has improved his defense,” said Lauri Mikkola, the coach of Finland. “While he often handles situations well, his power isn’t quite there yet. However, his defense has certainly improved.”

Pieniniemi contributed with an assist to Finland’s 5-3 victory over Sweden on Saturday, and accumulated three points from two goals and one assist in four games at the WJSS. He is close to deciding where he will play this season; either with Karpat in Finland’s Liiga, or with Kingston from the Ontario Hockey League. Kingston selected him with the 10th pick of the 2023 Canadian Hockey League import draft.

It would be beneficial for him to adapt to North American-sized rinks before reaching the NHL, but it would also be advantageous to stay at home and play in the top men’s league.

“I believe [the OHL] would benefit me, and similarly in Finland,” he stated. “So, it’s a tough decision.”