© Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads

PLYMOUTH, Michigan — One of the first adjectives used to describe Porter Martone is loud, on and off the ice.

Where the top 2025 NHL Draft forward prospect cranks up the volume the most is with his physical play and strength around the opposition net, creating havoc like forwards Corey Perry of the Edmonton Oilers and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers.

“Those two players are who I aspire to emulate in my game,” said Martone, who measures 6-foot-3 and weighs 196 pounds, during his Friday skating session with Canada at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. This event serves as an assessment camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. “They’re both phenomenal players. Tkachuk’s performance in the playoffs was particularly impactful. I also strive to be a supportive teammate, ensuring that everyone around me feels comfortable. I aim to go out on the ice every night and secure a win.”

The reason the 17-year-old is considered an early contender for a top-five pick in the 2025 draft is due to that approach.

In the previous season, Martone ranked second in the Ontario Hockey League for Mississauga (currently Brampton), garnering 71 points (33 goals, 38 assists) in 60 games. Moreover, he accumulated six points (one goal, five assists) in five OHL playoff games.

“He plays in a manner quite akin to Corey Perry,” said Brampton coach James Richmond. “He’s always hovering around the net, jabbing at players, and if he’s not jabbing, he’s engaging in conversation. The opposing team aims to unnerve him because he’s a prolific scorer and he’s constantly retorting them, plus he’s a robust, sturdy lad.”

He is fearless. Playing both in front of the net and the defensive zone, he blocks shots and isn’t afraid to scrap. He constantly seeks the puck. If he’s taking the face-off, losing isn’t an option. The same goes for puck battles. He fights tenaciously for every advantage.

When he takes control of the puck, you can’t help but marvel, ‘Wow, that is smooth.’ In an instant, with just a flick of his fingers, he transforms from a fierce, intimidating figure to an incredibly graceful one, skillfully maneuvering the puck between his legs before shooting it to the top of the net. That’s an unusual combination. Typically, a player exhibits either raw power or finesse, but rarely both – and yet, he possesses both.

© Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads

In the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, Martone represented Canada once again. He led the team as the captain to a gold medal victory, and was the team’s second-highest scorer, recording 17 points (comprising of five goals and 12 assists) in seven games.

“Porter Martone is an incredible player,” said Nick Smith from NHL Central Scouting. “He’s a game changer who plays aggressively. His goal scoring ability is exceptional due to his soft hands. He has great vision on the ice and significantly improves the performance of his teammates.”

He asserts his physical dominance to score goals in tough areas and can also defend his position. He’s a leader and the one you’d want on the ice in crucial game moments. Improvements in his skating and footwork are needed, but those will come in due time.

Martone expressed that being named captain of the World Under-18 team was both a surprise and a privilege. However, for Richmond, it was a clear decision. He mentioned that Martone is on his short list for the captaincy in Brampton this season.

“Men are drawn to him in the room,” mentioned Richmond. “He’s a significant figure among us. Last year, he was relatively young to hold any official leadership role. Yet, he is one of the authoritative figures in our team. Even the seniors are attracted to him due to his pleasing personality.”

Martone, who started skating on his family’s backyard pond in Peterborough, Ontario at the age of 2, adopted a joyful approach early on.

“He said, “I’ve always had a deep love for the game. My father, Mike Martone, was a hockey player who played in the OHL and got drafted into the NHL. He was the one who first introduced me to skating. I remember telling my parents that I would play hockey for the rest of my life. I fell in love with it instantly.”

Mike Martone, a defenseman chosen by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (No. 106) of the 1996 NHL Draft, never made it to the NHL. He spent five seasons in the minor leagues before transitioning into coaching, alongside Porter and his younger sister, Audrey.

“Undoubtedly, he has a significant impact on me,” asserted Martone. “He sets high expectations for me which sometimes leads to disagreements, but I know he wants the best for me and constantly motivates me. He’s someone I always heed. Even though we might occasionally argue, I’m aware that he knows what’s best, so it’s necessary for me to heed his advice.”

© Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads

The best counsel he has received is to continually make the rink an enjoyable location for both himself and others.

“He said, ‘Strive to improve each day you visit the rink, carrying a positive attitude. You can always enhance your abilities as you’re never at your limit.'”

It would be better for Martone to take control in each game he plays this season.

“He said, “Before games, I always express my desire to dominate and I want to take that domination a notch higher. Perhaps I could retain the puck a bit longer, ensuring that I make the right moves. If I can manage that, everything should fall into place.”