Porter Martone Earned His Spot At Canada's World Junior Camp

Canada's world junior camp roster is one of the most fascinating there has been in years.

While the pool of talent is always deep, this year's crop is unique because some of the best players may also be the youngest.

Matthew Schaefer (2025 NHL draft) has been one of the best defensemen in all of major junior since returning from an early-season bout with mononucleosis, while Gavin McKenna - who isn't even eligible for the NHL draft until 2026 - is leading the entire CHL in scoring with 60 points through 30 games.

And then there's Porter Martone, the superstar right winger for the OHL's Brampton Steelheads.

Martone, one of the top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft, is currently second in OHL scoring with 54 points in 26 games, just one behind buddy Michael Misa of Saginaw. But it's Martone who earned the invite to Canada's world juniors camp, and the burgeoning power forward is certainly excited after getting an initial taste at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Michigan.

"Obviously I grew up planning for the world juniors since I was a little kid," Martone said. "I watched every Boxing Day game and every world juniors game. Going to the summer camp, it was good to learn all the systems and I'm ready to bring my game into selection camp and show what I can do. Hopefully I can help the team win the gold medal if I crack the roster."

Related: Canada Releases World Junior Camp Roster: Reaction, Snubs, Bubble Players

Martone will have to beat out a lot of older forwards to grab his spot, and it won't be easy. But if he does have one advantage, it's the fact he brings so much to the table. Not only is he one of the most offensively dangerous players in the OHL right now, but he also kills penalties, serves as Brampton's captain and plays with a nasty physical edge.

"I'm willing to go wherever the coach puts me to help the team win," he said. "I just want to go out there and win every night. I'm willing to play on any line or take on any role they need me to play."

Frankly, this may be Martone's only shot at the world juniors. Because of his size and talent, there's a very good chance he goes straight to the NHL next year after he's drafted.

This particular draft class looks interesting because right now, any one of four players could reasonably go first overall: Martone, Misa, Schaefer or James Hagens, who will be an integral part of Team USA's world junior squad alongside his Boston College linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. There is certainly hype around Martone already, but he's taking it in stride.

"I'm very lucky to be in these situations; it's a privilege," he said. "I'm just trying to have fun with it. Pressure is a privilege for me and I'm enjoying it. Not every kid gets put in the scenarios I've been put in, so I try to have fun with it and get better every day."

And if anyone crosses him or his teammates, Martone will step up. He recently fought Misa and has also tangled with another potential first-rounder, Barrie defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson.

"I'm a competitor and I want to win, so I'm going to do anything I can to win," Martone said. "If I have to drop the gloves, I'll drop the gloves."

That won't be necessary at the world juniors, but luckily, Martone is also pretty great when his gloves are still on as well.

Related: World Juniors 2025: Projected Team Canada Roster

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