© 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 my role models in the game,” said Martone (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) on Friday, as he skated with Canada at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. This is an evaluation camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. “In my opinion, both are outstanding players. Tkachuk notably had a significant influence in the playoffs. I also aspire to be a supportive teammate, always ensuring that everyone around me is comfortable. I aim to step on the ice every evening with the intent to win,” he added.

The reason why the 17-year-old is considered a potential top-five pick in the 2025 draft is because of that approach.

In the previous season, Martone ranked second in Mississauga, now Brampton, of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), scoring 71 points (33 goals, 38 assists) in 60 games. He also scored six points, consisting of one goal and five assists, in five OHL playoff games.

“He emulates Corey Perry’s style of play,” stated Brampton coach James Richmond. “He’s constantly near the net, provoking players, and if he’s not doing that, he’s engaging them verbally. The opposing team aims to throw him off his game since he’s a significant point scorer and never fails to retort. Additionally, he’s physically imposing.”

He is fearless. He plays in front of the net, blocks shots, and fights in the defensive zone. He always wants the puck. If he’s taking a face-off, he hates to lose it. He refuses to lose a puck battle. He fights tooth and nail for everything.

When he controls the puck, you’re taken aback by his smoothness. Suddenly, with a simple flick of his fingers, he transitions from a fierce competitor to an incredibly smooth player, skillfully maneuvering the puck through his legs and shooting it to the top of the net. This is an unusual occurrence. Typically, a player possesses either toughness or finesse, but not both. However, he’s an exception, demonstrating both qualities.

© Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads

At the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, Martone furthered his journey with Canada. He led the team as captain to a gold medal victory and stood as the second-highest scorer on the team with 17 points, comprised of five goals and 12 assists, in seven games.

“Porter Martone is a force to be reckoned with,” said Nick Smith from NHL Central Scouting. “He has the ability to change the course of a game and isn’t afraid to play aggressively. He boasts a delicate touch and a talent for scoring. His vision on the ice is exceptional and he has a way of elevating the performance of his teammates.”

He utilizes his physicality to score goals by venturing into challenging zones and has the ability to support his team effectively. He is a leader, the person you’d prefer to have on the ice during critical game moments. He must further develop his skating and footwork skills, but such improvement will occur over time.

Martone expressed his surprise and privilege at being chosen as the captain of the World Under-18 team. However, for Richmond, the decision was a no-brainer. He mentioned that Martone is on his shortlist for the position of the captain for the upcoming season in Brampton.

“Men are naturally drawn to him in the room,” stated Richmond. “He’s a key figure in our group. Last year he was quite young, and it wasn’t suitable for him to hold a formal leadership role. However, he’s now one of our main leaders. Even the more senior members are attracted to him due to his enjoyable company.”

Martone, who started skating on his family’s backyard pond in Peterborough, Ontario, at the age of two, embraced that joyful approach early.

“He confessed, “I’ve always had a deep love for the game. My father, Mike Martone, was a hockey player. He played in the OHL and was even drafted into the NHL. He was the one who first introduced me to skates. I remember telling my parents that I wanted to play hockey forever. That’s when I instantly fell in love with it.”

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

“Without a doubt, he has a significant impact on me,” Martone admitted. “His tough love approach sometimes leads to arguments, but I understand he knows what’s right for me and consistently encourages me to push my limits. I always heed his advice. While we might have disagreements occasionally, I have faith in his wisdom, so I make it a point to listen to him.”

© Charles Warburton/Brampton Steelheads

The best counsel he has received is to maintain the rink as a fun environment for both himself and others.

“He advised, “Visit the rink daily with an optimistic mindset and strive to improve. You have unlimited potential, so there’s always room for improvement each day you spend at the rink.”

This season, it would be better for Martone to take control in each game he plays.

“He said, “I always express my desire to dominate before games, and now I want to dominate even more. Perhaps I should hold onto the puck a bit longer and ensure I’m making the correct moves. If I manage to do that, everything should fall into place.”