Peterborough native Porter Martone has been invited to Team Canada’s selection camp for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. If Martone secures a spot on the final roster, he will become the first Peterborough native to don the maple leaf at the tournament since Barrett Hayton in 2020.
Although no local players have been on the roster since Hayton, Peterborough has maintained a strong presence in recent years through Peterborough Petes standouts like Mason McTavish, who starred in 2022, and Owen Beck and Brennan Othmann, who competed in 2023. Beck also returned for the 2024 tournament.
Martone, an 18-year-old forward for the Brampton Steelheads, has already built an impressive resume. This season, he leads the Steelheads as captain and ranks second in Ontario Hockey League scoring with 16 goals and 32 points in 16 games.
Known for his leadership and high-pressure performance, he captained Team Canada to gold at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he set a record for career points by a Canadian, surpassing Connor Bedard.
Hockey Canada’s selection camp runs December 10-13 at TD Place in Ottawa, featuring 32 of the country’s top junior players, including 16 from the OHL.
The World Junior Championship kicks off later this month in Ottawa, with Martone vying for a chance to represent Canada on home ice. His journey exemplifies Peterborough’s proud hockey tradition and its continued contribution to the national stage.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)