Porter Martone Appointed Captain of Canada’s World Junior Team
Hockey Canada has officially appointed Porter Martone as captain of the national team for the World Junior Championship in 2026. This decision was announced on Thursday, highlighting Martone’s leadership potential among the returning players.
Profile of Porter Martone
Porter Martone, a forward for Michigan State University, hails from Peterborough, Ontario. At just 19 years old, he has already made a mark in the NCAA, ranking third in freshman scoring with 11 goals and nine assists over 20 games.
Before his collegiate career, Martone played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sarnia Sting and Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads. He was selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the previous year’s NHL Draft, underscoring his talent and potential in professional hockey.
Alternate Captains
Joining Martone in leadership roles are Cole Beaudoin and Harrison Brunicke, who have been named alternate captains. Both players contribute significant scoring power:
- Cole Beaudoin: A forward for the Barrie Colts, he has notched 14 goals and provided 27 assists for a total of 45 points in 25 games this season. Beaudoin also played for Canada in the previous tournament.
- Harrison Brunicke: A defenseman chosen in the second round by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brunicke has scored one goal in nine games this season after earning a spot on the NHL roster out of training camp.
2026 World Junior Championship Details
The upcoming tournament opens in Minnesota, with Canada facing Czechia. This match will serve as a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal, where Canada faced disappointment after being eliminated for the second consecutive year.
With Martone at the helm, Canada aims to revamp its strategy and secure a better finish in this year’s championship. As anticipation builds, fans are hopeful that the team will rise to the challenge.
