Martone Sets the Stage for Canada’s NYE Clash with Finland at World Juniors
Porter Martone, the captain of Canada’s junior hockey team, is gearing up for a high-stakes New Year’s Eve showdown against Finland. This important match will determine first place in Group B. Martone has recently faced scrutiny after a warning from a disciplinary committee for misconduct during warm-ups, and his team’s lack of participation in the post-anthem handshake after a victorious match against Czechia.
Leadership Under Pressure
The 19-year-old from Peterborough, Ontario, took responsibility for his actions and is determined to improve. “One bad day doesn’t define a person,” said teammate Gavin McKenna, highlighting Martone’s role as a leader. “There’s a reason he was named captain. Guys fall behind him.”
Martone credited his parents, Angela and Mike, for teaching him the importance of using his hockey skills to uplift those around him. He is the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, selected by the Philadelphia Flyers. His father was also a professional player, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1996.
Experiences and Growth
This past spring, Martone honed his leadership skills by observing stars like Sidney Crosby during the men’s world championship. “It was pretty crazy,” he said. “Those guys are your idols, and you still stay in touch with them.”
Kashawn Aitcheson, a teammate and fellow defenceman, spoke highly of Martone’s accountability. “He holds himself and teammates to a high standard,” Aitcheson remarked. Canadian assistant coach Misha Donskov added that Martone’s character and consistency have shone through during the tournament.
Canada’s Tournament Performance
Canada has started the 2026 World Junior Championship with three victories, seeking redemption after disappointing fifth-place finishes in the previous two years. The team has secured wins against Czechia, Latvia, and most recently, Denmark, where they dominated with a 9-1 scoreline.
- Canada 7 – Czechia 5
- Canada 2 – Latvia 1 (OT)
- Canada 9 – Denmark 1
The upcoming match against Finland holds significant importance, especially after a previous loss in a July exhibition game. Martone noted, “We have that in the back of our minds, for sure.”
Finland’s Strong Defense
Finland enters the match boasting a solid defensive record, having conceded just four goals in the tournament. They are led by Canadiens prospect Aatos Koivu, son of former Montreal captain Saku Koivu.
Canadian forward Cole Beaudoin emphasized the team’s aggressive mentality, stating, “We’re going to go into that game and play hard, play our game. And play the Canadian way.”
Upcoming Olympic Announcement
On the same day as the highly anticipated Finland match, Hockey Canada will reveal the roster for the 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament. Two players still eligible for the World Juniors, Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer, are among the potential picks.
McKenna’s Support System
Despite challenges in his current NCAA season with Penn State, McKenna has received unwavering support from his teammates. While his performance is under scrutiny due to lower production compared to last season, he remains optimistic and values the camaraderie of his team.
“We’re a tight group,” McKenna stated. “Knowing I’ve got them behind my back … I really appreciate it.”
The excitement builds as Canada prepares for a crucial match against Finland in the World Junior Championship, with Martone leading the way and a podium finish in their sights.
