Mississauga Steelheads forward Porter Martone has been named captain of Canada’s Under-18 World Championship team, despite being one of the youngest players attending.

The IIHF Under-18 World Championship tournament begins today for Team Canada, as they take on Sweden. As the last piece to prepare for the next couple weeks, Canada named their captains for the duration of the tournament.

Porter Martone was named captain of the club, despite not being draft eligible until the 2025 NHL Entry Draft as he is a late 2006 birthday. Martone has established himself as a top prospect in that draft class, and he would be considered a top prospect in this year’s draft class as well — justifying the decision to make the underager captain.

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Martone had a phenomenal second OHL season with the Mississauga Steelheads, and he will likely be one of the top goal scorers in the league next season. He plays such a mature game, from the way he drives with his strength and size, and handles the puck phenomenally so close to his body. We saw a physical edge from Martone this season that we haven’t seen in the past, and he was always willing to create momentum for his team with that edge.

On the ice, Martone is a leader, especially in a tournament full of younger players. Naming Martone captain truly speaks to his character not only on the ice, but also off the ice.

Another OHLer was also named assistant captain; Malcolm Spence. The Erie Otters speedster will also likely lead the way for this team offensively. Spence and Martone make an electric leadership duo, as Spence is also not draft eligible until the 2025 NHL Draft as a late birthday.

Spence’s game revolves around his speed and his elite skating ability. He’s able to make plays at top speed, and consistently beat defenders with his feet. He also plays a very smart, mature game that doesn’t get highlighted enough. Spence has been playing on a poor Erie team for the past two seasons, a team that will likely look a lot better in 2024-2025.

The Under-18 World Championships are always a fun tournament to see players from several future draft classes, including this year’s draft class, but also the 2025 draft class which is led by Martone and Spence.