Martone fronts Team CHL roster for 2024 Prospects Challenge
Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads will lead Team CHL in the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, the Canadian Hockey League revealed Tuesday.
The team will face the US National Team Development Program’s U18 group in a two-game exhibition series of top members for the 2025 NHL Draft class on November 26 in London ON, and November 27 in Oshawa, ON.
Martone, a forward, is No. 2 in FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking for the 2025 draft and has 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in nine games in the Ontario Hockey League.
“Martone’s shot and goal scoring touch is easily his most noticeable attribute, however I have also noticed how good he is at keeping plays alive in the offensive end,” FCHockey scout Mike Kennedy said. “He uses his size, strength, and reach so effectively. His playmaking is an underrated aspect of his game. I think the sky is the limit for Martone and his potential as a top-line winger. His physicality and contributions to special teams will have an immense impact at the NHL level.”
In all, 14 players slotted inside the first round of FCHockey’s Preliminary ranking for the 2025 have been named on the roster, including Martone, Matthew Schaefer (3), Caleb Desnoyers (6), Michael Misa (8), Malcolm Spence (10), Cole Reschny (11), Jake O’Brien (18), Cameron Schmidt (19), Braeden Cootes (20), Justin Carbonneau (21), Kashawn Aitcheson (22), Jack Ivankovic (25), Reese Hamilton (27), and Brady Martin (29).
Emile Guite, ranked No. 17, Owen Conrad, ranked No. 30, and Bill Zonnon, ranked No. 32, were not named to the team.
Roger McQueen, a forward with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, is unable to participate because of a long-term injury. McQueen, ranked No. 7, had 11 points (eight goals, three assists) in eight games prior to the injury.
Here is the list of participants for Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge:
Forwards
Carter Bear, Everett (WHL); Justin Carbonneau, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL); Braeden Cootes, Seattle (WHL); Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton (QMJHL); Benjamin Kindel, Calgary (WHL); Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw (WHL); Brady Martin, Soo (OHL); Porter Martone, Brampton (OHL); Michael Misa, Saginaw (OHL); Jake O’Brien, Brantford (OHL); Cole Reschny, Victoria (WHL); Cameron Schmidt, Vancouver (WHL); Malcolm Spence, Erie (OHL).
Defensemen
Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie (OHL); Quinn Beauchesne, Guelph (OHL); Blake Fiddler, Edmonton (WHL); Reese Hamilton, Calgary (WHL); Cameron Reid, Kitchener (OHL); Matthew Schaefer, Erie (OHL); Jackson Smith, Tri-City (WHL).
Goaltenders
Jack Ivankovic, Brampton (OHL); Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George (WHL).