Hockey Canada announced that Porter Martone has been named captain of Team Canada for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, held in Minnesota.
The 19-year-old forward, who plays for Michigan State University and was drafted sixth overall by the Flyers in 2025, is one of six returning players from last year’s team. He previously captained Canada to gold at the 2024 U18 World Championship, where he set a Canadian record with 17 points (later noted in some reports as contributing to record-breaking performances).Alternate captains are Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts, Utah Mammoth prospect) and Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins prospect).
Canada opens the tournament against Czechia on December 26, aiming to rebound from back-to-back quarterfinal exits and return to the podium for the first time since 2023.
This leadership role highlights Martone’s experience, including a depth role in last year’s World Juniors (one goal in three games) and brief senior team exposure at the 2025 World Championship.
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