Martone named captain for Canada's world junior squad
Porter Martone will be Team Canada's captain for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, the organization announced Thursday.
Cole Beaudoin and Harrison Brunicke will serve as alternate captains.
Martone, 19, is one of six returning players on Canada's roster. The Michigan State forward was selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft. He had one goal over three games in last year's tournament.
Beaudoin was also a member of last year's U20 team. The 19-year-old forward is currently playing for the OHL's Barrie Colts after being drafted in 2024 by the Utah Mammoth.
Brunicke, 19, has played in nine games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, recording one NHL goal while averaging 15:43 of ice time. The defenseman has also notched four assists in five games with the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The 2026 world juniors are set to begin Friday in Minnesota. Canada's first game is against Czechia on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Canada is trying for a return to glory after being eliminated in the quarterfinals during each of the last two tournaments. The hockey powerhouse last won the world juniors in 2023.