But realistically, Canadians always focus on winning gold in IIHF competition. And so Martone is grateful – as the lone returning Canadian for 2024 in Finland – to get a second crack at a U18 Worlds title. Being named captain won’t hurt the 17-year-old’s prospects for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, especially as he led Canada to first place in Group B.
Enjoying great chemistry with Medicine Hat Tigers prodigy Gavin McKenna, this gifted, level-headed Mississauga Steelheads winger has easily surpassed the six points he recorded in seven games in 2023. After getting a goal and four assists in the 11-3 dispatching of Kazakhstan, Martone sits third in the tournament scoring race with 13 points behind the U.S.’s James Hagens (16 points) and McKenna (14 points).
Martone, who hails from Peterborough, Ontario, set new personal highs in his second OHL season (33-38-71 in 60 games) and added six points in the playoffs, matching his rookie post-season total.
IIHF.com sat down with Martone recently.
How does it feel to be returning to this tournament?
It’s pretty cool. Last year I got to win a bronze medal, but ultimately, it wasn’t our goal. So coming back this year, all of us are striving for one goal, which is to win a gold medal. Hopefully we can do that.
How would you compare Switzerland, the 2023 host country, to Finland?
They’re quite different. Switzerland, as I remember, was a bit warmer, and it was sunny all the time. Here, the sun’s come out the past couple of days, but when we first got here it was snowing, and there was lots of snow.
You’re the captain of Team Canada this year. How does it feel to have that role?
It’s pretty cool to be the captain of my country. But we have lots of good leaders in that room and everyone kind of takes it in their own way. Just being recognized is pretty cool. But like I said, we’re all leaders and we’re all in this together.
What is the biggest strength that you provide to the team?
I feel like one of my strengths is leadership, being a positive influence on everyone throughout the day. You try to put a smile on everyone’s face and go into games with a positive attitude. Even if we’re down 1-0 or 2-0, you just try to stay positive and contribute to the team.
Do you have any special memories…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Rss News…