Young Stars Shine Bright at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Hold onto your hats, folks! The CHL USA Prospects Challenge is just around the corner, taking place on November 26-27. And leading the charge for Team CHL will be none other than Porter Martone. This young winger from the Brampton Steelheads isn’t just putting the “C” in captain; he’s making sure the other letters in his name stand for consistent and confounding for opponents, too.
The Rise of Porter Martone
Martone has taken the league by storm, skyrocketing from No. 4 to the coveted No. 1 spot on TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s draft ranking. With a jaw-dropping tally of 17 goals and 43 points in just 21 games, one has to wonder if he’s reading from a different playbook or if he’s had a word with someone at the NHL Office. It’s practically a crime against the rest of the league!
Adding to his already impressive résumé, Martone also snagged a gold medal while captaining Canada at the U18 championships, logging five goals and an impressive 17 points in just seven games. You know, just a small feat. Button can’t help but gush, describing him as a “significant difference maker.” I mean, at this rate, the only thing he might be missing is a cape!
Michael Misa: The Phenomenon
In the chase for the top, we find Michael Misa, who’s shuffled up to No. 3 from September’s No. 7. Watch out, because this kid is dangerous! With 23 goals and 46 points in 23 games, Misa is leading the OHL in scoring this season. Exceptional status at just 15 and a Memorial Cup champion?! It’s enough to make even the best of us feel a bit underachieved, isn’t it?
Button advises not to sleep on Misa, suggesting he has that “Jack Hughes” flair. If the next draft goes as predicted, we might see someone breaking a few records before they even hit college—imagine the season he could have if he stays awake during class!
Cameron Schmidt: The Goliath of Goals
Now let’s turn our attention to Cameron Schmidt from the Vancouver Giants, who’s sneaked into No. 6. With his WHL-leading 23 goals and 34 points, he’s already turning heads. This kid just scored 31 goals as a rookie! At this pace, he might just be a full-time roster player by the time he’s old enough to buy a round at the bar. The “excellent skill level” that Button speaks of is matched only by his ability to dodge defenders like they owe him money.
Caleb Desnoyers: The Silent Assassin
Another talent making serious waves is Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats, holding steady at No. 9. With 14 goals and 31 points in just 20 games, Desnoyers is as pivotal as a Swiss army knife on a camping trip. Whether you need him for five-on-five play or a controversial power play, he’s there.
Defensive Dazzler: Charlie Trethewey
And don’t forget about Charlie Trethewey, the blue-liner from the USNTDP, who’s holding down the fort at No. 13. While his stats may not jump off the page like a forward’s would, he’s got “John Carlson potential” according to Button. You know, just casually throwing around comparisons to NHL stars. No pressure, Charlie!
Game On!
Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, don’t forget to catch the action on November 26 and 27. With so much talent on display, you might just spot the future superstars of the NHL. Broadcast live on TSN, let’s just hope they can resist the urge to show too many adorable puppy commercials during the break!
| Rank | Player | Team | Position | Height | Weight | Games Played | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porter Martone | Brampton (OHL) | RW | 6’2 ¾” | 208 | 21 | 17 | 43 |
| 2 | Michael Misa | Saginaw (OHL) | C/LW | 6’0 ¾” | 184 | 23 | 23 | 46 |
| 3 | Cameron Schmidt | Vancouver (WHL) | RW | 5’7 ¼” | 161 | 21 | 23 | 34 |
| 4 | Caleb Desnoyers | Moncton (QMJHL) | C | 6’0 ½” | 178 | 20 | 14 | 31 |
| 5 | Charlie Trethewey | USA NTDP (USHL) | D | 6’1″ | 200 | 22 | 4 | 8 |
So grab your snacks, gather your mates, and prepare for an exhilarating showcase of young talent. It’s going to be like watching a movie where all the characters are natural-born heroes, except this time, someone might end up with a broken nose because they thought they could take on Martone. Go Team CHL!
Porter Martone is set to don the captain’s ‘C’ for Team CHL during the highly anticipated CHL USA Prospects Challenge scheduled for November 26-27. His exceptional ability to establish a commanding presence on the ice has rightfully earned him this captaincy and the prestigious No. 1 ranking in TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s latest draft evaluations.
The 6’2 ¾” winger for the Brampton Steelheads has surged dramatically up the rankings, leaping from No. 4 to No. 1 following a sensational start to the 2024-25 season, where he has notched an astonishing 17 goals and accumulated a total of 43 points across just 21 games in his third season in the OHL.
Beyond his responsibilities with Brampton, Martone also led Team Canada to a coveted gold medal at the U18 World Championships, achieving an impressive five goals and contributing 17 points over seven games, showcasing his elite talent on an international stage.
“When I watch Porter Martone play, it’s really simple. The blend of skill, power, edge, [the ability] to play to any scenario, the hockey sense – I see a significant difference maker,” stated Button. “Somebody that’s no fun to play against, somebody that imposes his will on the game in so many different ways.”
Rising to No. 3 from No. 7 on the previous list is Saginaw Spirit centre Michael Misa, who will also showcase his skills at the prospects challenge. Misa is currently leading the OHL in points with an impressive 46 through 23 games, including 23 goals that underline his remarkable offensive prowess this season.
“All Michael continues to show is that he is an elite player,” expressed Button. “Elite skills, elite thinking. He’s back in the middle of the ice, doing the things he does exceptionally well. Don’t sleep on Michael Misa. He’s got some Jack Hughes in him.”
Another standout player ready to leave his mark for Team CHL next week is Vancouver Giants winger Cameron Schmidt, who now occupies the No. 6 spot in Button’s rankings. Schmidt leads the WHL in goals, racking up 23, and stands fourth in overall points with 34. This 17-year-old talent had an impressive rookie season where he scored 31 goals and contributed significantly to Canada’s gold medal wins at both the U17 Championships and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
“Very few players in this draft are as skilled as Cameron Schmidt,” observed Button. “When you look at every single area that you evaluate a hockey player on, it’s excellent with Cameron Schmidt.”
At No. 9, Moncton Wildcats centre Caleb Desnoyers has maintained his position for the second consecutive ranking, currently registering 14 goals and 31 points in 20 games this season. A three-time gold medallist for Canada at the U17, U18, and Hlinka Gretzky Cup levels, Desnoyers is expected to wear an ‘A’ for Team CHL, further underscoring his leadership qualities.
“Caleb is what I call a pivotal centre for your team,” Button remarked. “Five-on-five, power play, penalty killing, hard games, skilled games. Can score, can make plays. His competitiveness is off the charts. He is a dyed-in-the-wool competitor, and he’s got really good, solid skills. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
The highest-ranked player from the USNTDP U18 squad in Button’s latest list is defenceman Charlie Trethewey, who appears at No. 13. Even though this year’s USNTDP roster might not be overflowing with elite prospects as seen in previous years, Trethewey shines as one of the top players on the team. As a commitment to Boston University, he has tallied four goals and eight points in 22 games this season, finding his stride in a competitive environment.
“Charlie Trethewey might be like John Carlson at the same age,” praised Button. “His puck play, his ability to jump into the attack and to think the game offensively. He’s got those qualities of an offensive defenceman.”
Watch Game 1 of the CHL USA Prospects Challenge on Tuesday, Nov. 26 LIVE at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on TSN4/5 and Game 2 on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on TSN1/5 and streaming on TSN.ca and the TSN App.
What are the standout statistics of Porter Martone, the captain of Team CHL, leading up to the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge?
The anticipation surrounding the CHL USA Prospects Challenge is palpable, especially with an impressive lineup of young talent ready to showcase their skills. Leading the charge is **Porter Martone**, the captain for Team CHL, who has risen to No. 1 in TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s latest draft evaluations. Martone’s remarkable performance for the **Brampton Steelheads** has catapulted him from No. 4 to No. 1, accumulating **17 goals and 43 points** in just 21 games this season. His impact extends beyond the OHL, having also played a crucial role in Team Canada’s success at the U18 World Championships.
Following closely is **Michael Misa** from the **Saginaw Spirit**, climbing up to No. 3 in the rankings. The impressive 15-year-old has proven his mettle by leading the OHL in scoring with **46 points (23 goals) in 23 games**. Misa’s elite skills and exceptional hockey sense have drawn comparisons to NHL star **Jack Hughes**, making him a player to watch closely.
Next up, we have **Cameron Schmidt**, a winger for the **Vancouver Giants**, who has secured the No. 6 spot. Schmidt is making waves in the WHL with **23 goals and 34 points**, building on his strong rookie season where he netted 31 goals. His ability to evade defenders and find the back of the net has established him as a player with serious potential.
Also noteworthy is **Caleb Desnoyers** of the **Moncton Wildcats**, currently ranked No. 9. Desnoyers, with **14 goals and 31 points in 20 games**, has earned the nickname “Silent Assassin” for his impactful yet understated style of play. His versatility allows him to shine in various game situations.
Rounding out the spotlight is **Charlie Trethewey**, the blue-liner from the **USA NTDP** who comes in at No. 13. While his offensive stats may not match those of forwards, Button recognizes Trethewey’s “John Carlson potential,” hinting at a bright future for the young defender.
Fans eager to witness this collection of prospects can tune in for the challenge on **November 26-27**. It promises to be an exhilarating showcase, with the potential for future NHL stars to emerge from this talented group. So grab your snacks and prepare for a thrilling display of hockey prowess that highlights the best young talents in the game!
