PVNC Catholic alumni Porter Martone visits St. Paul CES in Lakefield ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft

May 1, 2025

It was a hero’s welcome for Porter Martone as he walked through the hallway, lined with students cheering and holding signs, at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield.

The Brampton Steelheads forward and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board alumni is ranked 4th among North American skaters by National Hockey League (NHL) Central Scouting ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft at the end of June.

Martone came to St. Paul CES on Apr. 25, 2025 to visit his mother Angela Martone’s Grade 2/3 class as part of the NHL’s documentary program entitled Welcome to the NHL, a behind the scenes look at the top prospects at the draft.

Porter’s father, Mike Martone, is a teacher as well at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School.

“It’s pretty special. I remember when I was this young and going to school. Ever since I got older, I keep coming to my mom’s class and seeing the kids go through her class and to see everyone is pretty cool,” Porter said. “I try to be a role model to kids. I was in their shoes once and I try to do what I can to answer their questions.”

“Having Porter come into the class is very special for many reasons. The students have always loved when he visits! Over the years he always makes a point of coming in and reading, playing outside and even decorating Christmas cookies with the kids,” said Angela. “This visit was a little different but was still just Porter taking time to come hang out with the kids at St. Paul and include them in a pretty special moment in his journey.”

A film team accompanied Porter on his visit which included a question and answer session with the students, floor hockey game and storytime, where Porter read to the class.

He also signed autographs for the students.

 “It’s pretty cool to see him,” said Willem McIlmoyle, Grade 6 student. “I’ve known him since Grade 4 and it’s cool to know someone who’s going to the NHL.”

Willem, a Colorado Avalanche fan, added he hopes the Avs trade up to a higher pick to select Porter at the draft.

Grade 5 student Harvey Banks is a big Porter Martone fan – even wearing a Steelheads jersey for his visit.

“He’s a great role model for me,” Harvey said. “It’s a full house when he comes to play the Peterborough Petes. I know him and when I was in Ms. Martone’s class, he would come in and have fun. I even saw him dunk a basketball once in the gym!”

As for the draft itself, Porter said he’s excited and is anticipating hearing his name called.

“I’m taking it day-by-day right now and I’m trying to get better each day. I’m excited to get drafted and see where I’m going to land,” he said.

“Mike, our daughter Audrey and I are all very excited to see his dreams coming true. He has worked so hard and set goals for himself and we are beyond proud of him for reaching these goals,” added Angela.

Porter said his time at PVNC Catholic helped him become the young man he is today and he wants to continue to give back and be a role model to youth.

“Ever since I was in Kindergarten at Immaculate Conception CES, in this school board, I met people who became lifelong friends and teachers who made me who I am,” Porter said. “The people you meet on the way, they help you get to where you need to be and I’ll always be grateful for all of them.”

Welcome to the NHL will air on the NHL Network in July.

To read Porter’s NHL Draft Diary, go here.