LONDON, Ontario – Porter Martone was still not going to pass up the opportunity to inflate his own tires when given the opportunity.
The Brampton Steelheads forward has the wind in his sails, and his name now comes up more often in discussions when it comes to talking about the possible first pick in the next draft. He is one of a handful of players who aspire to the throne occupied by American striker James Hagens.
ALSO READ: James Hagens: Waiting for the goals | Fowler: Head to Boston College, Montreal in spirit
Like forward Michael Misa and defenseman Matthew Schaeffer, he will have the opportunity to get closer to the goal this week by taking part in the two games of the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge.
“I think it’s possible (to get ahead of Hagens),” he said in an interview with NHL.com in a modest conference room in a London hotel. “There are a lot of good players who bring something different to this vintage. But I am confident in my skills.
“I just want to be the hardest working guy every day. I want to do everything I can to impress the people watching me and help my team win every night. »
It’s been working pretty well since the start of the season. In 21 games, he hit the target 17 times and amassed 43 points, three fewer than Misa, who ranks first in points in the Ontario Hockey League.
The friendly competition between the two players has always existed, but it obviously takes on unprecedented proportions in a year as important as this one. The two will put that aside in the coming days since they will play on the same trio with Quebecer Caleb Desnoyers.
Their main goal will obviously be to beat the USA Hockey National Team Development Program under-18 team in a two-game series that begins Tuesday in London. Underneath, there will obviously be the eternal struggle to watch between them.
“I’m not the type to compare myself,” assured Misa, who plays with the Saginaw Spirit. “All these guys are very talented and very competitive. They will all have great careers in the NHL. I prefer to just focus on myself and my goals.
“First place overall is obviously the ultimate goal. We all want to be selected as high as possible. I will continue to work seriously to position myself well for the draft. »
On the other side of the border, Hagens collected more than a point per game (15 points in 12 games) in his first year at Boston College, but he still only has one goal on his record. Without saying that this works against him, it obviously raises some questions about his true potential.
The fact remains that the young man is full of talent and it will be difficult to take away his title of favorite.
“We are all different players,” argued Martone. We have different personalities. James and Michael are incredible people and very good hockey players. All I can do is show recruiters what I can do on ice. »
And the defender?
It’s all well and good talking about attackers, but we shouldn’t forget the presence of defender Matthew Schaefer, also in this proverbial mix.
The Erie Otters guard started the campaign hot after missing the first nine games of the schedule due to mononucleosis. He has since amassed six goals and 12 assists in 14 games while showing that he is capable of doing anything on the ice.
NHL teams often have difficulty resisting the lure of a big defenseman – he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 182 pounds – who is effective at both ends of the ice.
“I hear things here and there, but I really try not to follow those things,” he said. I play my way and take things day by day. I don’t like outside noise. »
If he continues on this path, the noise may be a little harder to ignore. And Schaefer – just like Martone, Misa and Hagens – will have to avoid it, and endure it, for another seven months. This shows how there is still time before we can finally draw conclusions.
Here are two PAA related questions for the given text:
## World Today News Interview: The Race For First Overall
**Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting world of junior hockey and the race for the coveted first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft.**
Joining us today are two hockey experts, [Introduce Guest 1 Name and Credentials], and [Introduce Guest 2 Name and Credentials].
**Let’s jump right into it. This article paints a picture of a tightly contested race for the top spot. Porter Martone, Michael Misa, and even defender Matthew Schaeffer are all mentioned as potential first overall picks. What are your initial thoughts on this year’s draft class?**
**(Guest responses)**
**Section 1: The Star Forwards: Martone vs. Misa**
**This article highlights the friendly rivalry between Porter Martone and Michael Misa. Both are putting up impressive numbers, but Martone expresses confidence in his ability to surpass James Hagens as the top pick. [Guest 1], do you think Martone has a legitimate shot at overtaking Hagens? What factors will ultimately determine who claims the top spot?**
**(Guest 1 répondre)**
**[Guest 2], Misa seems to be taking a more measured approach, focusing on his own development rather than comparing himself to others. Do you believe this strategy is wise, especially in such a competitive environment?**
**(Guest 2 response)**
**Section 2: The American Factor: Can James Hagens Hold On?**
**While Martone and Misa are making waves, American forward James Hagens remains the pre-draft favorite. He’s experienced a bit of a slow start at Boston College compared to his junior counterparts. [Guest 1], does Hagens’ performance at the collegiate level raise any concerns about his potential?**
**(Guest 1 response)**
**Power forwards are often highly coveted in the NHL. [Guest 2], considering Martone’s size and scoring ability, could he be the type of player who convinces teams to overlook Hagens and take a chance on a more pro-ready prospect?**
**(Guest 2 response)**
**Section 3: The Dark Horse: Matthew Schaeffer Enters the Fray**
**It’s interesting to see Matthew Schaeffer in the mix for the top spot. He’s a young defender who’s playing exceptionally well despite missing time earlier in the season. [Guest 1], how significant is Schaefer’s potential as a two-way defenseman in today’s NHL?**
**(Guest 1 response)**
**Schaeffer seems to be handling the pressure and hype surrounding him well, stating he’s focused on his game and not the noise around the draft. [Guest 2], how important is this mental fortitude for a young player navigating the intense scrutiny of a potential top pick?**
**(Guest 2 response)**
**Closing Thoughts:**
**This year’s draft class is undeniably strong and full of exciting prospects. We’ve discussed some of the frontrunners and their paths to the top. What are your final thoughts on this year’s race for the first overall pick? Any surprise candidates we might be overlooking?**
**(Guest responses)**
**Thank you to our guests for providing such insightful analysis. This is undoubtedly a draft class to keep a close eye on! Be sure to check out world-today-news.com for all the latest updates on the upcoming NHL draft.**
