Two 2025 forward draftees discussed very often for their stellar play are Porter Martone (1st round 6th overall) of Michigan State University and Will Horcoff (1st round 24th overall) of the University of Michigan. Martone (Peterborough, ONT) and Horcoff (Birmingham, MI) each occupy a roster spot on the projected world junior teams of their respective countries. They will face each other on December 5 & 6 when the schools do battle in a home-and-home series in East Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan, respectively.
Martone leads the top-ranked Spartans in goals (7) and overall points (14) on the season. Also, in just a few months’ time Martone has added approximately ten pounds of muscle thanks to extensive off-ice training. Already a big man at 6’3″ and weighing in at 209 pounds at draft time, this additional strength will serve him well when he gets to Philadelphia. There already is a fair amount of clamor by his future teammates for Martone to join the Flyers at the conclusion of the 2025-26 NCAA season.
Another big man (6’5″) and high-end NHL prospect just down the road from Martone is University of Michigan sophomore and Pittsburgh prospect Will Horcoff. Horcoff is the team’s third-leading scorer with 18 points in 14 games for the second-ranked Wolverines, which includes a team-leading 13 goals. The early word is that Horcoff will return to U of M for one more season before joining the Penguins, although a relocation to Pittsburgh at the conclusion of this college season is not out of the question. In addition to his exceptional and still-developing offensive skills, the young man also occupies the center position, and is lauded for his work ethic and two-way efforts.