Photo via X @NHLFlyers
Peterborough native Porter Martone made his NHL debut Tuesday night with the Philadelphia Flyers, just two days after signing his first professional contract. Taking on the Washington Capitals, the 19-year-old Martone started the game at right wing and saw significant ice time in his first game.
He played 22 shifts totaling 16 minutes and 54 seconds, which was sixth most among Flyers forwards, and logged 3 minutes and 17 seconds on the powerplay, which was fifth most on the team and sixth overall in the game. He also had five shots on net, which was more than anyone else on either team.
Although he was held pointless, the Immaculate Conception and St. Peter’s alum did end up on the scoresheet when he received a delay of game penalty in the first period after his clearing attempt sent the puck out of play. Washington did not score while he was in the box.
His line spent most of the game matched up against the all-time leading goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin, who started his NHL career a year before Martone was even born.
Martone’s family, including his father Mike, a former Peterborough Petes captain, mother Ang, sister Audrey, and grandparents, were in attendance and shown several times during broadcasts.
Although Philadelphia lost the game 6-4, the score was secondary for Peterborough residents, friends, family and former teammates who tuned in to watch Martone fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NHL; a moment he will never forget as he begins an exciting new chapter in his hockey career.
The Flyers are back in action Wednesday when they host the Detroit Red Wings.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
