The calm before the storm that is the NHL season is upon us. The draft is over, only a few free agents remain, and general managers are enjoying some time off at the cottage. But hockey will be here before you know it.
Philadelphia Flyers fans will have to wait a bit longer to see sixth-overall pick Porter Martone in Orange and Black, though, as the top prospect has committed to Michigan State for the upcoming NCAA season. There’s still a chance we see him in the NHL after the college season ends, but for now, we have an extra reason to become Spartans fans for at least one year.
And we recently got our first look at Martone in his new Michigan State threads thanks to a behind-the-scenes video of the Spartans’ photo day posted on social media.
Taking you behind the scenes from Michigan State Hockey photo day 📸#GoGreen pic.twitter.com/jVYTyfW8Fa
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) August 13, 2025
You can catch a glimpse of Martone sitting at the five-second mark, and then again — including a close-up shot — at the 12-second mark.
Martone is joining a roster that has plenty of NHL-drafted talent, including the Flyers’ Shane Vansaghi, along with fellow top pick (from 2024) Cayden Lindstrom.
Michigan State also announced its Big 10 schedule on Friday afternoon. It’s quite possibly one of the best conferences in hockey with powerhouses like Michigan, Minnesota, and Notre Dame. Oh yeah, Penn State, which has some kid named Gavin McKenna committed for the upcoming season, is in there, too.
You asked for it, so here it is.
Mark those calendars for B1G hockey! pic.twitter.com/WnYE4apcsR
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) August 22, 2025
Penn State was also reportedly in the mix for Martone, but with the NIL money given to McKenna, the Flyers prospect was lured to Michigan State.
It’s only fitting that Michigan State’s conference schedule opens up with a weekend set against McKenna and the Nittany Lions on November 7 and 8. They will then travel to Happy Valley on January 31 and February 1, which could be a good reason for some Flyers fans to head up to State College.
Michigan State’s full schedule has also been announced, starting with a two-game set at home against New Hampshire on October 9 and 10. For any fans up in the northeast, Michigan State will then visit Boston University on October 17 and 18.
It should be an exciting season of hockey for Martone at Michigan State. You know we’ll be watching.