While Trevor Hill’s arrival in Portage may have flown under the radar outside of scouting circles, the 17-year-old forward has quickly made a name for himself and is now among the most talked-about players in the MJHL.
The San Antonio, Texas native has become a driving force for the Portage Terriers, producing at a level that places him among the league’s top point producers and has drawn interest from NCAA Division I programs.
The young forward could not have drawn up a better start. Through 30 games, Hill has recorded 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points. He leads the MJHL in goals and sits second in overall scoring.
Hill appeared on the scoresheet in all but three games in October, earning MJHL Rookie of the Month honors. He followed that with another strong showing in November, posting nine goals and 16 points, including two game-winning goals, which earned him the same recognition for a second straight month.
Hill’s path to Portage began with the Moose Jaw Warriors, who selected him No. 38 overall in the second round of the 2023 WHL US Prospect Draft. He attended training camp in the fall and appeared in two preseason games. Although he did not make the Opening Night roster, the decision was centered on long-term development.
Moose Jaw’s staff believed Hill would benefit from playing major minutes against older competition before taking the next step at the major junior level. With a strong relationship between the two organizations, Portage emerged as an ideal fit.
“I think it’s going really well,” Hill told PuckPreps on his fit with the Terriers. “I got put in a really good situation. We have a great coaching staff and a great environment, and that helped me get acclimated very quickly.”
That culture has been paramount to Hill’s smooth transition. He credits Portage head coach and general manager Blake Spiller for creating an environment that supports young players while still pushing them to improve. From the outset, Hill was placed alongside experienced teammates and given opportunities that allowed him to play to his strengths while continuing to grow.
While the points have come, the transition to the MJHL has not come without adjustments. After competing primarily against players his own age last year at Black Bear Academy, Hill is now facing opponents who are older and stronger.
“Going against these older players who have had this experience teaches you how to play a man’s game,” Hill said. “It’s been a little bit of a learning curve, but I was able to figure it out pretty quickly, and it’s only just going to help me get better from here.”
That mindset has helped Hill maintain consistency throughout the season. He has avoided extended slumps and continued to find his way onto the scoresheet, even during quieter stretches. Hill credits his linemates and overall team play for that consistency, pointing to timely passes and attention to small details that help sustain his confidence.
When Hill first arrived in Portage, his role was still taking shape. The move happened quickly, and he had limited familiarity with the organization. Early on, the coaching staff focused on understanding the type of player Hill saw himself as and where he could best fit. He was tested on both special teams units during the preseason, with his responsibilities expanding as the season progressed.
“I’ve always had confidence in myself to put the puck in the net, get points, and also be reliable in all three zones,” Hill said. “My expectations for myself coming into this season was to be a top line guy who can produce but can be put against the other team’s top line and shut them down as well.”
That trust has followed.
Hill has logged significant power play minutes, where his ability to find open ice has led to goals. He has also earned time on the penalty kill, reflecting his attention to detail and willingness to handle defensive responsibilities.
Much of Hill’s offensive success has come alongside Rhett Platt and Drayden Uhrina as Portage’s top line. The trio has developed strong chemistry, with each player offering a distinct skill set. Platt offers a big body and puck protection, often creating space down low. Uhrina adds creativity and high-end skill, capable of generating chances in tight areas. Hill views himself as the connector, reading off his linemates and supporting their strengths.
“I try to be the glue to the line,” Hill said. “I try to be the support because they’re both so good and so skilled in their own ways. I try to work off of them and find my own ways to help them get the puck to the net and then just bury the puck.”
Despite his offensive output, Hill places equal emphasis on defense. That shows most clearly in the face-off circle, particularly in his own zone. Regularly matched against older and stronger centers, he understands the importance of puck possession.
“That’s the biggest spots where you need to win draws,” Hill said of the D-zone. “If you lose it, anything can happen. Face-offs are something I really try to work on every day in practice.”
Hill believes his biggest strides this season have come in hockey sense and maturity.
While strength and speed will continue to develop with time, learning how to manage shifts, read plays, and contribute without the puck has been a key area of growth. That balance has allowed him to remain productive without sacrificing responsibility.
After Christmas, Hill will have the opportunity to practice with Moose Jaw and remain with the team into early January. While a potential call-up always exists due to trades or injuries, his focus remains on finishing the season strong in Portage.
Beyond junior hockey, Hill’s play has also started to draw interest from NCAA Division I programs. Bemidji State has already reached out, with a potential to watch him play later this year, marking an early step in the recruiting process.
As the season continues and Hill’s production remains steady, interest from schools is expected to grow.
“There’s no real rush,” Hill said. “I’m just being patient and focusing on playing my game.”