The Philadelphia Flyers motto is to remain patient and await the course. This is an uncommon practice in year’s past for the Flyers organization. However, Flyers fans are now beginning to see the transformation of a young Flyers team that is stocking up for long-term success. Fans are hoping it pays off within the next few years with a parade down Broad Street.
General Manager Ron Hextall is hoping to strengthen the Wing position in the near future by using homegrown talent. With the likes of young prospects such as Isaac Ratcliffe, Joel Farabee, Wade Allison, Brendan Warren, Matthew Strome, and Maxim Sushko “AKA Maksim Sushko,” could there be any other hidden gems in the Flyers system? Let’s not forget about a young prospect in Noah Cates, who plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.
Did everyone catch one of the most spectacular goals at the WJSS this past Summer? Well, Noah Cates took the puck in between his legs, and potted a spectacular goal for the United States against Team Canada. This is exactly the type of player the Flyers thought they would receive when they drafted him in 2017 in the 5th Round of the NHL Draft.
Sick goal by Noah Cates pic.twitter.com/qnEwSM5K3I
— Brad Keffer (@brad_keffer) August 4, 2018
After watching this highlight reel goal, I mean whattttt the fruit right? Let’s see maybe his favorite food gave him the energy of this insane between the legs goal. Who knows right? All that Cates knows is he is excited for his future, and he’s hoping it takes him to Stardom with the orange and black in the future.
“My favorite food…ummm Steak (Laughing). Thanks for the compliment of the goal. Crazy.”
Cates continues, “I was pretty young when they drafted me. It’s nice that the hard work paid off. Kind of a long process since then a couple of years ago. The Flyers team has exciting players. I’m here and developing here is my goal right now, and I’m hoping I play with the Flyers one day.”
This young up and coming prospect in Cates was born on February 5, 1999, in Stillwater, Minnesota. Cates chose to stay close to home to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth, following his great playing days at Stillwater High School, where he amassed 149 career points in 75 games played. Of course, it helps that he is currently playing with his brother Jackson Cates for a Bulldogs hockey team that is quite impressive in the early going with a record of 6-1-1. His family means the world to him, and they have helped him get to this point in his career. So attending college with his brother was a no brainer.
“For sure, they’re everything. Especially being here with my brother now, our parents are at all the games supporting us. My dad has coached us for years, and he gives little tips. He knows the game really well. My family has been instrumental with helping us on and off the ice.”
The young Bulldogs product, Cates has become quite a stud while only playing in 8 games for the Bulldogs. For the 2018-19 season thus far, he has amassed 3 goals, and 3 assists for a total of 6 points. It appears he has continued his success from the 2017-18 season with the Omaha Lancers, where he tallied 21 goals, and chipped in 34 assists for a total of 55 points in 60 games played. Cates appears to be adjusting to college life well, and some of his characteristics are really flourishing on the ice for the Bulldogs.
“I’m hard working, smart. I pay attention to little things, and little details I have in my game. Something people can’t see is I just want to help the team win.”
Cates continues, “Kind of dependability by playing in all situations. It helps you develop as a player. Hopefully, it takes you to the next level. Coaches may put you in any situation, and it can help you get better. It can also take you to the next role.”
If a person saw Cates play for the Lancers last season, then one would have instantly notice his smooth skating ability. Cates has grown so much in his years of playing the sport of hockey, and he may be turning into a real steal for the orange and black. Moreover, many people have helped him along the way, and he has not taken that for granted. He also watches hockey to watch the game, so maybe that’s helped him as well.
“All my coaches growing up at such a young age have helped me. Dave Wilkie last year at Omaha, Matt Doman with Stillwater, Don Segasaro a lifelong coach growing up.”
The young prospect continues, “I kind of like to watch the game. I like Joe Pavelski a lot. He’s a smart player, and Logan Couture some Sharks guys. They’re both very smart, and make plays.”
Hopefully, Cates will pan out the way the Flyers envision him to. Cates cannot be forgotten by some as a Winger for the orange and black in the future. With that being said, Cates has the heart, the will, and the strength to become a hidden gem for the Flyers. Fortunately, the Flyers do not have to rush his development, and he can take his time learning the game the right way. Cates leaves us with a very unique message for Flyers fans:
“It’s a fun sports town. It’s going to be quite a process for me being a later draft pick, but hopefully I can make it there one day. I look forward to developing, and hopefully play for the Flyers in front of such great fans.”
