For young Flyers prospect Noah Cates, this Developmental Camp is unlike the previous two he has attended. Noah Cates is joined by his brother Jackson Cates this go around, as the orange and black invited Jackson for Developmental Camp. Jackson is so just easy going much like his brother Noah, “It’s a lot of fun so far, it’s pretty special, it’s another thing we can cross off the list. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.”
Noah and Jackson are “Bash Brothers”, who have literally taken over the Flyers Development Camp. They play together for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and well, they are together practically 24/7. Noah and Jackson are roommates, and took the same classes last year, as both young men are in the business field. Noah’s major is Business/Business Management, and Jackson takes courses for Business/Business Management, but he has not yet declared a major, “We were both Freshmen last year,” Jackson states, “I’m in the business field, but I have not yet declared a major…now my brother on the other hand (Laughing),” “Business/Business Management is my major,” Noah states, “We had the same classes last year. We were together 24/7, as we were roommates as well (Smiling).”
Did everyone catch one of the most spectacular goals at the WJSS about a year ago? 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.
After watching this highlight reel goal, I mean whattttt the fasheezy? This was just pure skill, and Noah just relishes playing the sport of hockey, “It’s exciting playing hockey. Putting that jersey on (sighs with emotion). I’m looking forward to this week with Jackson.”
Cates continues, “Jackson’s got a lot of great skills. He’s a great player, and he was a huge part of the team in Duluth. Winning with him was special.”
This young up and coming prospect in Noah 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 won its second straight (3rd in school’s history) National Title on April 13, 2019. Jackson even potted the third goal in the eventual 3-0 Bulldogs victory, to win the National Title, “I appreciate my brother Noah saying I’m more talented. It’s great growing up together. Our family is excited back home. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.”
The young Bulldogs product in Noah Cates has become quite the stud in just his first season with the Bulldogs. For the 2018-19 season, he has amassed 9 goals, and 14 assists for a total of 23 points in 40 games played. 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. He will not forget this time with his brother that is for certain, “We will just keep working every day. I will not forget this. We had all the same classes last year. We were together 24/7, and we were roommates.“
Hopefully, Noah 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, and neither can his brother Jackson. With that being said, both Noah and Jackson Cates have the heart, the will, and the strength to become hidden gems for the Flyers. Fortunately, the Flyers do not have to rush their development, and they can take their time learning the game the right way. Noah Cates leaves us with his thoughts on eventually signing an ELC:
“There is no time frame with us, and whatever the Flyers want. It’s exciting to be here, and playing pro hockey would be awesome.”
Photo by Stephanie Lyn Photography
