Jackson Cates Bio
Jackson Cates (born September 28, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey center who plays for the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League (AHL). He previously appeared in games for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Listed at 6 feet 0 inches tall and roughly 190 pounds, Cates is recognized for his two-way play and his ability to contribute on both the power play and the penalty kill. As an undrafted free agent, he has built his career through steady development in college hockey and the minor professional ranks before earning an opportunity at the top level.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Cates was born on September 28, 1997, in Stillwater, Minnesota. He grew up in a region with a strong hockey tradition and developed his game locally with the Stillwater Area High School Ponies. During his time with the program, the team reached the state tournament in both 2014 and 2016, giving Cates valuable exposure to high-stakes postseason hockey during his formative teenage years.
Over the course of his high school career, Cates accumulated 57 goals and 63 assists for 120 points, a total that placed him at the top of the school’s all-time scoring list. At the conclusion of his senior season, he was presented with the Herb Brooks Award, a yearly honor given to the state tournament player who best reflects the values and traits associated with the legendary coach. That recognition underlined his standing as one of the top young players in Minnesota before he moved on to junior hockey.
Path to Hockey
After finishing high school, Cates joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League, one of the top junior leagues in the United States. Playing for the Black Hawks allowed him to test himself against many of the country’s best amateur prospects. A memorable early highlight came on January 28, 2018, when he scored a hat trick in a 7–3 win over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, signaling his scoring touch at the junior level.
Although he originally committed to Michigan Tech, Cates signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Minnesota Duluth in August 2017 so that he could play alongside his younger brother. He spent three seasons with the Bulldogs, and during his junior year he produced 27 points, made up of 11 goals and 16 assists, in 28 games. That production helped position him for a professional opportunity once his college career concluded.
Jackson Cates Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
On April 13, 2021, the Philadelphia Flyers signed Cates to a two-year entry-level contract as a college free agent, with an average annual value of $925,000. Because of COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time, Cates was required to quarantine in Philadelphia before he could join the team on the ice. Once cleared, he made his NHL debut on April 23, 2021, against the New York Rangers, marking the start of his professional career in the top league.
That first season gave him a brief taste of NHL action and allowed him to adjust to the pace and physical demands of professional hockey. He split time between Philadelphia and the team’s AHL affiliate, working to translate his college production into a professional role.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2021–2023)
After appearing in a handful of games at the end of 2020–21, Cates continued to develop within the Flyers’ organization. On December 15, 2021, he was recalled by Philadelphia for a road game against the Montreal Canadiens after Morgan Frost was placed in COVID-19 protocols. In that contest, Cates scored his first NHL goal, giving the Flyers a 2–1 lead during a game that ultimately ended as a shootout loss for Philadelphia.
That first NHL goal was a defining moment, confirming he could finish at the highest level. Over the following seasons, he continued to rotate between the NHL roster and the AHL, refining his game and contributing whenever called upon. His time with Philadelphia allowed him to establish himself as a reliable, hard-working forward within the organization.
Rockford IceHogs Era (2023–Present)
Following the expiration of his entry-level contract, Cates was signed to a professional tryout by the New York Islanders on September 11, 2023. He attended their preseason camp but was released from the tryout before the regular season began. He then accepted a PTO with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, on October 12, 2023, where he recorded one goal in 12 games before being released on December 7.
On December 12, 2023, Cates signed a professional tryout with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, and the arrangement converted into a more permanent role. He has since served as a center for Rockford, contributing offense while logging responsibility in all situations.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he competes in hockey rather than motorsport, Cates has drawn praise for a cerebral, detail-oriented approach to his position. Scott Sandelin, his coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth, described him as a really smart skater who can make plays, while also highlighting his 200-foot game and his effectiveness on both the power play and the penalty kill. Those traits have made him a dependable middle-of-the-ice center.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Cates’s signature moments are his hat trick with the Waterloo Black Hawks in 2018, the Herb Brooks Award from his senior year at Stillwater, his NHL debut with the Flyers in April 2021, and his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens in December 2021. Each milestone reflects a steady climb from high school standout to professional contributor.
Jackson Cates Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jackson Cates comes from a hockey family rooted in Stillwater, Minnesota. His younger brother, Noah Cates, was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and has also played in the NHL. The two brothers even shared the ice at the University of Minnesota Duluth after Jackson switched his college commitment to play alongside Noah.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Cates is known for his close family ties, particularly the bond with his brother Noah. The decision to attend Minnesota Duluth together reflects how central family has been to his development as a player.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 calendar year, Cates remains with the Rockford IceHogs, where he has continued to play a regular role as a two-way center. His consistent effort on the penalty kill and his power-play contributions have kept him in the team’s rotation as the season progresses.
As an undrafted player who reached the NHL through perseverance, Cates approaches each game with the mentality that earned him his professional opportunities in the first place. His work alongside younger IceHogs teammates has also helped him grow into a steadier, more vocal presence in the locker room.
Looking ahead through the rest of 2025, Cates will be aiming to build on his scoring totals, remain a fixture in Rockford’s lineup, and position himself for another chance at NHL duty. His blend of smarts, skating, and special-teams play gives him a clear path to continue climbing within professional hockey.