Noah Cates Bio
Noah Cates is an American professional ice hockey left wing for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on February 5, 1999, in Stillwater, Minnesota. Drafted 137th overall by the Flyers in the 2017 NHL Draft, Cates has also represented the United States in international competitions, serving as an alternate captain at the 2022 Winter Olympics. He played for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs before turning professional, earning accolades as a skilled two-way forward.
Early Life and Background
Noah Cates was born to Jeff and Jenny Cates in Stillwater, Minnesota. He grew up in a family with a strong hockey background; his father won the 1988 NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey tournament, and his uncle Jay played college ice hockey for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Cates began practicing hockey in his basement with his older brother, Jackson, and they played on the same childhood teams. During his time at Stillwater Area High School, Cates made a name for himself, notably scoring an overtime goal that sent his team to the state tournament, which was featured on SportsCenter. The following year, he recorded an impressive 20 goals and 65 points in just 25 games for Stillwater.
Rather than entering college immediately after graduating high school in 2017, Cates spent a season with the Omaha Lancers in the United States Hockey League (USHL) to further develop his skills. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft. After a slow start to the 2017–18 season, Cates found his rhythm, finishing with 21 goals and 55 points in 60 games for the Lancers, showcasing his potential as a future NHL player.
Path to Hockey
Cates joined the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs for the 2018–19 season, making his college hockey debut on October 6 against Minnesota. He scored his first goal the following day in a loss to Minnesota. Cates quickly established himself as a key player, moving to the top line and contributing significantly to the team’s success. He finished his freshman year with nine goals and 23 points, earning a spot on the NCHC All-Rookie Team and helping the Bulldogs win the 2019 NCAA Division I championship.
In the 2019–20 season, Cates continued to excel, earning All-NCHC First Team honors and being a finalist for the NCHC Forward of the Year award. He served as captain of the Bulldogs during the 2020–21 season, further solidifying his leadership skills and on-ice abilities. Cates returned for his senior year in 2021–22, where he repeated as captain and finished his college career with 39 goals and 99 points in 139 games.
Noah Cates Career
Early Career (2022–Present)
Shortly after completing his college season, Cates signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on March 27, 2022. He made his NHL debut just two days later, where he recorded three shots in a game against the Minnesota Wild. Cates scored his first NHL goal on April 5, 2022, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In his first 16 games, he recorded five goals and nine points, earning praise from his coaches for his maturity and hockey sense.
The 2022–23 season presented challenges for Cates, as he struggled to find his scoring touch early on. However, he adapted to a more significant role due to injuries to key players on the team. By mid-season, he found chemistry with teammates Joel Farabee and Travis Konecny, leading to a successful stretch where he played all 82 games and finished with 13 goals and 38 points.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
In July 2023, Cates re-signed with the Flyers for two years at a salary of $5.25 million. As he prepared for the 2023–24 season, Cates focused on improving his offensive skills and face-off abilities. Despite facing setbacks, including a foot fracture that sidelined him for 22 games, he continued to demonstrate resilience and determination.
Cates’s performance during the 2024–25 season has seen him take on a larger role as a two-way forward and a leader in the locker room. He received the Gene Hart Memorial Award at the Flyers’ end-of-season banquet, recognizing his dedication and heart throughout the season. He finished the year with 16 goals and 37 points in 78 games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cates’s signature work includes his contributions to the Philadelphia Flyers, where he has established himself as a reliable two-way forward. His accolades include being named an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics and receiving the Gene Hart Memorial Award for his exemplary performance during the Flyers’ season.
Noah Cates Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Noah Cates has received recognition for his contributions on and off the ice, including nominations for various collegiate and professional awards.
Noah Cates Awards Won
Cates has achieved notable recognition, including the Gene Hart Memorial Award, which honors the player who demonstrates the most heart during the Flyers’ season.
Noah Cates Family
Noah Cates is the son of Jeff and Jenny Cates. He has an older brother, Jackson Cates, who made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021.
Personal Life
Details about Noah Cates’s personal life remain private, with limited public information available. However, his family background in hockey has played a significant role in shaping his career and passion for the sport.
