Noah Cates currently leads the University of Minnesota Duluth with 13 goals (the fourth highest total in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference), but there's more to the sophomore left winger's game than just burying pucks.

"Noah is there every night," says UMD head coach Scott Sandelin. "He's extremely competitive and has been one of our most consistent players. He's also great along the wall, uses his body really well, is strong over pucks and doesn't quit on plays."

Cates has indeed followed up a promising collegiate debut season (he was the top vote getter for the 2019-20 NCHC All-Rookie Team) with a stellar sophomore year in which he has set career bests for goals, points (26) and power play tallies (four).

FAVORITES: 
Opponent: North Dakota
Opponent Rink: Ralph Engelstad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Denver, Colo.
Professional Athlete: Connor McDavid
Professional Team: Minnesota Wild
Pastime: Hang out with friends and water skiing at the cabin
College Course: Finite Calculus
Prized Possession: My NCAA championship ring
Television Show: Prison Break
Band/Artist: Luke Combs
Actor: Ryan Reynolds
Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Movie: Deadpool
Book (Author): Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawl)
Food: Brownies
Restaurant: Anchor Bar
Vacation Spot: Mexico
Game/Video Game: Fortnite
Mobile App or Website: Candy Crush

UP CLOSE:
Why I Chose UMD: The winning culture and the people here
When I First Played Organized Hockey: Age 5
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My hockey IQ/My skating
Game Day Ritual: Tape stick and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Winning the national championship as a freshman
Best Opposing Player I Faced as Bulldog: (Former  U. of Massachusetts defenseman) Cale Makar
Pet Peeve: Dirty dishes
Biggest Fear: Spiders
First Job (Age): Working for my dad cleaning houses (13)
Person I'd  Most Like to Meet: Connor McDavid
Why I Wear No. 21: I wore No. 11 in high school and my brother, Jackson, wears 20 here
What Most People Don't Know About Me: My favorite subject in school is math
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself:  I'd grow better facial hair
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My wallet and keys
Sport  I'd Like to Try Someday: Fencing
Biggest Influences on My Athletic Career: My parents and brother
The Best Thing About College Hockey: The student sections and the band
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Enjoy the process and have fun!
Post-UMD Plans: Stay in the game and use my degree!