Following UMD's 2-1 loss to the Denver Pioneers in the Loveland Regional Finals, former UMD captain Noah Cates has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the club announced on Sunday afternoon. Cates is expected to make his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. 

Cates was selected by the Flyers in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Stillwater, Minn., Cates served as team captain for UMD during both his junior and senior seasons. During his time in Duluth, Cates helped the Bulldogs to two Frozen Four appearances, while also helping the club to an NCAA National Title in 2019. He finishes his Bulldog career with 39 goals and 60 assists for 99 points in 139 games. 

In 37 games this past season, Cates registered 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points. With his performance this season, Cates earned All-NCHC Honorable Mention recognition. For Cates, it's the fourth time in his career that he's garnered NCHC honors. During his freshman year in 2018-19, Cates was named to the NCHC's All-Rookie Team. Cates then grabbed a spot on the  NCHC's First-Team in 2019-20 after tallying 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 34 games. During the 2020-21 season, Cates took home NCHC Second-Team honors. This past February, Cates became the ninth American, and 14th UMD men's hockey player to represent their country in the Olympics. He also became the first men's hockey player since Justin Faulk in 2014 to suit up for Team USA.

Noah joins his brother and former UMD forward Jackson Cates in the Flyers organization.