UMD’s Noah Cates Makes Immediate Impact Following Return From Olympics

Cates wasted no time getting back in action to help the Bulldogs pick up an extra NCHC point against St. Cloud State with a shootout goal.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night, UMD captain Noah Cates returned to the lineup after his run with the U.S. Olympic team. And although it didn’t end with an appearance on the podium, Cates says it was an experience he will never forget.

“It was obviously super surreal, just being around all the different athletes, different people, meeting a lot of different people from different countries. And the world-class events that were put on with the opening ceremonies, closing ceremonies, locker rooms, games, everything like that. It was obviously super special,” said Cates.

And Cates wasted no time getting back in action to help the Bulldogs pick up an extra NCHC point against St. Cloud State with a shootout goal.

“He comes back and you just see instantly in practice, and then on the game, he’s just the man. He just comes and he brings that little much of a presence as anything. And he plays the game so hard. He practices so hard. He sets the tone for the rest of the guys,” associate head coach Derek Plante said.

“I’m trying to feel good as quick as I can. Obviously with the travel coming up again, it might be a little tougher. But I’m feeling good. I’m feeling like the college game is a little slower so hopefully I can kind of take advantage of that,” said Cates.

The Bulldogs will be back on the road this weekend to take on Miami University.