"Jackson is a player that our staff has followed closely throughout his college career," said Brent Flahr, the Flyers Vice President & Assistant General Manager. "He's a tenacious two-way center that has steadily improved his overall game each season. He's been an integral part of a very successful college program at UMD and we're excited to see him take his game to the next level."
JACKSON CATES (KAYTS)
POSITION:Center
PREVIOUS TEAM: University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC - NCAA)
DRAFTED:Undrafted
AGE:23 (9-28-1997)
BORN:Stillwater, Minnesota
VITALS:6'0", 190 pounds
SHOOTS: Left
* Cates turns professional after three seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he helped the Bulldogs win the 2019 National Championship.
* He is the older brother of Noah Cates - the Flyers' fifth round draft pick (137th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
* Cates increased his scoring in each of his three seasons with the Bulldogs, despite having played less games in each of the seasons.
* He recorded 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 28 games this past year, helping UMD reach the Frozen Four.
* He scored the opening goal of a 3-2 win over North Dakota, which lasted five overtimes - and became the longest game ever played in NCAA Hockey Tournament history - to reach the Frozen Four.
* Over his three seasons at UMD, he produced 27 goals and 37 assists for 64 points in 96 collegiate games.
* He was named to the NCHC Academic All-Conference team for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
* Jackson was invited and participated in the Flyers annual summer Development Camp in 2019.
