Vegas Golden Knights prospect Mathieu Cataford attended Team Canada's 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase and spoke about the experience.
Vegas Golden Knights prospect Mathieu Cataford attended Team Canada's 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase and spoke about the experience.
The Golden Knights selected Cataford in the 2023 NHL entry draft with the 77th overall pick. In his draft year, he scored 31 goals and 75 points on a star-studded Halifax Mooseheads team.
In the 2023-24 season, the 19-year-old was awarded the QMJHL MVP award after producing 40 goals and 90 points in 65 games. Both marks were third-best in the QMJHL. Though Cataford couldn't make Canada's 2024 World Junior team, he'll be one of the favourites to push for a roster spot on the 2025 team.
His recent trade to the Rimouski Océanic should help him make a strong case. The Oceanic have a well-built roster and should make a push for the playoffs.
If the MVP award and the blockbuster trade weren't enough to show Cataford that his development was being noticed, the invitation to the Summer Showcase did.
Cataford spoke to the media following the training session and shared what his experience with Team Canada has been like and if he was surprised about the fan turnout.
"It was intense, a lot of speed and a lot of talented guys on the ice but it was nice to get the nerves out and just touch the ice in front of the nice crowd and nice rink. Canada's a really passionate country for hockey so a little bit but at the same time it was nice and good to just get the legs going."
The Châteauguay, Quebec native also talked about how winning Gold with Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup can help him make the World Junior team.
"You know what the Canadian way is a little bit, obviously the Hlinka-Gretzky is a great tournament and it was nice to win Gold with Hockey Canada but the World Juniors is another step and I just have to make myself a spot on this team and play my game."
Cataford has been developing at a rapid rate and with another strong year in the QMJHL and a possible World Junior spot, Cataford could be one step closer to playing for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vegas Golden Knights site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.