Mathieu Cataford makes AHL debut
2024-04-11
While Halifax Mooseheads star forward Mathieu Cataford had a disappointing end to his QMJHL season for the Herd following a first round exit, opportunity arose for the Vegas Golden Knights prospect this week with a chance to suit up professionally.
Cataford was called up to the American Hockey League by Vegas affiliate Henderson on Tuesday and made his pro debut on Wednesday night for the Silver Knights, wearing number 8 on his jersey. The Saint-Constant, QC native led the Mooseheads in scoring this season with 90 points as an 18-year-old and quickly made an impression in Henderson by notching an assist in a 6-5 road loss to the San Jose Barracuda. Cataford was a third round pick, 77th overall, by the Golden Knights in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Henderson was previously eliminated from playoff contention in the AHL standings and has three games remaining on their schedule.
Mooseheads Captain Jake Furlong is also in San Jose this week after being summoned by the Barracuda to gain experience in the professional setting in the American Hockey League. The defenceman from Upper Tantallon, NS suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in March and was set to undergo surgery which will be accompanied by a lengthy recovery process. Furlong is expected to play in the AHL next season as a 20-year-old after he was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Sharks. He appeared in 227 career regular season games for the Mooseheads and is third in team history in career points by a defenceman with 132.
