Mooseheads’ Cataford makes jump to professional ranks
The Halifax Mooseheads may be done for the year but their leading scorer is still playing hockey.
Mathieu Cataford suited up for his first-ever pro game on Wednesday after joining the AHL'S Henderson Silver Knights. The Silver Knights are the farm team of the Vegas Golden Knights, who drafted Cataford in the third round last year.
"It's been a lot of travel, but overall I think it's just a lot of excitement," Cataford said in a team interview. "I'm just ready to go and hopefully it goes well."
Cataford picked up an assist in his pro debut, setting up a goal by Daniil Chayka
in a 6-5 loss to the San Jose Barracuda. The Mooseheads were eliminated from
the QMJHL playoffs by the Bathurst Titan last week.
"Obviously, I wasn't really expecting this," said Cataford, who turned 19 on March 1. "With my junior team, we were expecting to go further in the playoffs so when I got the call I was coming here to Henderson I was really excited.
"I'm just trying to keep playing the same way that I'm used to and not do too much and try to have fun."
Cataford led the Mooseheads with 90 points this season, which put him third in the QMJHL scoring race.
"I improved my speed during the summer and I got a little more physical also throughout the year and I improved my two-way game," Cataford said. "I just tried to stay in my identity throughout the season and being physical and intense every game helped me."
Cataford wasn't able to skate in his first training camp with the Golden Knights back in the summer because of an injury so the pro experience now has even more meaning for him.
"It sucks that I couldn't play in the rookie camp but I think I saw what it was like the overall vibe and the level of hockey," Cataford said. "Stepping on the ice with the guys for the first time, it was great to have the feeling of what it feels like at that speed of play. I'm just excited."
Vegas signed Cataford to an entry-level contract back in December. He isn't eligible for the AHL next season so he will be back in Halifax, unless he beats the odds and makes the jump straight to the NHL.
Henderson's next game is at home on Saturday against the Ontario Reign.