Flyers prospect Noah Cates, ex-Phantom Andy Miele, and Yardley native Brian O’Neill help U.S. to Olympic win

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Noah Cates, former Phantoms forward Andy Miele, and Yardley native Brian O’Neill helped the U.S. men’s hockey team whip host China on Thursday, 8-0, in an opening-round game in the Winter Olympics.

Sean Farrell had a hat trick for the Americans, who are not using NHL players.

Cates had a goal and was plus-3 in 11:13 of ice time, Miele had an assist, and O’Neill, a former Germantown Academy star, tallied in the romp. Miele is the U.S. captain.

Cates converts sweet pass. #Flyers https://t.co/Wf12QEUOIe

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) February 10, 2022

The U.S. had a 55-29 shots domination, and seven of their eight goals were scored by players still in college, including Cates, a 6-foot-1, 179-pound left winger.

The Americans now face bitter-rival Canada Saturday afternoon.

Cates, 23, was a fifth-round pick of the Flyers in the 2017 draft; he has been a four-year standout at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, helping the Bulldogs win the NCAA title during his freshman season.

His brother, Jackson, has been back and forth with the Flyers and Phantoms this season.