Men's Hockey | 8/10/2017 10:27:00 AM
Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State senior forward C.J. Franklin has announced that he has legally changed his surname to his mother's maiden name of Suess.
"This is something I've been considering doing for a while and now seemed to be the right time," said Suess, who is entering his second year as a team captain for the Mavericks. "My mom has always been there for me and has served as my primary care-giver from the time I was born. Changing my last name to hers is my way of paying tribute to a person who has played a signifcant role in who I am as a person today."
Suess, a fifth round selection (129th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2014 National Hockey League Draft, has 35 goals and 49 assists for 84 points in 117 games for his Minnesota State career to stand tied for 21st on the school's career scoring list (for DI-era). The Forest Lake, Minn., native was a 2016-17 All-WCHA Second Team selection after he tied for second on the team in scoring and fourth in goals with 12-19--31 as a junior last year. He led the Mavericks with seven power play goals and ranked second on the team with four game-winners in 2016-17.
Minnesota State, which posted a 22-13-14 mark in 2016-17, opens the 2017-18 season with an exhibition game vs. the University of Regina (Sask.) on Oct. 1 at Verizon Center in downtown Mankato.
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