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M H J O N L I N E . C O M | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 20 Photos / MSU Athletics HEN HE WAS A HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER in Forest Lake, C.J. Suess didn't attract the attention of many college coaches. That didn't stop him from pursuing his goals, though. It was the words of his mom that always stuck with him along the way. "She said, 'Don't settle for something that you know you're going to be able to surpass,'" said Suess, who is now a senior and captain for the Minnesota State University men's hockey team. If he continues to deflect obstacles on his path, Suess will one day reach the pinnacle and skate in the National Hockey League, most likely with the Winnipeg Jets, the team that drafted him with their fifth-round choice in 2014. "Hopefully, I have a long future in hockey," he said. "The goal is to make it to the NHL. If I can do that by bettering myself here, that's the goal." Different Name, Same Game Suess (pronounced like "cease") was born C.J. Frankin but, this past summer, changed his last name to as a tribute to his mother, Cheryl Suess, and her family, who raised him and always encouraged him to dream big. While the name change might be hard for fans who have watched him in Mankato for three sea- sons to get used to, they know little has changed about his game on the ice. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound center, who is in his second season as the Mavericks' captain, has been incredibly consistent as a college player. He racked up 28 points, including nine goals, as a freshman and made the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's All-Rookie Team. The next year, he had 14 goals and 25 points and followed that with a 12-goal, 31-point junior season after which he was named Second Team All-WCHA. Suess had a chance to leave college and sign with the Jets after his third year at MSU, but he opted to return to both help the Mavericks and complete his degree. "I expect him to be one of the best players in the entire league," Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings said prior to the season. "Not in a pres- sure way; I believe in him that much." W C.J. SUESS