C.J. Suess Bio
Clint Joseph “C.J.” Suess is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Dresdner Eislöwen in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Born on March 17, 1994, in Roseville, Minnesota, Suess built his career through the United States Hockey League and the NCAA before turning professional in 2018. He was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2014 and has competed at both the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels, in addition to representing Team USA on the international stage.
Early Life and Background
Clint Joseph Suess was born Clinston R. Franklin on March 17, 1994, in Roseville, Minnesota, to his mother, Cheryl Suess. As a child, he began skating at the age of four in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, alongside his cousins, before his family later settled in Forest Lake, Minnesota. His mother served as his primary caregiver, and Suess has spoken of both her and his grandmother as the two people who have meant the most to him throughout his life.
Suess attended Forest Lake Area High School, where he developed his game under coach Aaron Forsythe, a former Minnesota State defenseman. During his high school career he was a three-time letter winner, a two-time Suburban East All-Conference selection, and served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons. In addition to hockey, he played baseball for his school and helped the team qualify for the 2010 state tournament, though a broken ankle during his junior year cut his baseball season short.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following a successful high school career, Suess attended a tryout camp for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League in June 2012. After earning a roster spot, he led the Stampede with 32 goals and 28 assists in 63 regular-season games during his first season. In his second season with the club, Suess was selected as an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, where he helped the squad capture a gold medal. He also earned a spot on the USHL Western Conference All-Star Second Team that year.
While still in the USHL, Suess was selected 129th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He then signed a Letter of Intent to play college hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato, joining the Minnesota State Mavericks of the NCAA Division I ranks. Suess spent four seasons with the Mavericks, developing into one of the program’s top scorers before signing his first professional contract.
C.J. Suess Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Suess joined the Minnesota State Mavericks in 2014 and quickly established himself as a reliable contributor. In his rookie season he posted 9 goals and 19 assists for 28 points, tying for sixth on the team in scoring, and was named to the 2014–15 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) All-Rookie Team. He recorded his first collegiate goal on October 16 in a 5–4 overtime win over the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and played primarily on the top line with Teodors Bļugers and Bryce Gervais.
By his senior season Suess had become a leader of the Mavericks, serving as co-captain alongside teammates Brad McClure and Max Coatta. In December of that year, he officially changed his last name from Franklin to Suess in honor of his mother. He finished his collegiate career tied for fifth on the school’s all-time Division I scoring list with 127 career points, having also earned WCHA First All-Star Team, WCHA All-American First Team, WCHA Offensive Player of the Year, and WCHA Player of the Year honors, becoming the first Maverick to win the Player of the Year award.
Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose Era (2018–2022)
Suess signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Manitoba Moose on March 25, 2018, marking his entry into professional hockey. After attending the Winnipeg Jets’ training camp before the 2018–19 season, he was reassigned to the Moose, where he recorded 12 points in 26 games before a season-ending upper-body injury. The Jets still signed him to a one-year, two-way contract extension, recognizing his potential within the organization.
Suess made his National Hockey League debut with the Winnipeg Jets on November 11, 2019, against the San Jose Sharks, logging 6:26 of ice time before being returned to the Moose for the remainder of the season. He signed a two-year, two-way contract extension on October 10, 2020, and continued to shuttle between the Jets and Moose across multiple seasons. On July 13, 2022, Suess signed a one-year, two-way contract as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks, beginning a new chapter in his professional journey.
San Jose Sharks and Return to Manitoba (2022–2025)
Suess spent one season within the San Jose Sharks organization before becoming a free agent once again. On July 10, 2023, he opted to return to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, agreeing to a two-year contract. During this second stint with the Moose, Suess provided veteran leadership and steady scoring, reinforcing his role as a dependable depth forward in the Jets’ developmental pipeline.
Dresdner Eislöwen Era (2025–Present)
On July 30, 2025, Suess signed his first contract abroad, agreeing to a one-year deal with newly promoted German club Dresdner Eislöwen of the DEL for the 2025–26 season. The move marked his first experience playing professional hockey outside of North America. He joined a club eager to compete at the top tier of German professional hockey and quickly became a notable addition to the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Suess is recognized for his versatility, having successfully transitioned from left wing to center during his sophomore season at Minnesota State to accelerate his offensive game. He combines strong skating, intelligent positioning, and a scoring touch developed through years of high-level junior and collegiate competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Suess’s career highlights are his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets in November 2019, his gold-medal performance with Team USA at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, and his record-setting senior year at Minnesota State that earned him the WCHA Player of the Year award, becoming the first Maverick ever to receive the honor.
C.J. Suess Career Wins
While individual win totals across professional leagues are not fully documented in available sources, Suess has accumulated a respected career built on consistent contributions at every level. His achievements include a WCHA Player of the Year award, a WCHA Offensive Player of the Year award, a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, and selections to multiple All-Star and All-American teams throughout his collegiate career.
Collegiate and Junior Highlights
Suess was a leading scorer for the Sioux Falls Stampede before earning a full college roster spot with the Minnesota State Mavericks. He became the first Maverick to capture the WCHA Player of the Year award and finished his NCAA career tied for fifth on the school’s all-time Division I scoring list. Internationally, his most memorable junior moment came while helping Team USA win gold at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge.
Other Performances
Beyond traditional win counts, Suess has earned recognition through All-Rookie, All-Star, and All-American selections across the USHL and NCAA, underscoring his consistency as a top contributor on every team he has represented.
C.J. Suess Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Suess was raised primarily by his mother, Cheryl Suess, whom he has credited as a central figure in his life and development. In December of his senior year at Minnesota State, he officially changed his last name from Franklin to Suess in her honor, a meaningful step that reflected the close bond between mother and son.
Personal Life
Suess grew up in White Bear Lake and later Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he began his hockey journey alongside his cousins. As a person of color in hockey, he has spoken about admiring Jarome Iginla as a successful black athlete and role model. He continues to pursue his professional career internationally while maintaining strong ties to his family in Minnesota.
2025 Season Performance
Suess entered the 2025–26 season with Dresdner Eislöwen after signing a one-year contract on July 30, 2025, marking his first professional venture outside North America. Joining a newly promoted DEL club, he was expected to provide scoring depth and veteran leadership to a team adjusting to the demands of Germany’s top professional league.
The move to Germany represented a fresh chapter for Suess, who spent the previous two seasons with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL. His transition to a larger ice surface and a new league offered an opportunity to showcase the offensive instincts that defined his collegiate career. Adaptability and pace have long been strengths in his game, both of which are valuable in the DEL’s faster, more open style of play.
For Dresdner Eislöwen, Suess’s signing added an experienced North American forward capable of contributing on both special teams and at even strength. As the season progresses, his performance is likely to shape the club’s outlook in its return to top-flight German hockey, while also offering Suess a chance to extend his career on an international stage.