Nathan Sucese Bio
Nathan Daniel Sucese (born July 12, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Shanghai Dragons of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Standing 175 centimeters tall and weighing 79 kilograms, he has built a reputation as a reliable scoring winger through his development in the United States Hockey League, the NCAA, and the American Hockey League. He spent four seasons with the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he finished as the program’s all-time leader in points and goals.
Early Life and Background
Nathan Daniel Sucese was born on July 12, 1996, in Buffalo, New York, to parents Sally and John Sucese. Growing up in a region with a strong hockey tradition, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his game in local youth programs. His early years in Buffalo helped shape the work ethic and offensive instincts that would later define his playing style.
Sucese continued his development with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, a well-known amateur program in western New York. His performances there attracted the attention of junior scouts, and he was selected 45th overall by the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the 2013 United States Hockey League (USHL) Draft. Before transitioning fully to the USHL, he also played prep school hockey at the Gunnery in Washington, Connecticut, balancing three games with the Fighting Saints while finishing his preparation for college hockey.
Path to Hockey
After committing to Penn State University, Sucese enrolled in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and majored in communications arts and sciences. His freshman season with the Nittany Lions began on a strong note, as he scored his first collegiate goal in his debut during a 6–3 loss to Mercyhurst. Recording 17 goals and 19 assists in 38 games, he quickly established himself as a top offensive contributor and adapted to a center role after an injury to teammate Dylan Richard.
Across his four seasons at Penn State, Sucese steadily improved, setting new career highs each year and consistently producing against Big Ten competition. He credited former teammates Andrew Sturtz and Ricky DeRosa for serving as his mentors during his development. His leadership and production earned him recognition as Penn State’s first-ever CCM/AHCA All-American, alongside defenseman Cole Hults, and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection as a senior.
Nathan Sucese Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, Sucese signed an entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League. He was immediately assigned to the Coyotes’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, for the 2020–21 season. In 36 games with the Roadrunners, he registered six goals and seven assists while adjusting to the pace and physicality of professional hockey.
Midway through the season, Sucese left the Roadrunners organization and joined the Iowa Wild, another AHL club. The transition gave him an opportunity to play in a different system and continue developing his two-way game. His willingness to adapt and contribute in multiple environments helped set the stage for his next professional opportunity.
AHL Development (2021–2024)
In preparation for the 2021–22 season, Sucese agreed to join the Chicago Wolves on a professional try-out contract and earned a spot on the opening roster. He spent the next two and a half seasons with the Wolves, becoming a steady contributor on the wing and gaining valuable experience in a competitive AHL lineup. His time in Chicago allowed him to refine his defensive responsibilities and special teams play while continuing to produce offensively.
As a free agent following his stint with the Wolves, Sucese signed a one-year deal with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, on July 23, 2024. The move brought him closer to his hometown of Buffalo and gave him a fresh setting in which to showcase his skills. Across his five AHL seasons, he established himself as a dependable, hard-working winger capable of contributing at both ends of the ice.
Shanghai Dragons Era (2025–Present)
Having played his first five professional seasons exclusively in the AHL, Sucese opted to sign a one-year contract abroad and continue his career in the KHL with the newly rebranded Shanghai Dragons on August 19, 2025. The move represented his first opportunity outside North America and a chance to test himself in one of Europe’s top professional leagues. Joining a retooled franchise gave him an opportunity to take on a meaningful role as the team builds its identity.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sucese is recognized for his versatility on the wing, his hockey IQ, and his willingness to play in all situations, including the penalty kill. He has shown the ability to produce offense while maintaining a responsible defensive game, a balance that has made him a trusted middle-six forward. His preparation habits and professionalism have been highlighted by coaches throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Sucese’s career came in November 2019, when he tied Andrew Sturtz for the Penn State all-time goals record with his 55th career goal in a 6–3 defeat of Minnesota. A few months later, on January 11, 2020, he surpassed David Goodwin to become Penn State’s all-time points leader with his 129th career point in a 6–2 win against Robert Morris. He also recorded the sixth hat-trick in Penn State hockey history during a win over Wisconsin on January 5, 2018.
Nathan Sucese Career Wins
Throughout his junior, collegiate, and professional career, Nathan Daniel Sucese has been a consistent contributor, though he has yet to capture a major individual or team championship. His statistical achievements at Penn State stand as his most decorated body of work, including program records and conference honors. His professional career has been focused on development and steady contribution in the AHL and KHL.
Collegiate and Professional Highlights
At Penn State, Sucese finished as the program’s all-time leader in goals and points, while ranking second in assists (79), shorthanded goals (five), and shots on goal (470). He also posted a career plus-47 rating, the fourth-best mark in program history, and was named a CCM/AHCA All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten selection as a senior. In the AHL, he posted six goals and seven assists in his rookie season with the Tucson Roadrunners and continued producing with the Chicago Wolves and Hartford Wolf Pack.
Nathan Sucese Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Nathan Daniel Sucese was raised in Buffalo, New York, by his parents, Sally and John Sucese. His family’s support played a key role in his development as a young hockey player, and he has often credited the values instilled in him at home for his disciplined approach to the sport. While he has kept much of his personal life private, his roots in western New York remain an important part of his identity.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a major transition for Nathan Daniel Sucese, as he begins his KHL career with the Shanghai Dragons after signing a one-year contract on August 19, 2025. Joining a newly rebranded franchise, he is expected to play a meaningful role in the team’s forward group and help establish a competitive identity. The season represents his first experience playing professional hockey outside of North America.
As one of the team’s experienced North American signings, Sucese brings AHL veteran know-how to a roster blending international talent. His versatility on the wing and penalty-killing reliability give the coaching staff flexibility in lineup construction. Early indications suggest he will be counted on for both offensive production and defensive responsibility as the Dragons build chemistry in a new league environment.
Looking ahead, Sucese’s performance in 2025 will determine his options for the next phase of his career, whether that involves extending his stay in the KHL or returning to North American opportunities. A strong debut season could open doors to a longer-term contract abroad or increased interest from NHL organizations. Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 campaign represents a significant step in his professional journey.