C.J. Franklin changes name to C.J. Suess

Minnesota State senior forward and captain C.J. Franklin announced through an MSU athletic press release on Thursday that he has legally changed his name to C.J. Suess, taking his mother's surname.

From the press release:

"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 draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2014 has 35 goals and 49 assists for 84 points in 117 games as a Maverick. He's tied for 21st on the school's career Division I era scoring list. The Forest Lake 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. He led the Mavericks with seven power play goals and ranked second on the team with four game-winners as well.

Hoping to hear more from Suess when I return from vacation next week but what he's doing isn't unprecedented in college hockey. Prior to his senior season in 2014 then-North Dakota goalie Zane McIntyre legally changed his name from Zane Gothberg.