Nathan Daniel Sucese Bio
Nathan Daniel Sucese is an American professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Shanghai Dragons of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Born on July 12, 1996, in Buffalo, New York, Sucese built his reputation during four standout seasons with the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he became the program’s all-time leader in both points and goals. After beginning his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) following his collegiate career, Sucese spent five seasons developing in North American hockey before signing abroad with the Shanghai Dragons in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Sucese grew up in the Buffalo area of New York, where he began his hockey journey with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization. His early development with the Jr. Sabres laid the foundation for his future success, as he demonstrated the scoring ability and hockey sense that would define his career. While playing for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, Sucese attracted attention from major junior teams across the United States Hockey League (USHL).
In 2013, Sucese was selected 45th overall by the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL Draft. This selection marked his transition to higher-level junior hockey and set the stage for his advancement to collegiate competition. Following his selection, Sucese continued his development by playing at the Gunnery Prep School in Connecticut while also appearing in three games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before moving on to his collegiate career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Sucese’s path to professional hockey led him to Pennsylvania, where he committed to play NCAA Division I collegiate hockey for the Penn State Nittany Lions. At Penn State, he enrolled in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, pursuing a degree in communications arts and sciences while balancing his academic responsibilities with the demands of Division I hockey. His dedication to both his education and his sport demonstrated the discipline that would characterize his professional career.
During his rookie season with the Nittany Lions, Sucese made an immediate impact, recording 17 goals and 19 assists in 38 games. He scored his first collegiate goal during his debut in a game against Mercyhurst. His versatility allowed the coaching staff to use him at both his natural wing position and at center when Dylan Richard suffered an injury. This adaptability would become a hallmark of his game throughout his career. His strong rookie campaign helped the Nittany Lions qualify for the 2017 Big Ten Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament, where he contributed a goal and an assist during the quarterfinals victory over Michigan.
Nathan Daniel Sucese Career
Penn State Nittany Lions (2016–2020)
Sucese returned to Penn State for his sophomore season with high expectations, and he delivered by recording 14 goals and 15 assists through 36 games. Early in the season, he received a one-game suspension for delivering an illegal hit during a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Upon returning from the suspension, he registered the sixth hat-trick in Penn State hockey history, powering the Nittany Lions to victory over Wisconsin on January 5, 2018. His performance helped the team return to the Big Ten Tournament, where he continued to contribute offensively.
As a junior, Sucese set new career highs in goals with 19 while adding 18 assists for 37 total points. His consistent scoring production placed him among the top performers in the conference. During his senior season, Sucese elevated his game to another level, leading the Big Ten in scoring with a career-high 38 points while recording 27 assists and 11 goals. His performance ranked him tied for 15th nationally and earned him recognition as Penn State’s first-ever CCM/AHCA All-American, alongside teammate Cole Hults. He also received First-Team All-Big Ten honors for his outstanding season.
In November 2019, Sucese tied Andrew Sturtz for the Penn State all-time goals record by scoring his 55th career goal in a victory over Minnesota. Less than two months later, on January 11, 2020, he surpassed David Goodwin to become the program’s all-time points leader with his 129th career point. Sucese credited former teammates Andrew Sturtz and Ricky DeRosa for mentoring him throughout his collegiate journey. Upon concluding his career, he held the Penn State records for points and goals, while his 79 assists, five shorthanded goals, and 470 shots on goal ranked second all-time in program history. His career plus-47 rating placed him fourth in program history.
Tucson Roadrunners Era (2020–2021)
Following his record-setting collegiate career, Sucese signed an entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes organization. He was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, for the 2020–21 season. This marked his transition to professional hockey, where he faced faster competition and more physical play than what he experienced in college. Sucese appeared in 36 games with the Roadrunners, recording six goals and seven assists during his inaugural professional season.
Chicago Wolves Era (2021–2024)
In preparation for the 2021–22 season, Sucese signed with the Chicago Wolves as a professional try-out player. His strong training camp performance earned him a roster spot, and he remained with the organization for two seasons. The move to Chicago represented an opportunity for Sucese to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the AHL while continuing his development as a professional player.
Hartford Wolf Pack Era (2024–2025)
After spending three seasons in the Chicago Wolves organization, Sucese moved on as a free agent and signed a one-year deal with the Hartford Wolf Pack on July 23, 2024. The Wolf Pack served as the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, providing Sucese with a new environment and opportunity to showcase his skills within the Rangers development system.
Shanghai Dragons Era (2025–Present)
Having completed five professional seasons exclusively in the AHL, Sucese sought a new challenge by signing a one-year contract abroad with the Shanghai Dragons of the KHL on August 19, 2025. The Shanghai Dragons had recently rebranded, and the organization secured Sucese’s services to bolster their forward corps. This move marked Sucese’s first professional experience outside of North America, presenting him with different styles of play and competition found in European and Asian hockey markets.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sucese established himself as a reliable two-way forward with a knack for scoring and creating offensive opportunities. His collegiate statistics demonstrated consistent production at the NCAA level, and he carried that scoring touch into his professional career. His ability to play both center and wing provided his teams with lineup flexibility, while his hockey sense allowed him to contribute in various situations, including special teams play. His career plus-47 rating at Penn State reflected his responsible defensive play alongside his offensive contributions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sucese’s career has been defined by several significant milestones. His record-setting performance at Penn State, where he became the program’s all-time leader in points and goals, represented the culmination of four exceptional collegiate seasons. Earning CCM/AHCA All-American honors made him Penn State’s first-ever selection in that distinction. His jump to professional hockey in 2020 and subsequent five-year AHL career demonstrated his dedication to pursuing his dream of playing at the highest levels of the sport.
Nathan Daniel Sucese Career Statistics
Sucese accumulated impressive statistics during his collegiate career at Penn State before transitioning to professional hockey in the AHL and ultimately the KHL. His scoring consistency and ability to produce at every level distinguished him as a player with significant offensive talent.
Penn State Highlights
Across four seasons with the Nittany Lions from 2016 to 2020, Sucese established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Penn State history. He finished his collegiate career as the program’s all-time leader in points and goals, cementing his place in team history. His senior season represented his most productive campaign, as he led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 38 points while ranking tied for 15th nationally. His 79 career assists rank second in program history, and his career plus-47 rating reflects his two-way play and consistency throughout his four years.
Professional Highlights
Sucese’s professional career began with the Tucson Roadrunners in 2020, where he recorded six goals and seven assists in 36 games during his rookie AHL season. He subsequently played for the Chicago Wolves and Hartford Wolf Pack organizations before signing with the Shanghai Dragons in 2025. His transition to the KHL marked a new chapter in his career, bringing him to a global stage with competition featuring players from multiple countries.
Family
Family Background
Nathan Daniel Sucese was born in Buffalo, New York, to parents John Sucese and Sally Sucese. His upbringing in the Buffalo area provided him with access to strong youth hockey programs that helped develop his skills from an early age. The support of his family played a significant role in his journey from youth hockey through his collegiate career at Penn State and into professional hockey.
Personal Life
Beyond his hockey career, Sucese pursued higher education at Penn State University, where he studied communications arts and sciences in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. His commitment to academics while playing Division I hockey demonstrated his ability to balance athletic and scholarly pursuits. Sucese maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans of his career.
2025 Season Performance
Nathan Daniel Sucese began the 2025 season with a new challenge, having signed with the Shanghai Dragons of the KHL in August 2025. This move represented his first professional experience outside of North America, as he transitioned from five seasons in the AHL to playing against international competition in the Kontinental Hockey League. The Shanghai Dragons, newly rebranded and building their roster for the season, counted on Sucese’s offensive abilities and veteran experience to contribute immediately. Adapting to new teammates, different rinks, and the style of play in the KHL presented an adjustment period, but Sucese’s track record of scoring at every level suggested he possessed the skills necessary to succeed in his new environment. His two-way play and versatility provided the Dragons with lineup options, while his experience in North American professional hockey brought a North American perspective to the locker room. The 2025 season offered Sucese the opportunity to expand his career internationally and establish himself as a professional player on a global stage.