Sep 26, 2024
HARTFORD, CT – For the first time in his career, Nate Sucese will suit up for an Eastern Conference team in the American Hockey League. After stints with the Tucson Roadrunners, Iowa Wild, and Chicago Wolves, Sucese made the move east this summer. The New York native inked a one-year deal with the Wolf Pack, returning close to home with an eye towards building off of a career year.
He’s excited to get the ball rolling.
“A few things actually,” Sucese said when asked what drew him to Hartford. “One of them being closer to my family as I’m from Rochester. I’m super excited to play some games close to home and even play one right in Rochester, which I’ve never done in my pro career.”
Being close to home is a major perk, but it’s not the only reason he chose to sign with the Wolf Pack. Sucese is determined to help the club continue their on-ice success after two straight Calder Cup Playoff experiences. He’s also relishing the opportunity to be a strong veteran presence.
“Another reason was the opportunity to earn an important role on this team and do everything I can to not only win but help some of the younger guys grow into the players they want to become,” he added. “I know for me there were a few older guys that helped me adjust along the way early on in my pro career, and I hope I can now pass some of that knowledge down. Lastly, with the success the organization has had over the last few years, making the playoffs, coming to a winning culture was something that was very enticing.”
Following a stellar career at Penn State University, Sucese began his pro career with the Roadrunners during the 2020-21 shortened season. He then spent the 2021-22 season with the Wild before settling in as a key member of the Wolves in each of the past two seasons.
Sucese broke out for a career-high eleven goals and 23 points in 2022-23, then smashed those totals a season ago. He set new career-high marks in goals (23), assists (14), and points (37).
A return to basics for Sucese was key in his emergence as an impact offensive piece for the Wolves.
“I think just settling in and getting back to the things that made me successful in college,” Sucese said when asked about what propelled his success in Chicago. “That allowed me to earn more and more trust and opportunity with the staff in Chicago. As a result, I earned more ice time in important situations which lead to confidence. The production came with that.”
While Sucese found personal success in Chicago, the team failed to qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Joining a Wolf Pack team that has both made the playoffs in both seasons and advanced to the Atlantic Division Finals in both years had major appeal.
“It’s extremely appealing,” he admitted. “Stepping into a situation where the team has had success in the playoffs over the last couple years and building a winning culture year after year carries momentum into the next season. Guys also gain that playoff experience and use it as motivation to take the next step. I can’t wait to join that kind of environment and culture to do whatever I can to add to the team’s success.”
Other than stats and highlights, Wolf Pack fans likely don’t have a great overview of Sucese’s game after four seasons in the Western Conference. Just days ahead of his first training camp with the Wolf Pack, one of the team’s newest additions gave fans a sneak peak of what they can expect when he takes the ice this season.
“A speedy two-way attacking forward that can play both wings and center,” Sucese said when asked to give a scouting report of himself. “I take pride in my ability on the penalty kill while also being able to play in a role that can produce offensively without sacrificing defensive responsibilities.”
Soon, Wolf Pack fans will be able to see for themselves just what kind of impact Sucese can bring to the ice.
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers and play at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.