Minnesota State senior forward and captain C.J. Franklin has legally changed his last name to ‘Suess’, the maiden name of his mother.

In a press release sent out by Minnesota State, he said:

"This is something I've been considering doing for a while and now seemed to be the right time. "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 significant role in who I am as a person today."

Suess follows former North Dakota goalie Zane McIntyre, who legally changed his last name prior to his senior season to his mother’s maiden name.

Suess was a fifth round draft choice of the Winnipeg Jets in 2014, and turned down an offer from the Jets in order to return to Mankato for his senior season. He has scored 84 points in 117 career games, and also served as team captain as a junior.