Screenshot: Regina Pats
The Washington Capitals drafted forward Alexander Suzdalev in the third-round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and after attending the team’s Development Camp, signed with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. On Saturday night, the 18-year old showed yet again that the Caps may have made good on their investment.
In the Pats’ contest against the Portland Winterhawks, Suzdalev scored his 23rd goal of the season in mind-boggling fashion:
🚨 SUZY GOES BETWEEN THE LEGS 🚨
We are tied at 2!#LegendsInTheMaking | @Capitals | @TheWHL pic.twitter.com/CtaLxz9Ctk
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) January 15, 2023
The 6’1″ Khabarovsk, Russia native has been on an offensive tear since the conclusion of 2022, and was named the WHL Rookie of the Month for December for his performance. He spoke about his goal after the game.
Alexander Suzdalev discusses his between-the-legs goal from this weekend. #ALLCAPS [🎥: @WHLPats ] pic.twitter.com/zONkGUMupy
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) January 16, 2023
Suzdalev collected 17 points (6G-11A) with the Pats in December, earning points in all but one of his 10 appearances. Suzdalev, who signed his entry-level contract following Development Camp and competes internationally for Sweden, enjoyed six multi-point efforts for Regina this past month, a total which included three-point nights December 4 at Edmonton and December 30 at Prince Albert.
Regina head coach on Suzdalev goal. #ALLCAPS [🎥: @WHLPats pic.twitter.com/RWUC3pqTnG
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) January 16, 2023
Suzdalev now has 23 Goals and 53 Points in 40 Games Played this season; he ranks second on the Pats in Goals, tied for second in Assists, and second in Points.
By Michael Fleetwood
More Reading:
Alexander Suzdalev Scores Two Goals Including Overtime Game-Winner Against Kelowna Rockets
Alexander Suzdalev Records Second Two-Goal Game In First 6 Games Played For Regina Pats
“Really Happy and Really Proud, A Great Organization”: Capitals’ 2022 Third-Round Draft Pick Alexander Suzdalev Talks His Playing Style, Being Drafted by Washington
Capitals Sign Forward Alexander Suzdalev To Three-Year Entry Level Contract
How did they leave him out of the Juniors?
It’s a mystery right up there with Bigfoot.
Given it a lot of thought. His defense was a little suspect at the beginning of the year, but it’s much better now. He’s only 18, 19 in March, so he’ll make it next December. But still, I think he could have helped Team Sweden this year.
Not all coaches would be happy with his free thinking and that might be why he was left off Sweden’s team. Could be Swedish HC wanted more of a predictable machine, not a wild card. I could certainly see Lavi not wanting to play him.
Suzdalev is the loosest cat on the ice. He just doesn’t give a 💩
He really is. A ton of raw talent. They are being careful not to rein-in the crazy play, which I think is a good idea. Let the horse run wild and slowly buff-out the rough edges,
Suzdalev was first star of the game. Connor Bedard was second star.
Suzdalev is fun to watch!