Photo: Regina Pats
Washington Capitals prospect Alexander Suzdalev continues to have an outstanding rookie campaign in the Western Hockey League (WHL), his first season in North America. Suzdalev, who has pulled off numerous highlight reels goals so far this season, including The Michigan and a between-the-legs goal, recorded his first career WHL hat trick on Saturday night against the Brandon Wheat Kings in Regina.
Suzdalev opened the scoring for the night with the first goal of the game, just 5:18 into the contest. He also opened the scoring on Friday night.
🚨 ICE BROKEN 🚨
Alexander Suzdalev opens the scoring for the 2nd straight night, making no mistake after a beautiful feed from Sam Oremba!#LegendsInTheMaking | #REGvsBDN pic.twitter.com/craxGP7k10
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) February 26, 2023
Suzdalev’s second goal of the game came at 16:37 of the second period. It was a breakaway tally that he finished five-hole. Suzdalev also added an assist in the middle frame.
🚨 SUZY ON A BREAKAWAY 🚨
Svozil springs Suzdalev on the breakaway, who goes five-hole to make it 4-3!#LegendsInTheMaking | #REGvsBDN pic.twitter.com/IN2nXBQ3cT
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) February 26, 2023
Suzdalev completed the hat trick midway through the third period. His shot was first not confirmed a goal, but as play continued, officials reviewed the play and confirmed his shot indeed hit the back bar, the water bottle and then went out.
Hat trick for Alexander Suzdalev! The first hatty of his CHL career. His 34th goal of the season. It took a while to confirm, but it counts. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/l6KZ1FnlNo
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 26, 2023
Suzdalev, 18, now has 34 goals and 41 assists for 75 points in 54 games played (1.39 points per game) so far this season. He has 28 points (14G-14A) in his last 17 games. Suzdalev has shot the puck 133 times for a whopping 25.5% shooting percentage.
Congrats on your 1st WHL hat-trick Suzy!
With tonight’s 3 tallies, Alexander Suzdalev now sits 5th in points in @TheWHL (75) & 8th in goals (34).
He has 18 more points than the 2nd-highest scoring rookie in the league.#LegendsInTheMaking | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/YNYdQdG3Ni
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) February 26, 2023
Suzdalev was chosen in the third round, 70th overall, by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. It just so happens to be the team he grew up rooting for. He met with the media following the game.
“I was a huge Caps fan,” Suzdalev said. “I was loving Ovi [Alexander Ovechkin] and I was from a place in Siberia where Alexander Semin was from so that was my favourite player when I was little. … Really happy to be drafted by them. It couldn’t be any better almost.”
He’s been in North America and playing hockey on North American-sized rinks for less than a year, but so far, by most accounts, things are going really well for Suzdalev. Suzdalev made the jump across the pond from Sweden last summer, signing with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). What has Suzdalev enjoyed about playing for the Pats so far this season?
“Everything so far,” Suzdalev told Robin Wark. “I fit in pretty good in the group and everyone is really nice. I love the city. The fans were really good the last couple games here and it was sure fun to play. Of course, when you have as good a player on your team as Connor Bedard [who is projected to be the first pick in the 2023 National Hockey League Draft], it sure makes it a lot more fun to play with him and go at it every practice.”
Suzdalev attended the Capitals’ development camp in July and Capitals rookie and training camps in September. “It didn’t feel real almost at the time,” he said. “In your first rookie camp, you learn a lot – taking from the good players.
Suz Your Daddy!
Where next for Suz?
I think he’s gleaned all he can in the CHL. He reminds me on Connor McMichael in his last year in CHL. He was done learning at that level. I’d say Europe (SHL?) or even the AHL (he’s not bound by 20-year old rule because he is a European player)
Jon, what would be your preference? I always lean towards the AHL because of English language and NA rink size.
Any indication he’s willing to play in the neutral or d zones? That’s really the big hurdle most high-scoring kids in the CHL need to clear. And of course playing against adults instead of 16-year-olds. He clearly has the basic tools, but the next step — hopefully to the AHL at least — is a huge one.
Neutral zone play is decent. He’s still working on his backchecking game, which has come a long way this season. Also, board battles is something he is working on.
I’m with ya Fyre. Stay on the American-sized rinks My only question re: AHL is the physical aspect of the game. Suzdalev is a lanky kid, still just 18, and could use a few pounds. But that may be the best way to get him there.
Could start off the season following Bear Hughes’ example.
Kid’s got a lot of raw talent.
And courage. He’s not content to just play it safe. Not reckless, but willing to take chances. And obviously having a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see more of him.
Suds has definitely established himself as a legit prospect. He has a long way to go, of course…happy with the pick. He’ll have to develop all sides of his game to play in the NHL. Plenty of guys can score but unless you can score 50+ that’s not enough. You’ve gotta compete all over the ice.
Spot on Lance.
That last goal was a blistering shot. Good mix, through, 5–hole on the breakaway.