The Seattle Kraken is a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington. They are part of the National Hockey League (NHL) and joined the league as an expansion team in 2021.
The idea of bringing an NHL team to Seattle had been in the works for quite some time. Seattle has a long, rich hockey history and a passionate fan base, so it was a natural choice for expansion. In 2018, the NHL announced that Seattle would be awarded a franchise, and the team was officially named the Seattle Kraken in July 2020.
The name “Kraken” was chosen to represent the deep maritime history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The Kraken is a legendary sea creature known for its strength and power, and it embodies the spirit of the team and the city.
The team’s colors are deep sea blue, ice blue, and white, which reflect the colors of the ocean and ice. The logo features a fierce-looking Kraken tentacle forming an “S” shape, representing Seattle.
The Kraken play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena, which underwent a major renovation to accommodate the team. The arena has a seating capacity of over 17,000 and provides a fantastic atmosphere for hockey games.
The inaugural season for the Seattle Kraken began in October 2021, and fans were thrilled to finally have an NHL team to cheer for. The team has quickly gained a loyal following, and their games are known for their energetic atmosphere and passionate fans.
The Kraken have made efforts to connect with the Seattle community through various initiatives. They have partnered with local organizations to promote youth hockey and support charitable causes. The team aims to be an integral part of the city and give back to the community that supports them.
In terms of on-ice performance, the Kraken have been building their roster through the NHL Expansion Draft and subsequent player signings. Led by their head coach and general manager, the team is working hard to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
The team’s journey began with their selection in the NHL Expansion Draft in July 2021. The team had the exciting opportunity to build their roster by selecting players from existing NHL teams. They also had been able to secure a lottery pick in the 2021 regular draft, securing the #2 overall pick and selecting fan-favorite and Rookie of the Year Matty Beniers. It was a pivotal moment for the franchise as they laid the foundation for their inaugural season. Some of the biggest names to show up in Kraken colors that season were Jordan Eberle, Morgan Geekie, Vince Dunn, Jared McCann, as well as many others. McCann led the team in both goals and points during the first season. Seattle didn’t have the success that Vegas did in their inaugural season as they finished last in the Pacific Divison in their first season with a record of 27-49-6
While the Kraken are a new team, they have already built a strong and dedicated fan base. The people of Seattle have eagerly embraced their newest sports franchise, showing their support through ticket sales, merchandise, and a passionate presence at games. The “Krakheads” are very passionately supportive of their team, and many of them make new, unique kinds of Kraken merch.
The Kraken came close to the Stanley Cup last season as they had beaten the defending champs in the first round before falling to the Dallas Stars in the Division finals. It remains to be seen just how far the young team can go this year. As the Seattle Kraken continue to grow and establish themselves in the NHL, they are poised to make their mark on the league. With a combination of talented players, passionate fans, and a unique identity, the Kraken have the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the hockey world.
