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50 Facts About Seattle Kraken

Wenonah Koo

Written by Wenonah Koo

Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Dailyfaceoff.com

What makes the Seattle Kraken so special? The Seattle Kraken, the NHL's 32nd team, has quickly captured the hearts of hockey fans since its debut in 2021. Named after a legendary sea monster and the Giant Pacific octopus, the Kraken embodies the maritime spirit of Seattle. Playing at the world’s first carbon-neutral arena, Climate Pledge Arena, the team is committed to sustainability. With striking colors like deep sea navy blue and ice blue, their branding stands out. Led by General Manager Ron Francis and Head Coach Dan Bylsma, the Kraken aims to build a competitive team. From community engagement to notable players, the Kraken is making waves in the NHL.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Seattle Kraken, inspired by sea legends, is a new NHL team with a carbon-neutral arena, unique branding, and a commitment to community and sustainability.
  • With a strong roster, dedicated fan base, and commitment to sustainability, the Seattle Kraken is making waves in the NHL and the local community.
Table of Contents
01The Birth of the Seattle Kraken
02Home Arena and Team Colors
03Logo, Mascot, and Branding
04Leadership and Management
05Affiliations and Social Media Presence
06Partnerships and Community Engagement
07Sustainability Efforts
08Milestones and Achievements
09Notable Players and Drafts
10Division and Playoff Performance
11Inaugural Season and Fan Engagement
12Food, Beverage, and Local Preferences
13Contracts and Player Development
14Community Programs and Sustainability
15Fan Experience and Local Partnerships
16Historical Significance and Future Prospects
17The Kraken's Impact on Hockey

The Birth of the Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken is the newest team to join the NHL, bringing excitement and a fresh wave of enthusiasm to the sport. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this team.

  1. Team Name and Inspiration
    The name "Seattle Kraken" comes from the legendary sea monster in Scandinavian and Norwegian folklore, as well as the Giant Pacific octopus found in Puget Sound.

  2. Founding and History
    The NHL approved Seattle Hockey Partners' proposal for an expansion franchise, and the Kraken began playing in the 2021–22 season.

Home Arena and Team Colors

The Kraken's home base and their striking team colors are essential parts of their identity.

  1. Home Arena
    Climate Pledge Arena, a $930 million redevelopment of KeyArena, is the Kraken's home. It's the world’s first carbon-neutral certified arena.

  2. Team Colors
    The primary colors are deep sea navy blue, ice blue, boundless blue, shadow blue, and red alert, representing the ocean's depths.

Logo, Mascot, and Branding

The Kraken's logo and mascot play a significant role in their branding and fan engagement.

  1. Logo and Branding
    The logo features a menacing sea creature emerging from a blue wave, symbolizing Seattle's maritime culture.

  2. Mascot
    "Squatch," a friendly sea monster, is the Kraken's mascot, adding excitement during games and events.

Leadership and Management

Strong leadership is crucial for any sports team, and the Kraken is no exception.

  1. Ownership Group
    The diverse and influential ownership group is committed to community engagement and sustainability.

  2. General Manager
    Ron Francis, a former NHL player, is the Kraken's first general manager, focusing on building a competitive team.

  3. Head Coach
    Dan Bylsma leads the team with a strategic approach to hockey.

  4. Captain
    Jordan Eberle serves as the captain, providing leadership on and off the ice.

Affiliations and Social Media Presence

The Kraken's affiliations and social media presence help them connect with fans and develop talent.

  1. AHL Affiliate
    The Charlotte Checkers are the Kraken’s official AHL affiliate, aiding in player development.

  2. Social Media Presence
    The Kraken's social media presence is strong, with hashtags like #ReleaseTheKraken generating significant engagement.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The Kraken's partnerships and community initiatives reflect their commitment to giving back.

  1. Partnerships
    Notable partnerships include Kraken Rum and Alaska Airlines, enhancing the team's brand and community ties.

  2. Community Engagement
    The Kraken prioritize community engagement through various initiatives and programs.

Sustainability Efforts

The Kraken are committed to sustainability, starting with their home arena.

  1. Sustainability Efforts
    Climate Pledge Arena is the world’s first carbon-neutral certified arena, reflecting the team's environmental goals.

Milestones and Achievements

The Kraken have already achieved several milestones in their short history.

  1. First Game
    The Kraken played their first game on October 12, 2021, against the Vegas Golden Knights.

  2. First Home Game
    Their first home game at Climate Pledge Arena was on October 23, 2021, against the Vancouver Canucks.

  3. First Home Win
    The Kraken's first home win came on October 26, 2021, against the Montreal Canadiens.

  4. First Shutout
    Philipp Grubauer recorded the franchise’s first shutout on February 2, 2022, against the New York Islanders.

Notable Players and Drafts

Key players and the NHL Expansion Draft have shaped the Kraken's roster.

  1. Notable Players
    Key players include Philipp Grubauer, Mark Giordano, Jaden Schwartz, and Jordan Eberle.

  2. NHL Expansion Draft
    The Kraken participated in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft to form their initial roster.

Division and Playoff Performance

The Kraken's performance in their division and playoffs highlights their competitive spirit.

  1. Pacific Division
    The Kraken compete in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

  2. Stanley Cup Playoffs
    They qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2023, upsetting the Colorado Avalanche in the first round.

Inaugural Season and Fan Engagement

The Kraken's inaugural season and fan engagement efforts have set the stage for future success.

  1. Inaugural Season Performance
    In their first season, the Kraken won 27 of 82 games, finishing last in the Pacific Division.

  2. Fan Engagement
    The Kraken have a dedicated fan base, with significant interest and engagement on social media.

Food, Beverage, and Local Preferences

The Kraken's fans have distinct preferences that reflect Seattle's culture.

  1. Food and Beverage Preferences
    Kraken followers show a strong preference for alcoholic beverages and spirits.

  2. Craft Beer Affinity
    Fans have a significant affinity for craft beer, with top preferences including Stone Brewing and Elysian Brewing.

  3. Car Affinity
    Kraken followers are 30.8x more likely to have an affinity for Tesla.

  4. Coffee Affinity
    Fans love coffee, with Starbucks being the top choice among followers.

Contracts and Player Development

The Kraken's contracts and player development programs are crucial for building a competitive team.

  1. 50-Contract Rule
    The Kraken have 50 NHL contracts, including key players like Philipp Grubauer and Mark Giordano.

  2. Roster Building
    They have room to sign additional NHL contracts, thanks to the Juniors Exemption.

  3. Player Development
    The partnership with the Charlotte Checkers helps in nurturing talent within the organization.

Community Programs and Sustainability

The Kraken's community programs and sustainability initiatives set them apart.

  1. Community Programs
    The Kraken are committed to promoting hockey among local youth through various initiatives.

  2. Sustainability Initiatives
    Climate Pledge Arena's carbon-neutral certification reflects the team's environmental goals.

Fan Experience and Local Partnerships

The Kraken offer an enhanced fan experience and have formed significant local partnerships.

  1. Fan Experience
    The Kraken provide an exciting game-day experience at Climate Pledge Arena.

  2. Local Partnerships
    Partnerships with local businesses, like Kraken Rum and Alaska Airlines, enhance the team's brand.

Historical Significance and Future Prospects

The Kraken's historical significance and promising future make them a beloved addition to Seattle's sports landscape.

  1. Historical Significance
    The Kraken are the first professional hockey team in Seattle since the Seattle Metropolitans in 1924.

  2. Fan Loyalty
    Kraken fans are known for their loyalty and dedication.

  3. Marketing Strategy
    The Kraken's marketing strategy focuses on creating a unique brand identity.

  4. Player Selection
    Key players like Philipp Grubauer and Mark Giordano were crucial additions during the NHL Expansion Draft.

  5. Game-Day Experience
    Climate Pledge Arena offers an engaging game-day experience for fans.

  6. Corporate Partnerships
    Corporate partnerships provide financial support and enhance the team's brand.

  7. Community Involvement
    The Kraken participate in various community events and programs.

  8. Environmental Goals
    The team's environmental goals are reflected in Climate Pledge Arena's design and operations.

  9. Fan Participation
    Fans can engage with the team through various activities and events.

  10. Team Culture
    The Kraken emphasize speed, character, and competitiveness.

  11. Player Development Programs
    The partnership with the Charlotte Checkers provides opportunities for player development.

  12. Future Prospects
    With a strong roster and dedicated fan base, the Kraken have promising future prospects.

  13. Commitment to Sustainability
    The team's commitment to sustainability sets them apart from other NHL teams.

  14. Community Engagement Initiatives
    The Kraken's community engagement efforts foster a positive impact on the local community.

The Kraken's Impact on Hockey

The Seattle Kraken has quickly become a beloved part of the NHL. From their unique name inspired by sea monsters to their commitment to sustainability with Climate Pledge Arena, the Kraken stands out. Their first game in 2021 marked the beginning of an exciting journey, and their first playoff appearance in 2023 showed their potential. With Ron Francis as GM and Dan Bylsma as head coach, the team focuses on speed and character. Jordan Eberle leads as captain, guiding a roster filled with talent like Philipp Grubauer and Mark Giordano. The Kraken's community engagement and local partnerships reflect their dedication to Seattle. Fans love the game-day experience and the team's social media presence. The Kraken's future looks bright, promising more thrilling hockey and community impact. Keep an eye on this team as they continue to make waves in the NHL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the deal with the Seattle Kraken's name?
Well, you're in for a treat! Seattle Kraken draws its name from maritime folklore, where the Kraken is a legendary sea monster said to dwell off the coasts of Norway and Greenland. This name was chosen to capture the spirit and mystery of the deep, as well as to pay homage to Seattle's rich maritime history. Pretty cool, huh?
How did the Seattle Kraken become part of the NHL?
So, here's the scoop: The Seattle Kraken officially became the 32nd team in the National Hockey League (NHL) through an expansion process. This process was approved by the NHL Board of Governors in December 2018, with the team hitting the ice for the first time in the 2021-2022 season. It was a big moment for Seattle sports fans, marking the city's return to ice hockey after a long hiatus.
Can you tell me about the Kraken's home arena?
Absolutely! The Kraken call the Climate Pledge Arena their home. This arena isn't just any old sports venue; it's touted as the world's first carbon-neutral arena. Nestled in the heart of Seattle at the Seattle Center, it underwent a massive transformation to become a state-of-the-art facility, all while keeping the iconic roof structure intact. Fans stepping into this arena are in for a real treat, with modern amenities and a commitment to sustainability.
Who's leading the charge for the Kraken on the ice?
Leading the pack for the Kraken is their captain, Mark Giordano. A seasoned veteran in the NHL, Giordano brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Under his guidance, the Kraken aim to make a splash in the league, combining young talent with seasoned pros for an exciting mix on the ice.
What's the fan base like for the Seattle Kraken?
Oh, the Kraken's fan base is something else! Known as the "Kraken Faithful," these fans are passionate, loud, and proud. From the moment the team was announced, the city of Seattle and fans across the region rallied behind their new team, showing incredible support. Whether it's packing the Climate Pledge Arena or sporting Kraken gear around town, their enthusiasm is contagious.
Are there any cool traditions the Kraken have started?
You bet! Even though they're a new team, the Kraken are already building their own set of traditions. One fan favorite is the "Release the Kraken" chant, which echoes through the arena at key moments during games. It's a powerful call to action, rallying the team and fans alike. As time goes on, expect even more traditions to emerge as the team carves out its identity.
How can I keep up with the Seattle Kraken's games and news?
Staying in the loop with the Kraken is easy peasy! Their official website and social media channels are your go-to sources for the latest news, game schedules, and player updates. For those who love the thrill of live games, tuning into local sports networks or attending games at the Climate Pledge Arena are fantastic ways to catch the action.

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