The Seattle Kraken's Tenacious Push for Expansion and the Transformation of Emerald City Sports

Seattle's Hockey Roots Run Deep

Seattle has a long and storied history with hockey. The city has been home to several professional and amateur hockey teams over the years, including the Seattle Metropolitans, who won the Stanley Cup in 1917. In recent years, Seattle has become a hotbed for youth hockey, with several youth hockey leagues and tournaments taking place in the city each year.

The city's passion for hockey has been evident in the years leading up to the Kraken's expansion. In 2013, a group of investors led by billionaire David Bonderman announced plans to bring an NHL team to Seattle. The group secured a lease for the city-owned KeyArena and began the process of securing an expansion fee from the NHL.

The NHL Takes Notice

The NHL had been considering expansion for several years, and Seattle was seen as a prime candidate for a new team. The city has a large and passionate hockey fan base, a strong economy, and a state-of-the-art arena. In 2018, the NHL announced that it would award an expansion team to Seattle, beginning play in the 2021-22 season.

The NHL's decision to expand to Seattle was a major victory for the city and its hockey fans. It marked the first time that an NHL team had been added to the United States since 2000, and it brought the number of NHL teams to 32.

The Kraken Emerge

The Seattle Kraken officially began play in October 2021. The team's name and logo were unveiled in July 2020, and they quickly became a fan favorite. The Kraken's home arena is the Climate Pledge Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2021.

The Kraken have been a competitive team from the start. They finished their inaugural season with a 27-43-12 record, which was good for sixth place in the Pacific Division. The team's success on the ice has helped to generate excitement among Seattle hockey fans, and the Kraken have quickly become one of the most popular teams in the NHL.

The Impact of the Kraken on Emerald City Sports

The Seattle Kraken have had a major impact on the city's sports landscape. The team has brought a new level of excitement to the city, and they have helped to create a more vibrant sports scene. The Kraken have also helped to boost the city's economy, and they have played a role in the revitalization of downtown Seattle.

The Kraken are more than just a hockey team. They are a symbol of Seattle's growing sports culture and its bright future. The team's success has helped to put Seattle on the map as a major sports city, and it has inspired a new generation of hockey fans.

The Seattle Kraken's tenacious push for expansion has been a major success story for the city and its hockey fans. The team has brought a new level of excitement to the city, and they have helped to create a more vibrant sports scene. The Kraken are more than just a hockey team. They are a symbol of Seattle's growing sports culture and its bright future.