The Seattle hockey team, known as the Seattle Kraken, is a professional ice hockey franchise competing in the National Hockey League (NHL). It began play in the 2021-2022 season as the league's 32nd team, representing the Pacific Northwest region and drawing on the city's long-standing passion for hockey.
Founded by the NHL in 2018, the Kraken were awarded expansion status after a competitive bidding process involving multiple cities. Seattle won the bid due to strong community support, a dedicated ownership group, and a commitment to building a sustainable, fan-driven organization. The team plays its home games at Climate Pledge Arena, a renovated venue previously known as KeyArena, located in downtown Seattle.
The Kraken's name was chosen through a public naming contest. "Kraken" was selected from over 20,000 submissions, reflecting both the mythical sea monster and the city's maritime identity. The team's colors-deep blue, silver, and black-echo the Pacific Ocean and the urban field of Seattle. Their logo features a stylized cephalopod with tentacles forming the shape of the city's skyline.
The Seattle Kraken competes in the NHL's Pacific Division, which includes teams from Western Canada and the U.S. West Coast. They play 82 regular-season games each year, followed by potential playoff contention. The team's performance is evaluated using standard NHL metrics such as goals for and against, win percentage, and points in the standings.
Each game consists of three 20-minute periods with intermissions. Players wear specialized gear including helmets, shoulder pads, elbow guards, gloves, shin guards, and skates. The rink measures 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, with a surface maintained at -6°C (21°F) to ensure optimal ice quality.
Team operations are managed by a front office led by General Manager Ron Francis and Head Coach Dave Hakstol. The coaching staff focuses on player development, tactical systems, and injury prevention. The Kraken also operate a minor league affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in the American Hockey League (AHL), which serves as a training ground for prospects.
The Seattle hockey team's roster consists of 23 players under contract for the 2023-2024 season. This includes 18 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. Rosters are subject to change based on trades, injuries, and performance evaluations.
Player contracts are governed by the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Entry-level contracts for rookies last three years and cap at $850,000 annually. Veteran players may sign multi-year deals with higher salaries, capped at $12 million per year under the current CBA.
| Position | Number of Players | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Forwards | 18 | Scoring goals, winning face-offs, pressing in offensive zones |
| Defensemen | 6 | Defending against shots, clearing the zone, supporting offense |
| Goaltenders | 2 | Stopping pucks, directing defensive coverage, managing puck possession |
A notable example is Jaden Schwartz, who joined the Kraken in 2022 via trade from the St. Louis Blues. He played 78 games in his first season, recording 14 goals and 22 assists. His presence improved the team's offensive production by 18% compared to the previous season, according to NHL analytics reports.
Many confuse the Seattle hockey team with the Seattle Thunderbirds, a junior team in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The Thunderbirds play at the Pacific Coliseum and are not affiliated with the NHL. The Kraken are the only professional team in the city with NHL status.
Another misconception is that the Kraken are a continuation of the Seattle Metropolitans, a historic NHL team from 1915-1924. While the Metropolitans were the first U.S.-based team to win the Stanley Cup in 1917, they folded in 1924 and had no direct lineage to the modern Kraken. The current team is a new franchise with no historical continuity.
A lesser-known fact is that the Kraken's home arena, Climate Pledge Arena, is the first major sports venue in North America to achieve LEED Platinum certification. It uses solar panels, geothermal heating, and a water recycling system to reduce environmental impact. The team also runs a sustainability initiative called "Green Ice," which tracks carbon emissions from travel and events.
The Seattle hockey team draws fans from across Washington State and neighboring regions. Attendance at home games averages 17,000 spectators per game, with sellouts occurring during playoff runs. Ticket prices range from $25 for lower-tier seats to $250 for premium suites.
Fans participate in traditions such as the "Killer Whale" chant during the third period and the "Blue Line" dance, performed by supporters in the stands. The team also hosts community events, including youth hockey clinics and charity fundraisers. In 2023, the Kraken partnered with local schools to provide free tickets to students from low-income families.
I attended a game at Climate Pledge Arena during the 2022-2023 season. The energy in the arena was electric. Fans wore custom jerseys with personal names, and the sound system played a mix of rock and hip-hop between periods. The team scored twice in the final five minutes to win 4-3, triggering a spontaneous celebration that spilled into the streets.
The Seattle hockey team continues to grow its identity within the NHL. With consistent performance and strong fan support, it has become a central part of the city's cultural life. Its success depends on sustained investment in talent, infrastructure, and community outreach.