ice hockey in Seattle

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}Ice hockey in Seattle, Washington, includes professional teams as early as 1915, such as the Seattle Metropolitans, the first United States–based team to win the Stanley Cup. The city has been represented by various teams in the iterations of the Western Hockey League (WHL) since 1944, of which the major junior Seattle Thunderbirds are the latest. Presently, the city has a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the Seattle Kraken, who began play in the 2021–22 season.

There is also a history of both professional minor-league and junior teams in nearby cities of the Puget Sound region, such as Everett and Tacoma.

Seattle Metropolitans (1915–1924)

File:Pete Muldoon.jpg, head coach of the Seattle Metropolitans. He is honored by the Seattle Kraken as the namesake of their most valuable player trophy.]]

Professional ice hockey in Seattle dates back to 1915, with the formation of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA)'s Seattle Metropolitans.

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=Formation=

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Seattle Metropolitans#History|noBold=yes}}

Early PCHL teams (1928–1945)

The closure of the Seattle Ice Arena in 1924, which ended the Metropolitans' existence, necessitated the construction of a new arena. The Civic Ice Arena was completed in 1928, and with it came the return of professional hockey to Seattle after this four-year hiatus. A Seattle team entered as a founding member of each iteration of the Pacific Coast Hockey League.

=Seattle Eskimos (1928–1931)=

{{Infobox ice hockey team

| team = Seattle Eskimos

| bg_color = background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#154734 5px solid; border-bottom:#A6192E 5px solid;

| text_color = black

| logo = SeattlePCHL1928Logo.png

| logo_size = 100px

| city = Seattle, Washington

| league = Pacific Coast Hockey League

| owner = Pete Muldoon

| operated = 1928–1931

| arena = Civic Ice Arena

| colors = Green, red, white

}}

The Seattle Eskimos were a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle from 1928 to 1931. Founded by former Seattle Metropolitans manager Pete Muldoon, the team was a founding member of the first iteration of the PCHL, and played in the Civic Ice Arena.{{cite web |last=Obermeyer |first=Jeff |title=Seattle Eskimos & Sea Hawks |url=http://www.seattlehockey.net/Seattle_Hockey_Homepage/Eskimos.html |website=seattlehockey.net|access-date=December 31, 2022}}

The team wore the barberpole green, red, and white jerseys of the Metropolitans with a modified S wordmark crest.{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |title=More than the Metropolitans: Before NHL arrives, a comprehensive Seattle hockey history |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/more-than-the-metropolitans-ahead-of-nhl-vote-a-comprehensive-seattle-hockey-history/ |access-date=January 1, 2023 |work=Seattle Times |publisher=Seattle Times |date=December 2, 2018}}{{cite web |last=Eskenazi |first=David |title=Wayback Machine: Seattle's Long Wait For NHL |url=https://www.sportspressnw.com/2155236/2013/wayback-machine-seattles-long-wait-for-nhl |website=SportsPressNW.com |access-date=January 1, 2023 |date=July 9, 2013}}

=Seattle Sea Hawks (1933–1941)=

Following the demise of the first iteration of the PCHL, the Seattle Sea Hawks began as a founding member of the North West Hockey League. The team played in the NWHL during that league's three season existence {{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Seattle Seahawks (ice hockey)|noBold=yes|only=paragraphs}}

=Seattle Stars (1944–1945)=

{{Infobox ice hockey team

| team = Seattle Stars

| city = Seattle, Washington

| league = Pacific Coast Hockey League

| owner = Emil Sick

| coach = Roger Jenkins

| operated = 1944–1945

| arena = Civic Ice Arena

}}

The Seattle Stars, also known as Sick's Stars, were a minor professional hockey team based at Seattle's Civic Ice Arena who played during the final iteration of the PCHL's inaugural 1944–45 season.{{cite web |title=Seattle Stars Statistics and History |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/seattle-stars-7963.html |website=HockeyDB.com |access-date=January 1, 2023}} The team was owned by Emil Sick, owner of Rainier Beer and the Seattle Rainiers baseball team.

In their single season, the team was coached by Roger Jenkins, who had coached the previous season for the cross-town rival Seattle Isaacson Iron Workers. The team won 12 games, lost 14, and tied 1 for a third-place finish in the PCHL's North division, before losing to the Portland Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.{{cite web |last=Obermeyer |first=Jeff |title=Seattle Ironmen |url=http://www.seattlehockey.net/Seattle_Hockey_Homepage/Ironmen.html |website=seattlehockey.net |access-date=January 1, 2023}}

Seattle Totems (1944–1975)

Professional hockey returned to Seattle in the post-war era in the form of two new teams playing in the final iteration of the PCHL. One team (the Stars) folded after one season, leaving the other (the Ironmen) to survive and become the Seattle Totems. Known u{{Excerpt|Seattle Totems|minor_league_overview|hat=no|inline=yes}}

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Failed attempts to acquire an NHL team (1974–2017)

On June 12, 1974, the NHL announced new expansion teams in Denver and Seattle that would start play in the 1976–77 season. Vince Abbey led the Seattle group.{{cite news|last=Keese|first=Parton|title=N.H.L. Gives Franchises To Denver, Seattle for '76|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/13/archives/nhl-gives-franchises-to-denver-seattle-for-76-rangers-obtain.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 13, 1974|access-date=August 5, 2020}} The Seattle team, which according to season ticket promotions would have kept the WHL name of Totems, never played a game. The NHL rescinded the expansion offer later in 1974 after Abbey missed deadlines to pay a deposit and a franchise fee.{{cite news |last=Cabotaje |first=Angela |title=When Was the Last Time Seattle Had a Hockey Team? |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-culture/first-seattle-hockey-team-history-before-nhl-kraken |access-date=May 1, 2022 |work=Seattle Met |date=September 30, 2021}} Abbey and Eldred Barnes filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NHL, seeking $30 million in damages. In December 1983, a judge dismissed the suit while the trial was in progress and ordered the plaintiffs to pay the Vancouver Canucks US$600,000 in damages on a counterclaim.{{cite news |title=An anti-trust suit brought against the National Hockey League... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/12/20/An-anti-trust-suit-brought-against-the-National-Hockey-League/1739440744400/ |access-date=May 1, 2022 |work=UPI |date=December 20, 1983 |language=en}}

In June 1975, Abbey tried to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins with the intention to move the team to Seattle when they were sold in a bankruptcy auction for US$4.4 million.{{cite news|date=June 30, 1975|title=Seattle group bids today for Penguins|page=F1|work=The Seattle Times}}

Another local group attempted to bring an NHL expansion team to Seattle in 1990, but the deal failed due to the financial terms that the NHL demanded. Then-Seattle SuperSonics owner Barry Ackerley committed to submitting an expansion application to the NHL by a September 15, 1990, deadline as part of a proposed new arena deal, provided that a group could be found willing to meet the NHL's asking price of $50 million.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} His son Bill, president of the Ackerley Group, worked with Bill Lear of the First National Bank of Chicago, in order to find an ownership group for the prospective franchise. The only group to step forward was led by Microsoft executive Chris Larson and former Seattle Totems player and coach Bill MacFarland. Ackerley and the Larson–MacFarland group met multiple times, but the Larson–MacFarland group determined that the expansion franchise was worth $15 million less than what the NHL was asking for.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

Ackerley rescinded Seattle's bid without Larson's or MacFarland's knowledge. Larson and MacFarland told the Seattle media that the Ackerley Group cost Seattle a chance at an NHL team. Ackerley responded that Seattle lost its chance because Larson and MacFarland were unwilling to accept the NHL's expansion terms.{{cite web|last=Obermeyer|first=Jeff|title=Seattle and the NHL: So Close Yet So Far Away.|url=http://www.seattlehockey.net/Seattle_Hockey_Homepage/Seattle_and_the_NHL.html|website=seattlehockey.net|date=Mar–Apr 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2019}}{{cite web|last1=Eskenazi|first1=David|last2=Rudman|first2=Steve|url=http://sportspressnw.com/2155236/2013/wayback-machine-seattles-long-wait-for-nhl|title=Wayback Machine: Seattle's Long Wait For NHL|publisher=Sportspress NW|date=July 9, 2013|access-date=January 27, 2019}} Among the unfavorable terms were very high season ticket requirements; a 20-year arena lease with a "substantial" share of arena revenues from concessions, parking, and ad signage; priority status for postseason arena dates; and a secured US$5 million line of credit in case the league had to take over ownership of the team.{{cite web|last=Rudman|first=Steve |url=http://sportspressnw.com/2205914/2015/seattle-and-the-nhl-land-mines-on-the-horizon|title=Seattle and the NHL – Land Mines on Horizon |publisher=Sportspress NW|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=January 27, 2019}} The NHL, unable to come to an agreement with any owners in Seattle, instead sold two new franchises to groups in Ottawa and Tampa Bay.{{cite book|last=Stein|first=Gil|year=1997|title=Power Plays: An Inside Look at the Big Business of the National Hockey League|pages=80–81 |publisher=Birch Lane Press|isbn=1-55972-422-6|url=https://archive.org/details/powerplaysinside0000stei}}

File:Keyarena-hockey.jpg

Later talks about an NHL team for Seattle were derailed due to renovations to KeyArena. Prior to renovations in 1994 and 1995, the arena had an ice hockey configuration that had been used by the WHL Totems. After the renovations, which optimized the arena for the Seattle SuperSonics, the arena's scoreboard and seats were not positioned well for hockey games.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Will-the-puck-stop-here-1227023.php|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|first=David|last=Andriesen|title=Will the puck stop here?

|date=January 31, 2007}} This was a major factor in the major junior Seattle Thunderbirds leaving for the ShoWare Center in Kent in 2009. In 2012, League deputy commissioner Bill Daly stated that KeyArena would be "a difficult arena for hockey" due to the large number of obstructed-view seats.{{cite news|last=Daniels|first=Chris|title=Group interested in luring NHL to Seattle|url=http://www.king5.com/sports/Group-interested-in-luring-NHL-to-Seattle-122557174.html|publisher=KING-TV|date=May 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528015327/http://www.king5.com/sports/Group-interested-in-luring-NHL-to-Seattle-122557174.html|archive-date=May 28, 2011|access-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=dead}} All NHL exhibition games held in Seattle after the renovation were instead hosted at the Tacoma Dome 30 miles south of Seattle.{{cite news|title=Canucks 4, Sharks 1|url=https://apnews.com/c0d9ba619d8ba7580022e91fba8c4389|work=Associated Press|date=September 19, 1996|access-date=September 25, 2016}}

Expansion and relocation proposals often came with a new arena proposal, especially after the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Several investors considered Seattle as a locale for expansion or relocation on condition that a suitable arena could be built. In 2011, Don Levin, owner of the Chicago Wolves, had expressed interest in building a new arena in nearby Bellevue that could host an NHL team.{{cite news|last=Daniels|first=Chris|title=Chicago businessman speaks on Bellevue and NHL|url=http://www.king5.com/sports/Chicago-businessman-speaks-on-Bellevue-and-NHL-125048514.html|publisher=KING-TV|date=July 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402203335/http://www.king5.com/sports/Chicago-businessman-speaks-on-Bellevue-and-NHL-125048514.html|archive-date=April 2, 2012|access-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=dead}} On February 16, 2012, a plan was announced to build a new arena in Seattle's SoDo district, just south of Safeco Field. An investment group led by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen proposed the arena, seeking to host a returned SuperSonics franchise and possibly an NHL team as well.

When Greg Jamison was unable to meet a deadline to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes on January 31, 2013, speculation began that the team would be relocated to Seattle.{{cite news|last=Eaton|first=Nick|title=NHL's Phoenix Coyotes could be back on the table for Seattle|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2013/01/31/nhls-phoenix-coyotes-could-be-back-on-the-table-for-seattle/|newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=January 31, 2013 |access-date=February 14, 2018}} On June 16, 2013, it was confirmed that the Phoenix Coyotes would be moving to Seattle if an arena deal between the team and the City of Glendale was not reached. Ray Bartozek and Anthony Lanza intended to purchase the franchise for US$220 million and would have begun operations in Seattle for the following season.{{cite news|last=Leahy|first=Sean|title=Phoenix Coyotes moving to Seattle? Roenick reportedly part of Plan B for NHL|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/phoenix-coyotes-moving-seattle-roenick-reportedly-part-plan-143114434.html|publisher=Yahoo Sports|date=June 16, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2015}} The relocation plan ended after July 3, 2013, when the Glendale City Council voted 4–3 to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale.{{cite news|last=Wyshynski |first=Greg|title=Phoenix Coyotes avoid relocation, stay in Glendale as city council passes arena lease|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/phoenix-coyotes-avoid-relocation-stay-glendale-city-council-063019646.html|publisher=Yahoo Sports|date=July 3, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2015}}

A 2013 study by Nate Silver concluded that Seattle had the largest number of avid ice hockey fans of any U.S. media market that did not have an NHL team.{{cite web|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-cant-canada-win-the-stanley-cup/|title=Why Can't Canada Win The Stanley Cup?|first=Nate|last=Silver |work=FiveThirtyEight|date=May 31, 2013|access-date=July 22, 2015}}

Seattle Kraken (2018–present)

=Successful expansion bid (2017–2021)=

File:NHL Seattle logo.gif

File:NHL Announcement (38887094362).jpg and other municipal government officials speak on December 7, 2017, after the NHL's board of governors agreed to consider an expansion application from Seattle]]

File:Key-Arena-Bill-Signing-16 (29977230607).jpg

On December 4, 2017, the Seattle City Council voted 7–1 to approve a memorandum of understanding between the city of Seattle and the Los Angeles–based Oak View Group, co-founded by Tim Leiweke,{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=KeyArena MOU approved by Seattle City Council; will NHL announcement soon follow?|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/keyarena-mou-approved-by-seattle-city-council-will-nhl-announcement-soon-follow/|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=December 4, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2018}} for renovations of KeyArena. Renovations for the arena began in 2018 and were completed in 2021.{{cite news|last=Daniels|first=Chris|title=KeyArena renovation wins approval from Seattle City Council|url=http://www.king5.com/news/local/arena/keyarena-renovation-wins-approval-from-seattle-city-council/496819961|publisher=KING-TV|date=December 4, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2018|archive-date=December 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205023734/http://www.king5.com/news/local/arena/keyarena-renovation-wins-approval-from-seattle-city-council/496819961|url-status=dead}} The arena was renamed Climate Pledge Arena after a new naming rights deal was signed with Amazon.com. The original roof remains in place, as it is considered a landmark.{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=KeyArena and iconic sloped roof get historical landmark status|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/keyarena-and-iconic-sloped-roof-get-historical-landmark-status/|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2018}} The rest of the building saw a complete renovation with land being dug down and out.{{cite web |url=http://nzseattle.com/arena/arena-renderings/|title=Seattle hockey – Arena Renderings|date=December 11, 2017|work=Neutral Zone Seattle|access-date=January 2, 2018}} While the renovations were intended for acquiring an NHL franchise, acquiring a new SuperSonics basketball team was also within the design of the approval. On December 7, the NHL's board of governors agreed to consider an expansion application from Seattle, with an expansion fee set at US$650 million.{{cite news|title=Bettman says NHL will consider Seattle expansion bid|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/12/07/bettman-says-nhl-will-consider-seattle-expansion-bid/108414480/|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017}} The Seattle ownership group was represented by David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer, who conducted a preliminary season ticket drive to gauge interest in Seattle.{{cite news|last=Rosen|first=Dan|title=Seattle can begin NHL expansion process |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-can-begin-nhl-expansion-process-says-bettman/c-293782092|website=NHL.com|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=December 9, 2017}}

On February 13, 2018, the Oak View Group filed an application with the NHL for an expansion team and paid a US$10 million application fee.{{cite news|title=Seattle applies for NHL expansion team|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-applies-for-nhl-expansion-team/c-295930852|website=NHL.com|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=February 14, 2018}}{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=Seattle group files application for NHL expansion team to play at KeyArena|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/seattle-group-files-application-for-nhl-expansion-team-to-play-at-keyarena/|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=February 14, 2018}} At the time, the earliest a Seattle NHL expansion team could have begun playing was the 2020–21 season pending the completion of arena renovations.

On March 1, 2018, a ticket drive began to gauge interests in season ticket deposits. Oak View reported that their initial goal of 10,000 deposits was surpassed in 12 minutes,{{cite news|title=Seattle 'shell-shocked' at ticket drive response|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-to-seattle-ticket-drive-for-possible-expansion-team/c-296507418|website=NHL.com|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2018}} and that they received 25,000 deposits in 75 minutes.{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=Seattle surpasses 25,000 NHL season ticket commitments in just over an hour, OVG says |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/oak-view-group-says-it-surpassed-25000-nhl-season-ticket-commitments-for-seattle-in-just-over-an-hour/|website=The Seattle Times|access-date=March 2, 2018 |date=March 1, 2018}} On April 11, 2018, Tod Leiweke was named CEO of Seattle's NHL expansion team.{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=Tod Leiweke named CEO of Seattle's expected NHL team |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/tod-leiweke-named-ceo-of-seattles-expected-nhl-team/|website=The Seattle Times|access-date=April 11, 2018|date=April 11, 2018}} On June 18, 2018, Dave Tippett was named as a senior advisor.{{cite web|title=Group trying to bring NHL franchise to Seattle hires former Coyotes coach Dave Tippett|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/group-trying-to-bring-nhl-franchise-to-seattle-hires-former-coyotes-coach-dave-tippett/|website=The Seattle Times|access-date=June 18, 2018|date=June 18, 2018}} Another step towards an expansion team was taken on October 2, 2018, when the NHL Executive Committee unanimously agreed to recommend the expansion bid to a vote of the Board of Governors in December.{{cite news|last=Kimelman|first=Adam|title=Seattle expansion bid recommended for NHL Board of Governors vote|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-expansion-bid-nhl-board-of-governors-vote-recommended/c-300572368|website=NHL.com|date=October 2, 2018|access-date=October 3, 2018}}{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=NHL executive committee unanimously recommends forwarding Seattle expansion bid to December vote |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/seattle-mayor-durkan-confident-after-nhl-meeting-that-we-can-get-hockey-in-2020/|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=October 2, 2018|access-date=October 3, 2018}}

The NHL Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve Seattle's expansion team on December 4, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Rosen |first=Dan |date=2018-12-04 |title=Seattle NHL expansion approved by Board of Governor |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-nhl-expansion-approved-to-be-32nd-team-play-in-2021-22-302581450 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=NHL.com |language=en}} The Seattle Kraken played their first season in 2021–22 as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference, consequently shifting the Arizona Coyotes from the Pacific Division to the Central Division to balance out the four divisions at eight teams each. In May 2019, the team launched an interactive "fan portal" where fans could propose a name and uniform colors for the team, answer poll questions, get information about ticket pricing and seating, and view a timeline of past and future key events involving the club.{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=Web portal launched by Seattle's NHL team lets fans weigh in on name, uniform colors and even their goal celebration sounds|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/web-portal-lauched-by-seattles-nhl-team-lets-fans-weigh-in-on-name-uniform-colors-and-even-their-goal-celebration-sounds/|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=May 9, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2019}}

On July 23, 2020, the franchise announced their team name, the Seattle Kraken, as well as their team colors, branding, and home jersey.{{cite news|last=Booth|first=Tim|title=Release the Kraken: Seattle unveils name for NHL franchise |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nhl/release-the-kraken-seattle-unveils-name-for-nhl-franchise/2020/07/23/d505aeb8-ccff-11ea-99b0-8426e26d203b_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=Associated Press|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020|language=en}} The event was held under the banner of "Release the Kraken", a phrase popularized by the 1981 film Clash of the Titans and the 2010 remake.{{cite news|last=Li|first=David K.|title=Release the Kraken! Seattle's new hockey team will have a catchy, mythic name|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/release-kraken-seattle-s-new-hockey-team-will-have-catchy-n1234753|publisher=NBC News|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020}} "Kraken" was a name that was already popular with fans prior to its official adoption. The franchise's promotional materials state that it was adopted to honor the maritime culture of Seattle, as well as in reference to the giant Pacific octopus, the largest species of octopus in the world, which can be found in the waters of the Pacific Northwest.{{cite web|title=Seattle Kraken|url=https://www.seattlekrakenhockey.com/|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L.P.|website=SeattleKrakenHockey.com|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714164854/https://www.seattlekrakenhockey.com/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Cotsonika|first=Nicholas J.|title=Seattle Kraken reveal nickname for NHL expansion team |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-nickname-for-nhl-expansion-team/c-317588092|website=NHL.com|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020}}

On April 30, 2021, the franchise paid the final installment of the $650 million expansion fee, officially making the Seattle Kraken the 32nd team of the NHL.{{cite news|title=Seattle Kraken officially become NHL's 32nd team after final expansion payment|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/seattle-kraken-officially-become-nhls-32nd-team-final-expansion-payment/|publisher=Sportsnet|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2021}}

= First seasons (2021–present) =

The Kraken made their first signing, Luke Henman, on May 12, 2021.{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2021 |title=He Shoots, He Scores, He Joins the Kraken |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-agree-to-terms-with-luke-henman-324622296 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} On June 24, the organization hired Dave Hakstol as their inaugural head coach.{{cite web |last1=Condor |first1=Bob |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Getting it 'Right' |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-hire-dave-hakstol-as-first-head-coach/c-325455844 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=NHL.com}} On June 28, the Kraken announced the Charlotte Checkers as their inaugural American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team, sharing them with the Florida Panthers.{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Checkers Add Seattle Kraken as NHL Affiliate |url=https://charlottecheckers.com/articles/features/checkers-add-seattle-kraken-as-nhl-affiliate |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=charlottecheckers.com}}

An expansion draft was held on July 21, in a similar manner to a previous expansion draft held in 2017 for the Vegas Golden Knights, who were themselves exempt from the 2021 expansion draft.{{cite news |last=Rosen |first=Dan |date=December 4, 2018 |title=Seattle NHL expansion approved by Board of Governors |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-nhl-expansion-approved-to-be-32nd-team-play-in-2021-22/c-302581450 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |website=NHL.com}}{{cite news |last=Cotsonika |first=Nicholas J. |date=December 4, 2018 |title=Seattle expansion frequently asked questions |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-franchise-expansion-frequently-asked-questions/c-302575978 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |website=NHL.com}}{{cite web |last=Stolzenberg |first=Holger |date=December 20, 2020 |title=Seattle Kraken expansion draft set for July 21 |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/seattle-kraken-expansion-draft-set-for-july-21/ar-BB1c5krl |access-date=January 10, 2021 |publisher=MSN}} Notable selections included Jordan Eberle from the New York Islanders and Mark Giordano from the Calgary Flames. The Kraken selected their first draft pick, Matty Beniers, as the second overall selection at the 2021 NHL entry draft.{{Cite web |title=Kraken use first-ever draft pick to select Matthew Beniers No. 2 overall |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/kraken-use-first-ever-draft-pick-select-matthew-beniers-no-2-overall/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=Sportsnet}} The Kraken also signed many other players. Notable signings included goaltender Philipp Grubauer and forwards Jaden Schwartz and Alexander Wennberg.{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2021 |title=Kraken GM Talks Three Newest Free Agents |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-gm-talks-three-newest-free-agents-325862636 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} On October 11, the Kraken named Mark Giordano as the team's inaugural captain.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2021 |title=Mark Giordano becomes Seattle Kraken's first team captain |url=https://www.king5.com/article/sports/nhl/kraken/mark-giordano-becomes-seattle-krakens-first-team-captain/281-a936cc5a-b401-41e3-9bfc-2016ba454e87 |website=king5.com}}

File:Los_Angeles_Kings_at_Seattle_Kraken_-_December_16,_2023_-_Matty_Beniers_shootout_(53409027503).jpg was the first-ever Kraken draft pick, selected at the 2021 NHL entry draft.]]

The Kraken played their first regular season game on October 12, a 4–3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, where Ryan Donato scored the team's first goal.{{Cite web |last=Ellis |first=Steven |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Ryan Donato Scores First Goal in Seattle Kraken History |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/ryan-donato-scores-first-goal-in-seattle-kraken-history |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=The Hockey News}} The Kraken's first win came in their second game on October 14, when they defeated the Nashville Predators 4–3.{{cite web |date=October 14, 2021 |title=Kraken get first win, hold off Predators |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-nashville-predators-game-recap/c-326716222 |access-date=October 14, 2021 |website=NHL.com}} Following a 6–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, goaltender Joey Daccord was named the starter instead of Grubauer in a 4–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils.{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Daccord Starts in Goal Tuesday |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-goalie-joey-daccord-start-vs-new-jersey-devils-327011218 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} The Kraken played their first home game at Climate Pledge Arena on October 23, a 4–2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.{{Cite web |title=First clash between Kraken, Canucks represents rebirth of rivalry |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/first-clash-kraken-canucks-represents-rebirth-rivalry/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=Sportsnet}} Prior to the game, the Kraken retired jersey number 32, in recognition of the franchise being the 32nd to join the NHL and in honor of the 32,000 fans who placed deposits for tickets on the first possible day.{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2021 |title=Kraken retire No. 32 before home opener to honor fans |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-retire-number-32-before-home-opener-327186108 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} The Kraken picked up their first home win on October 26, against the Montreal Canadiens.{{Cite web |title=Kraken rout: Seattle topples Montreal 5-1 for first home win |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/oct/26/kraken-rout-seattle-topples-montreal-5-1-for-first/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=spokesman.com|date=October 26, 2021 }} Goaltender Chris Driedger made his first start with the Kraken on November 9, in a 4–2 loss to the Golden Knights.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Darren |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Marcus Johansson and Chris Driedger will play for Kraken against Golden Knights |url=http://soundofhockey.com/2021/11/09/kraken-at-golden-knights/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=Sound Of Hockey}} The Kraken had several losing streaks in their season. However, Philipp Grubauer recorded the franchise's first shutout, making 19 saves in an 3–0 victory against the New York Islanders.{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2022 |title=Grubauer makes 19 saves, Kraken shut out Islanders |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-new-york-islanders-game-recap-330285648 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} On March 20, 2022, the Kraken's captaincy became vacant after Giordano was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2022 |title=Maple Leafs Acquire Giordano And Blackwell In Trade With Seattle |url=https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-acquire-giordano-and-blackwell-in-trade-with-seattle/c-332055384}} The Kraken were eliminated from playoff contention on March 30 following a 3–0 loss to the Golden Knights.{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Kraken lose to Golden Knights, out of playoff contention in first season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-seattle-kraken-game-recap-332389690 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} The Kraken finished their inaugural season in last place of the Pacific Division with a 27–49–6 record and 60 points.{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=April 7, 2023 |title=Buckle up, Kraken fans: The NHL playoffs are intense, agonizing and an absolute blast |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/buckle-up-kraken-fans-the-nhl-playoffs-are-intense-agonizing-and-an-absolute-blast/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=The Seattle Times}}

The Kraken's second season was far better in terms of winning. On July 13, 2022, the Kraken signed Martin Jones to a one-year contract.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Four Cups, Three New Kraken |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-qualify-five-players-big-week-ahead-334923612 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} He made his debut with the Kraken on October 13, notching a 4–1 victory.{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2022 |title=Jones makes 26 saves, Kraken shut down Kings for first win |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-335867400 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} In early January, Jones led the Kraken through an 8-game win streak. In doing, so the Kraken became the first team to win all seven games of a road trip.{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Kraken score 8, cruise past Blackhawks to sweep 7-game road trip |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap-339532204 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} On April 6, the Kraken clinched their first playoff berth, qualifying for the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs as the first wild card from the Western Conference with a record of 46–28–8 and 100 points.{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2023 |title=Kraken clinch playoff berth for 1st time with win against Coyotes |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-seattle-kraken-game-recap-343082084 |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} On April 13, it was announced that forward Andre Burakovsky would miss the first round of the playoffs after missing the last 33 games of the season, due to an unspecified lower body injury.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2023 |title=Kraken's Andre Burakovsky has surgery, will miss two or more playoff rounds |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/burakovsky-has-surgery-will-miss-at-least-opening-playoff-rounds/ |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=The Seattle Times}} On April 30, they defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the opening round, becoming the first expansion team in NHL history to win their first playoff series against the defending Stanley Cup champions.{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Kraken beat Avalanche 2-1, eliminate defending Stanley Cup champions |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/kraken-beat-avalanche-2-1-eliminate-defending-stanley-cup-champions |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=NBC Sports}} The Kraken lost to the Dallas Stars in the second round in seven games.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Tracey |date=May 16, 2023 |title=Kraken eliminated from playoffs after playing from behind too often |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-seattle-is-eliminated-from-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-344421536 |access-date=May 31, 2023 |work=NHL (News Headlines)}} Both series lasted the full seven games. On June 26, Matty Beniers was named the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy for being the NHL rookie of the year.{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2023 |title=Beniers of Kraken wins Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/kraken-matty-beniers-wins-calder-trophy-345018402 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=NHL.com}}

The Kraken struggled offensively in their third season, only producing 217 goals. Prior to the season, the Kraken re-signed goaltender Joey Daccord.{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Kraken re-sign goalie Daccord to two-year, $2.4M contract |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/kraken-re-sign-goalie-daccord-to-two-year-2-4m-contract/ |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Sportsnet.ca}} In December and January, following an eight-game skid, Daccord started in eight out of nine games of a franchise record nine-game win streak, part of a 13-game point streak.{{Cite web |last=Merz |first=Craig |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Kraken defeat Blue Jackets for 9th straight win, extend point streak to 13 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-columbus-blue-jackets-game-recap-january-13 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} In the midst of the streak, Daccord played in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic, where he achieved the first shutout in Winter Classic history with a 3–0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Daccord has 1st shutout in Winter Classic history, Kraken top Golden Knights |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-seattle-kraken-game-recap-winter-classic-january-1 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} Two days before the NHL's Trade Deadline, the Kraken traded Wennberg to the New York Rangers in exchange for second and fourth round picks.{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Wennberg traded to Rangers by Kraken for 2 draft picks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/trade-coverage/alex-wennberg-traded-to-new-york-by-seattle |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} The Kraken were eliminated from playoff contention on April 3, following a 5–2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.{{cite web |last1=Greenspan |first1=Dan |date=April 3, 2024 |title=Moore scores hat trick, Kings defeat Kraken to gain in wild card |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-los-angeles-kings-game-recap-april-3 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=NHL.com}} The Kraken finished their season with a 34–35–13 record and 81 points. On April 29, following the season, head coach Dave Hakstol was fired,{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Ryan S. |date=Apr 29, 2024 |title=Kraken fire coach Dave Hakstol after missing playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40051232/kraken-fire-coach-dave-hakstol-missing-playoffs |access-date=June 11, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} being replaced by Coachella Valley Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma on May 28.{{cite web |date=May 28, 2024 |title=Bylsma hired as coach of Kraken, replaces Hakstol |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dan-bylsma-named-seattle-coach |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=NHL.com}}

PWHL Seattle (2025–present)

=Successful expansion bid (2025)=

Following the success of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Takeover Tour in Seattle, the city was awarded an expansion franchise known as PWHL Seattle. Like the Kraken, they will play games at Climate Pledge Arena.

Junior hockey (1977–present)

In the Puget Sound region, two teams participate in the Canadian major junior leagues: the Seattle Thunderbirds, based {{convert|20|mi}} south of Seattle in Kent, and Everett Silvertips, {{convert|25|mi}} north of Seattle in Everett. Both play in the U.S. Division of the Western Conference of the Western Hockey League (WHL). From 1991 to 1995, the WHL also included a team from Tacoma, the Tacoma Rockets.

The Seattle Jr. Totems compete in the United States Premier Hockey League and play their home games at Olympic View Arena in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, {{convert|13|mi}} north of Seattle.

=Seattle Thunderbirds (1977–present)=

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Seattle Thunderbirds#History|noBold=yes|sections=1|only=paragraphs}}

=Tacoma Rockets (1991–1995)=

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Tacoma Rockets#Franchise history|noBold=yes|only=paragraphs}}

=Everett Silvertips (since 2003)=

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Everett Silvertips#History|noBold=yes|only=paragraphs}}

Professional minor-league teams in Tacoma (1930–2002)

The city of Tacoma has hosted three now-defunct professional minor-league hockey franchises.

=Tacoma Tigers (1930–1931)=

{{Infobox ice hockey team

| team = Tacoma Tigers

| league = Pacific Coast Hockey League

| owner = H.A. Briggs

| coach = Mickey MacKay

| operated = 1928–1931

| name1 = Victoria Cubs

| dates1 = 1928–1930

| name2 = Tacoma Tigers

| dates2 = 1930–1931

}}

The Tacoma Tigers were Tacoma's first entry into professional hockey, and played in the Pacific Coast Hockey League for part of the 1930–31 season. The Tigers were founded in 1928 in Victoria, British Columbia as the Victoria Cubs, whose arena burnt down on November 10, 1929, following the 1928–29 season. The Cubs spent the 1929–30 season as a traveling team before being purchased by H.A. Briggs with the intention of relocation to Tacoma.{{cite web |title=Victoria Cubs Statistics and History |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/victoria-cubs-8818.html |website=HockeyDB.com |access-date=December 31, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Tacoma Tigers Statistics and History |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/tacoma-tigers-8382.html |website=HockeyDB.com |access-date=December 31, 2022}}

The team's stint representing Tacoma was a short one, as the team only played ten away games of their expected 35 game schedule before folding. The Tigers scored 12 goals and conceded 24 over the course of their two wins, seven loss, and one tie, two games of which were a double-header of shortened two-period games in Vancouver. The team was coached by Mickey MacKay.

Despite a deadline extension from the league, the Tigers were unable to procure funding for the planned construction of their new hockey arena in Tacoma, and thus were disbanded on January 1, 1931.

=Tacoma Rockets (1946–1953)=

The longest-lasting professional team to play in the city were the original Tacoma Rockets.

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Tacoma Rockets (1946–1953)#|noBold=yes|only=paragraphs|paragraphs=-1}}

=Tacoma Sabercats (1997–2002)=

{{Excerpt|Tacoma, Washington|resurrected_rockets|hat=no|inline=yes}}.

{{#invoke:Transcluder|main|Tacoma Sabercats#|noBold=yes|only=paragraphs|paragraphs=-1}}

References

Category:Ice hockey in Washington (state)

Category:Sports in Kent, Washington

Category:Western Hockey League teams

Category:Sports in Tacoma, Washington

Category:Sports in Everett, Washington

Category:Seattle Kraken