Fun Facts About the Seattle Kraken

It was a blisteringly cold evening in Seattle, and fans were crowding into Climate Pledge Arena. The atmosphere was electric. But the excitement in the air wasn’t just because of a hockey game—it was because the Seattle Kraken were rewriting history. And that's exactly where we need to begin.

The Seattle Kraken entered the National Hockey League (NHL) as the 32nd team, making them one of the youngest franchises in the league. But here's the twist: they aren't just another new team. They were the first to choose a name that resonated with local maritime legends, blending regional folklore with modern sports branding in a way that made waves globally.

As their name suggests, the Kraken is a mythical sea creature, known for being a gigantic, terrifying octopus-like beast. The team’s name was chosen from over 1,200 suggestions, and this monster of the deep was selected to represent the spirit of Seattle: untamed, unpredictable, and mighty. The process of naming took over 18 months and included consultation with fans, brand experts, and community leaders.

The Kraken didn’t just make an impact in branding; their fanbase exploded in a way rarely seen in the NHL. When season tickets first went on sale, they sold out in mere minutes—32,000 seats were reserved, and there was an additional waiting list of thousands of hopefuls. But it’s not just about numbers; there’s something special about the culture of Kraken fans. They call themselves "Kraken faithful," and their loyalty is already becoming legendary.

Imagine this: the team's inaugural game happened on October 12, 2021, against the Vegas Golden Knights. As the puck dropped, history was made. Though they lost the game 4-3, the Kraken showed resilience that became their hallmark.

Now, let’s dive into some more unexpected stories about the Kraken.

Did you know that the team’s mascot, Buoy, is one of the most unique in sports? He’s not your average mascot. Instead of an animal or human, Buoy is a tribute to Seattle’s deep ties to the sea. He’s a big, furry sea troll with a head shaped like an anchor. Inspired by the Fremont Troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge, Buoy was designed to reflect Seattle’s quirky culture, proving once again that the Kraken are not just following trends—they’re setting them. Fans instantly fell in love with Buoy, especially when he was introduced in dramatic fashion by "escaping" from a cage during a pre-game event.

Speaking of mascots, here’s a fun fact for music lovers: Every Kraken home game features an original goal horn sound designed specifically for the team. It’s a deep, booming blast that mimics the call of a ship at sea—a sound that echoes throughout the arena, making it one of the most recognizable in the NHL.

But the team's spirit extends far beyond game days. Seattle Kraken has built a unique bond with the local community. They are pioneers in environmental responsibility, with Climate Pledge Arena being the world’s first certified net-zero carbon arena. This green initiative is more than just a corporate responsibility checkbox—it’s central to the team’s identity. All of the energy used at the arena comes from renewable sources, and they’ve eliminated single-use plastics. The Kraken don’t just talk the talk; they lead by example, showing that sports teams can be both competitive and environmentally conscious.

What’s even more fascinating is how the Kraken have embraced their fans in digital spaces. They have one of the most engaged online followings in the NHL, thanks in part to the creative and often humorous social media campaigns they run. For example, before their first season, they released a video series called "Release the Kraken," which became an instant internet sensation. This quirky content helped them build a following even before their first game, making them one of the most talked-about teams globally.

And then there's the roster. One of the team’s first major moves was drafting Philipp Grubauer as their starting goaltender. Grubauer, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, quickly became a fan favorite. But the real story lies in how the team was built. The Kraken followed a strategy similar to the Vegas Golden Knights, their fellow expansion team, by relying on the expansion draft to build a competitive team from the ground up. The team’s management focused on defensive strength, knowing that while offensive fireworks are exciting, strong defense wins championships.

In terms of culture, the Kraken have built something truly unique. From "The Deep" fan section in the arena to "The Depths," their own branded bar within Climate Pledge Arena, Kraken fans are fully immersed in the world of the team. This immersive fan experience has been crucial to the Kraken's early success. You can’t just watch a Kraken game—you become part of the experience.

Their iconic teal, white, and navy color scheme wasn’t chosen at random either. These colors are a direct nod to the Pacific Northwest’s waters and icy glaciers, a visual representation of both Seattle’s natural beauty and the ferocity of the Kraken's gameplay.

Another fun fact that many may not know is that the Kraken have arguably one of the best logos in professional sports. The team's "S" logo features a hidden tentacle and an ominous red eye, subtly calling back to the legendary Kraken. This level of detail in their branding has helped the team quickly become a favorite not just in hockey, but across all sports. Their merchandise sales skyrocketed, and the Kraken jersey became a hot item, even among non-hockey fans.

Lastly, we can’t forget the Kraken’s impact on the local economy. The introduction of the Kraken to Seattle brought in millions of dollars in revenue. Hotels, restaurants, and bars near Climate Pledge Arena see a significant spike in business on game nights. The team's influence reaches beyond just sports; they are contributing to the city’s overall growth and identity.

So, what's next for the Kraken? Only time will tell, but if their first few seasons are any indication, they are poised to become a dominant force not only in hockey but in global sports culture. The best part? We’re just getting started. Release the Kraken!