Seattle Kraken announced as name for city’s NHL team

SEATTLE — NHL Seattle announced the name and revealed the logo and colors for the 32nd franchise team Thursday morning.

The hockey team’s name is the Seattle Kraken. The announcement was made in the bowl of Climate Pledge Arena -- which is currently under construction -- where the Kraken will play beginning with the 2021-22 season.

Rumors about the team name and logo have circulated since the franchise was awarded to Seattle in 2018.

NHL Seattle said the team spent 18 months doing research and considered over 215,000 fan votes and 1,200 names, and Kraken emerged as the clear choice.

“The Seattle franchise has worked diligently to pick a team name, colors and logo that honor its deep roots in our game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. The jersey design is terrific, and I can’t wait to see NHL Players wear the unique and distinctive ‘S’ on their chests on Opening Night; it will have special meaning for Seattle hockey fans. I’m thrilled to welcome the Seattle Kraken into the National Hockey League.”

The Name

The Seattle franchise said the Kraken is a legendary sea creature that has natural ties to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest through the region’s deep maritime history.

“The Kraken is a name born of the fans. It was suggested and championed by the fans,” said Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Kraken.

The name embodies a connection to the sea and a “curiosity with what lurks beneath.”

On Wednesday, the organization tweeted a video with clues into what the new team’s name will be.

RAW: NHL Seattle announcement expected Thursday Seattle announcement expected Thursday

Back in April, an ESPN report said NHL Seattle was “getting close” on a name, colors and a logo. According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, the team was going through the legal processes, which was led by the league.

And because of the pandemic, there was an interruption to the franchise’s marketing calendar. Wyshynski said the ongoing coronavirus interrupted the franchise’s marketing calendar, which pushed things back.

Anatomy of the Logo

Seattle previously had a hockey team and some credit that team for changing hockey forever. The Seattle Metropolitans became the first American team to win the Stanley Cup in 1917.

The team’s primary logo is paying tribute to Metropolitans by wearing the “S.”

In the middle of the “S” a single tentacle symbolizes the deep, dark waters of Puget Sound.

The franchise said the red eye “has been affixed on its prey for some time. Its strike will be swift and devastating.”

The secondary logo is an anchor with the iconic Space Needle.

The Colors

According to the team’s website, the Kraken’s colors are deep sea blue, ice blue, boundless blue, shadow blue and red alert.

Possible Team Names

In Nov. 2019, Sportsnet reported the Oak View Group had registered 13 domain names, giving fans a hint at what the proposed team might be named:

Seattle Cougars

Seattle Eagles

Seattle Emeralds

Seattle Evergreens

Seattle Firebirds

Seattle Kraken

Seattle Rainiers

Seattle Renegades

Seattle Sea Lions

Seattle Seals

Seattle Sockeyes

Seattle Totems

Seattle Whales

One thing you will notice missing in the list above is the name Metropolitans. There is currently an NHL division that goes by that name.

Team Store

Merchandise is now available for purchase. Click here for the team store.

The team said it will donate 100% of net sale proceeds through Aug. 21 to local nonprofits that include YouthCare, Community Passageways, and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, to help end youth homelessness and create positive pathways and opportunities for BIPOC youth.

“The Seattle Kraken and our affiliated foundation envision a more equitable society where everyone can realize a brighter future,” said Mari Horita, vice president of philanthropy for the Seattle Kraken. “We are focused on supporting our community’s most vulnerable youth.”

Team Sweaters

Seattle Kraken partnered with Adidas in developing the team’s jerseys.

Team jerseys aren’t available for purchase yet but here’s what their home and away jerseys will look like:

The team says general seats will start at $50 per game and there will be some single-game tickets starting at $20.

Cox Media Group