NHL
On December 4. 2018, the National Hockey League awarded Seattle, Washington, an expansion franchise, the second such team to join the league’s existing teams after the Vegas Golden Knights began play in the 2017-18 season.
Just under three years later, the Seattle Kraken played their first game in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena, marking a historical night in NHL and franchise history, a moment in every franchise’s history that begins the relationship between a team and its fans.
What’s Kraken?!
The Kraken, while in their inaugural season as an NHL club, started their first home game by retiring the jersey number “32”, in honor of the 32,000 season ticket depositors that surpassed the 10,000 goal set, as well as being the 32nd franchise in the league.
Before becoming the @NHL‘s 32nd franchise, Seattle earned 32,000 ticket depositors in one day.
Over the next 32 months, we released a name, drafted a team & built the world’s first net-zero carbon arena.
Now, the number 32 will forever represent Seattle’s passion for our team. pic.twitter.com/W4pXKFLT80
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
The @SeattleKraken‘s first-ever home game started with No. 32 being officially retired by the NHL’s 32nd team. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/Dmh4YQZOS5
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 24, 2021
With the historic night for the city, some of Seattle’s most well-known celebrities and sports figures were in attendance to show support for the Kraken’s home opener, including the Seattle Seahawks’ (National Football League) Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf, and Bobby Wagner, the Seattle Storm’s (Women’s National Basketball Association) Sue Bird, and rapper Macklemore (a Seattle native).
When 🏀 meets 🏒
The @SeattleKraken fans at Climate Pledge Arena are rockin’ already, thanks to @seattlestorm and local legend Sue Bird. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/gOQxK5r3uK
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 24, 2021
The Kraken faithful sold out Climate Pledge Arena, with 17,151 fans in the seats to see their team take on the Canucks.
the city with the best sports fans in the entire world! 💙 pic.twitter.com/1nDgtnPg7B
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
Before the game, Hockey Hall of Famer and member of the Kraken’s scouting department, Cammi Granato raised the team flag over the iconic Seattle Space Needle.
NHL
Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times
The first home goal in Kraken history came at the 19:56 mark of the opening period, with defenseman Vince Dunn scoring his first goal of the season with 3.2 seconds left in the frame.
H-I-S-T-O-R-I-C!
Vince Dunn scores the first-ever #SeaKraken goal at @ClimateArena! pic.twitter.com/qVWhhoyRLu
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
The Kraken would ultimately lose their first-ever home game 4-2; Dunn and Kraken captain Mark Giordano scored the home team’s two goals.
pre-game puck art 🎨 pic.twitter.com/0TMyn8dcV0
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
