Photo by Jenny M.
The Zoidberg fan who has costumed in the Greenhouse since the start of the season should be a leading candidate for the Seattle Kraken team mascot. There, I said it. He is the OG.
Even with the growing pains of a first-year franchise, the Seattle Kraken are at flood stage, needing some good vibes. Reeling with eight straight defeats, the team only has one point in its treasure chest since December 14th. COVID concerns sunk another seven contests that the team will likely make up in February during what was originally the Olympic break. And the tide keeps threatening the shore that this team needs something more for its fan base.
The rumor floating around the press box is a release of the mascot Saturday night against the Kings. There has been a floating, unused tentacle rising towards the Climate Pledge Arena roof for several weeks now. And it reminds me of the giant non-suited octopus that descends from the rafters in Detroit.
I hope human interaction is finally a plan with the Seattle Kraken, but here are some possibilities for the new fan-friendly symbol of the nation’s newest franchise. I’m not as much of an insider as say Geoff Baker, so my prognostication is a mixture of gut feeling and observation.
Really, the contest was over in the fall of 2018. #GameOver
Gritty is the best mascot in the history of the NHL- dating back to Calgary’s Harvey the Hound being the first one in 1983. And it’s true when a marketing strategy hits a home run in the same sports city that hates on Santa Claus. Could the big orange guy help us usher in our own loveable PNW-proud character?
A cute plush squid would definitely go over with the kids, and the fan base is known as the “Squid Squad.” But I don’t see the Seattle Kraken recycling this idea after blazing their unique trail so far. But maybe a trade for Gritty?
Seattle still has a big heart for its lost basketball team. The hockey team and arena both know it. Even though the Supersonics left 13 years ago, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp have been a part of the Kraken launch since the July expansion draft. And don’t forget about Shaq moving into the Greenhouse with his Big Chicken.
The celebration for Lenny Wilkens’ birthday was special, but don’t bet on Squatch arriving before the Sonics return- or prepare for a backlash. The only way this happens is if the big hairy myth is announced at the same time as the round ball team’s return– becoming a dual mascot.
Since opening night, this season ticket holder sits with his wife in section 11 and has suited up as the decapodian crustacean from the TV sci-fi cartoon Futurama. Understandably, the Kraken have been cautious about close human contact, but this guy is the original when the team had none. Just like the new local organist who was also in the movie Slapshot, the Climate Pledge Arena hockey game experience needs more local flavor.
Photo by Jenny M.
He said, “I’ve dressed up as Zoidberg for the past several years at Emerald City Comic-Con. When Seattle announced their team name as the Kraken, I figured that Zoidberg- if he was a hockey fan, would root for the Kraken. In addition, I saw a lot of mentions about the Kraken, and the ‘Why Not Zoidberg?’ meme together and figured I could make this happen.”
Photo by Jenny M.
I love this local versus sea creature angle, and one would think co-owner Jerry Bruckheimer might have some animated comedy friends in Hollywood to share the rights. But the league tends to fill these mascot roles with professional performers and unique characters. And a homeless doctor in outer space with a confused understanding of human medicine might not be the best backstory. ?
This one is definitely a fan favorite and another possibility through high seas legends and Jerry Bruckheimer’s hit movie series “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The nautical theme checks out with a pirate’s booty full of one-liners. And the Kraken game experience so far swims in the sea of pop culture. But then the question must be asked: would it be a real-life person or suited character?
But Davy and his locker is not a unique character, and it’s the least family-friendly mascot on this shortlist alone. Also, it may be best to stay away from overused items or expressions to keep content fresh. “Release the Kraken” is already a nightly phrase during hockey in the Greenhouse.
Again, I do love Zoidberg, but this would be my choice for the Seattle Kraken mascot. And I didn’t even think about it until late 2021 when I was in the Kraken Community Iceplex. While passing by the Starbucks store on the second level, a sign said, “Join us and the Starbucks siren.” And it’s truly the perfect mascot for this team.
Mrs. Met is the only female mascot in the entirety of men’s professional sports. Going in this direction would be another way the Seattle NHL team is trailblazing the game. Whether she’s a real-life or costumed character, the Siren is a strong female sea legend, just like the Kraken. And Starbucks is all over team sponsorships. So this also covers the local coffee-lover angle. But again it is a slight reminder of Howard Schultz…
Whatever decision Kraken management makes about this big face of this modern franchise, it needs to happen now. Arguments can be made about having the mascot available as early as the July Expansion Draft.
Fans have been well conditioned during the COVID era to expect more safeguards in their human interactions. I really hope to see the new mascot, along with legendary Bailey from the Kings on Saturday night. This first season is half-over on January 24th. ⚓