Seattle Kraken New First Fortnight at The Greenhouse [PHOTOS]
Metropolitans Banner Night, Seattle Kraken vs. Canadiens – October 26th
The Seattle Metropolitans started Seattle’s hockey history 106 years ago. After winning the Stanley Cup in 1917 and playing in another Final during the 1919 Spanish Flu, their banner was lowered from northeast Greenhouse rafters.
Western Washington grad Paul owns the Metros trademark and has been a longtime local voice for an NHL team in Seattle. He was happy to see this day, along with cup keeper Phil Pritchard and the Hockey Hall of Fame in attendance.
“This was a game I was looking forward to more than the season opener.”
And the energy from the pregame ceremony ignited the arena against the recent hapless Habs. Turbo Tanev netted two goals, and Gru made 23 saves for the Seattle Kraken’s first victory in their new barn.
This sport is a family affair for local hockey player Melissa Himes. She attended the historic game with her brother in Section 106.
“Having only been to one NHL game before in Vancouver, it was a surreal experience watching the NHL in my home town…and it’s my hometown team! Unforgettable. Something I will talk about for the rest of my life. It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the arena yet; there is so much to explore. I don’t think any visit will be the same as the visit before. Love all the images, art, and decorations all over the arena, with an amazing view of the Space Needle walking in.”
? by Jonathan West
Lenny Wilkins Night, Seattle Kraken vs. Wild – October 28th
Opening night was pretty special, with many local sports stars representing such as Sue Bird from the Seattle Storm. Five days later, we were all reminded that the Emerald City is still a basketball town. Lenny Wilkens started with the Seattle Supersonics in 1968, pulling a “Slapshot-like Reggie Dunlop move,” becoming a player-head coach the following year.
Wilkens has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times and brought the NBA Championship to Seattle in 1979. After Thomas Street was renamed after him earlier in the day, the Climate Pledge Arena crowd erupted. A great way to spend his 87th birthday.
Lenny Wilkens gets a standing ovation at puck drop. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/7Ug8zdjMpd
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) October 29, 2021
This b-ball buzz around The Greenhouse propelled Philipp Grubauer and the Kraken defense to their second straight one-goal game. Blueliner and Western Hockey League alum Hadyn Fleury had a breakout game with two goals, including a sweet wrap-around to take the lead in the second period.
“Their d-man came out and just went down and tried to block it. So I just faked it and walked around him. Thought I had a whole short side and missed it, but got my rebound and just wrapped it in. Pretty cool…As a d-man it kind of comes and goes, and I had a good night tonight. Got a lucky bounce.”
? by Jonathan West
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