The Seattle Kraken Expansion Drafted More Than Just NHL Players
Tanev-er a Dull Moment
Jackie Soo is also a Canadian transplant, but has lived in Seattle since 2003. She is also very active with the Hockey Challenge around her busy personal training and road race schedules.
“Haha, I think yesterday I was disowned by all my friends in Pittsburgh! But I grew up in Calgary and will be interested to hear what my folks think of Giordano leaving. I thought the draft event was held at a very beautiful location—perfect for showing off Seattle! Loved the stage with the giant Kraken tentacle and how people with boats and kayaks could also ‘sailgate.’ Despite leaks of drafted players in the morning, my favorite parts were how some of the players were announced. I loved when the octopus Licorice at the Seattle Aquarium was part of the reveal! Announcing a draft pick atop Mount Rainer was pretty unique too. I love mascots and hoped the team would reveal our fearless spirit leader as well. The event made it very real that we’re getting an NHL team!”
Jackie Soo and her hockey friends catching rays on the lawn. (Photo by Jonathan West)
Travis Werchau is a transplant from North Dakota now in Vancouver, Washington. Through a Kraken fan group, he won tickets to the first-ever Seattle game in Vegas this fall! The season schedule just came out yesterday, so it’s time to plan for opening night on the road.
“Now I just have to figure out whose jersey I’m going to get! I’m excited to see what we do in free agency with all that cap space. Could get some nice pickups! I like seeing the Kraken pick up Donskoi, Dunn, Tanev, Soucy, and Giordano. I think I would have taken Bishop, but actually, I really like our goaltender crew.”
BREAKING: The @SeattleKraken will play their first *five* games on the road to start 21-22 season, beginning October 12th in Vegas.
Seattle @ClimateArena AND Home opener is October 23rd against the Vancouver Canucks
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels_TV) July 22, 2021
Jason Altieri is an Upstate New York native and now lives north of Lake Washington in Kenmore. He was the winning captain in Tacoma’s PNW Draft earlier this year and plays for The Birds in the Kraken Hockey League.
“My favorite part of the Kraken expansion draft was being with the fans, their reactions to the picks, and the excitement around it. I thought it was well done and a cool experience. Sure wish the picks weren’t leaked in the morning, with no suspense left for the afternoon. I really like the Tanev pick, and I think he’ll fit well in the bottom six as a good energy guy. I think he will quickly be a fan favorite.”