The Seattle Kraken Expansion Drafted More Than Just NHL Players
True to the PNW
Leif O’Leary is a frequent visitor of the Angry Beaver Hockey Bar, Judkins Park roller hockey games, and on-ice skates around the Sound. He took to his paddleboard on Wednesday to check out the action, and then played a game 40 minutes later!
“The vibe was cool, but we couldn’t see or hear anything. We all expected the big screen to be at Gas Works instead of on the other side of Lake Union.”
Leif O’Leary and his teammates taking to the water for the Seattle Draft. (Photo from Jonathan West)
Craig West is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Tri-City Americans and previously with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League. He also plays goalie whenever he can, in events all over the West Coast.
“I was at Sam’s Saloon in Kennewick, and the entire bar broke into cheers hearing both Morgan and Chris get picked. Geekie had an unreal career with Tri-City. I go way back with his dad, Craig. In 1993-94 he was dealt to Spokane from Brandon. And I knew him well as I was the practice goalie along with my broadcast duties. When his son Morgan got called up from Charlotte, he was the first star while beating Pittsburgh with two goals and one assist that night. After his next game, the NHL shut down for COVID. Rough break. Driedger was a great kid. Big and raw goalie talent. Got into a numbers situation here with Eric Comrie and Evan Sarthou before going to the Hitmen for better exposure. Came into his own last season in Florida. Great choice by Seattle.”
So much for lack of chains in #Seattle…64 @pizzahut locations around the Sound… https://t.co/42Xnyve6Rw
— Jonathan West (JW) (@JonathanSWest) July 23, 2021
The University of Washington has a ice hockey club team dating back to 1999. Playing in the ACHA Pac-8 Conference, they shared Olympicview Arena with the Seattle Junior Totems before now moving to the Kraken Community Iceplex this fall.
We really enjoyed the whole energy of everyone at the event. It definitely showed that Kraken fans are going to be some of the best in the NHL. The setting of the draft was a great choice too. Gasworks with clear skies and a bunch of boats in the water was a perfect way to do that. Tod Leiweke was just walking around and came over and chatted with us. That was really cool and shows the ownership group is really knowledgeable about their audience.”
Husky Hockey representing at the Expansion Draft. (Photo by Jonathan West)
The resulting player pool of the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft included many picks from the bargain bin. And it continues to be a work in progress with the NHL Entry Draft starting today. I still hoped to see proven veterans like Carey Price in one of those new sweaters, and taking him would still leave $20 million in available cap space! But there are still 81 days to reveal the opening night roster mystery- just like the mythical Kraken itself from the depths. 29 players are now here, but the biggest draft result was bringing in our PNW hockey community of thousands. ⚓