Seattle and Hockey: A Love Story (On Ice, Mostly)
Ah, Seattle. The Emerald City. Home of grunge music, Pike Place Market, and...well, a whole lot of rain. But what about hockey? Buckle up, puck bunnies, because we're about to take a dive into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, history of Seattle's relationship with the coolest sport on ice.
How Long Has Seattle Had A Hockey Team |
Early Days: Champions from the Emerald City (But Wait, There's More)
Believe it or not, Seattle boasts some serious hockey cred. Back in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans (talk about a legendary name!) became the first American team to win the Stanley Cup. Yeah, you read that right. We weren't just throwing fish at the market back then, folks! Unfortunately, the Metropolitans folded a few years later, leaving a gaping hole shaped like a hockey puck in the hearts of Seattle sports fans.
The Revolving Door of Teams: From Eskimos (yikes) to Thunderbirds (take flight!)
The next few decades were a bit of a carousel for Seattle hockey. We had teams like the Eskimos (let's just move on from that name, shall we?), the Sea Hawks (not to be confused with our beloved football team), and a whole bunch of others. Some stuck around for a while, others were like flash-in-the-pan comets. But throughout it all, the city's love for the sport never truly froze over.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Enter the Seattle Thunderbirds (1977-present): Finally, a team that stuck around! The Thunderbirds, playing in the Western Hockey League, became a Seattle institution. They brought home championships, inspired generations of young players, and most importantly, kept the hockey flame burning bright.
The Kraken Rises: From the Depths to the NHL
Then, in 2021, something magical happened. After decades without a top-flight professional team, the NHL granted Seattle an expansion franchise: The Seattle Kraken! Yes, a team named after a mythical sea monster. Let's be honest, is there anything more Seattle than that?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
The Kraken may be new kids on the block, but they've already captured the hearts (and orcas) of Seattle. Their arena is electric, their mascot is delightfully terrifying, and the future of hockey in the Emerald City looks brighter than ever.
So, how long has Seattle HAD a hockey team? Well, that depends on how you define "had." If you count the glorious, short-lived Metropolitans, then over a century. If you're looking for a continuous professional presence, then it's a much more recent development.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
FAQ: Hockey in Seattle - You Got Questions, We Got Answers (Quick Ones)
How to become a Seattle Kraken fan? Easy! Grab some blue and green gear, learn the offside rule (it's not that complicated, we promise!), and get ready to cheer loud.
How to visit the Kraken's arena, Climate Pledge Arena? Lace up your skates (metaphorically) and head to Seattle's waterfront. You can't miss it!
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to find out more about the Seattle Thunderbirds? Head over to their website and prepare to be dazzled by some seriously skilled junior hockey players.
How to settle a friendly debate about Seattle's hockey history? This blog post is a pretty good starting point.
How to celebrate Seattle's love of hockey? The next time you're in town, grab a fish and chips at Pike Place Market, yell "Let's go Kraken!" at the top of your lungs, and soak up the electric atmosphere.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.