Unearthing the Emerald City's Hockey Past: A Tale of Champions, Eskimos (Wait, What?!), and Missed High Fives
Seattle's love affair with hockey is a rollercoaster ride that would make even the most seasoned Zamboni driver dizzy. Buckle up, puck fans, because we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit the city's first foray into the world of slap shots and shin pads.
What Was The Old Seattle Hockey Team |
The OG Champions: The Seattle Metropolitans (Yes, Really)
That's right, folks. Back in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans, a team with a name more suited for a fancy coffee shop than a hockey rink, became the first American team EVER to hoist the Stanley Cup. Imagine the headlines: "Metropolitans Stun the Great White North!" Sadly, their reign was short-lived. The team folded in 1924, leaving a gaping hole in the city's sporting heart (and probably a pretty bad case of rink rust).
Post-Metro Mayhem: A Hodgepodge of Teams (Some Names More Questionable Than Others)
The years that followed were a bit of a wild west for Seattle hockey. We saw the Seattle Eskimos (yikes, that name aged about as well as a fish left out in the sun), the Seattle Sea Hawks (not to be confused with the gridiron guys), and a whole bunch of others. These teams achieved varying levels of success, but none quite managed to recapture the glory of the Metropolitans.
The Return of the King (Sort Of): The Seattle Kraken
Fast forward to 2021, and Seattle finally gets its NHL franchise: the majestic Seattle Kraken. While a new team, the Kraken pay homage to their predecessors, the Metropolitans, by incorporating their colors and even raising a commemorative banner in their honor. So, in a way, the spirit of the Metropolitans lives on!
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Hockey Trivia Time! How Much Do You Know About Seattle's Hockey History?
Think you're a Seattle hockey whiz? Test your knowledge with these quick FAQ's:
How did the Seattle Metropolitans get their name?
There's no official answer, but some believe it was a nod to the cosmopolitan nature of the city at the time.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Why were the Seattle Eskimos called that?
This one's a touchy subject. The name was considered insensitive by many, and thankfully, it's been retired.
What arena did the Seattle Metropolitans play in?
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
The Seattle Ice Arena. Sadly, when it wasn't replaced, the Metropolitans were forced to fold.
How many Stanley Cup appearances did the Seattle Metropolitans have?
Three! They won it once in 1917, and lost in the finals twice.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Who are the Seattle Kraken named after?
The mythical Kraken, a giant sea monster that supposedly lurks in the depths of the Pacific Northwest.
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