Let’s Take the Next Shift

There’s nothing in sport quite like the ever-sweet sounds of skates and sticks and pucks and pirouettes emitting from ice rinks. That first cool blast of air walking into the ice space, the meditative circling of Zambonis, the flow of hot chocolate after a hard but fun practice. The sights of girls and boys celebrating goals, teammates piling in the back of a car or minivan or coaches leaning to say a tender word or two.   

At the Seattle Kraken, we are committed to growing the sport we love. We are committed to increasing access for skaters across the state, especially those previously without the means and opportunities to feel the excitement of gliding and digging on the ice. That means kids and adults, the first-timers and the diehards, the competitors and those who skate to stay in shape. It’s a big and vital part of why we wanted a franchise in Seattle.  

As our state’s rinks, youth hockey associations and figure skating programs endure another closure of buildings and ice sheets, it’s time for the Seattle Kraken and our fans to take the next shift. Rink operators, program managers, volunteers, coaches, players and parents need us to keep the rinks operative as finances stretch into overtime.  

Every time I lace up my skates and step out onto the ice, I still feel a rush of energy and joy. Always, even at 60. It’s such a freeing of the mind activity, all problems or worries forgotten. We need to be able to enjoy that feeling again when this pandemic is over, our children and the community at-large need the warmth and support our rinks provide. We can’t let the COVID-19 pandemic win this period. 

This is our call to action to support our rinks and associations. The Kraken announce today that net proceeds from our first 200 autographed Seattle Kraken jerseys will go directly to our local hockey community in support of rinks and youth associations across the state. You can find out more at kraken.giftsmart.com. 

Hockey is the ultimate team sport, each player contributing her or his own strengths toward a common cause. You never know who will win the game for your side. Let’s team up to keep our rinks in full stride and ready to welcome the return of skaters.  

This collector’s series of the first 200 Kraken jerseys is one way to support. You can also donate a sum you see fit at kraken.giftsmart.com to your rinks and associations. We look forward to celebrating brighter days ahead at your and our favorite rinks.