The Kraken Call

Lore & Background

The call has evolved into a ritualistic element of every home game, often triggered by the team captain or specific arena cues. It is not merely noise but a psychological weapon; opponents frequently cite the sudden decibel spike as a disorienting factor during critical moments. This tradition binds the diverse demographics of Seattle together, from long-time hockey purists to new fans discovering the sport through the Kraken's modern era.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed just enough to cast long shadows across the ice, but the air was already thick with anticipation. As the referee prepared for face-off in the third period, a hush fell over the crowd—a deliberate pause before the storm. Then, a single voice started it, quickly swallowed by thousands more. The roar began low, vibrating through the concrete floorboards, rising rapidly into a deafening crescendo that seemed to shake the glass. It was not a cheer, but a primal declaration: the Kraken had awakened.

Reader's Guide

Climate Pledge Arena serves as the modern cathedral for Seattle hockey, featuring state-of-the-art acoustics that amplify fan noise rather than dampen it. The venue's design encourages close proximity between fans and players, intensifying the impact of traditions like The Kraken Call. This unique tradition involves the entire stadium erupting in a sudden, unified roar, often coordinated with visual cues or specific game moments. It is distinct from standard cheering due to its abrupt onset and sustained volume, designed specifically to disrupt visiting teams' focus. The fanbase reflects Seattle's diverse culture, blending tech-savvy newcomers with die-hard hockey veterans who endured years without a local team. This shared history of waiting has forged a tight-knit community where the identity of being a Kraken fan is a point of immense local pride and unity.

Did You Know?

• The tradition was established during the franchise's inaugural 2021-2022 season to create an immediate home-ice advantage.
• Climate Pledge Arena is the world's first net-zero certified major sports venue, providing a unique backdrop for this loud tradition.
• The Kraken Call is often described by players as one of the most disorienting sounds in professional hockey due to its suddenness.

Founding and Expansion Journey

The path to bringing professional hockey back to Seattle was a complex saga spanning decades. While the city hosted the Stanley Cup-winning Seattle Metropolitans in 1917, the franchise folded by 1924, leaving a long void until renewed interest emerged over a decade ago. Speculation intensified when the Phoenix Coyotes faced potential relocation, though a local arena deal ultimately kept them in Glendale. The modern revival began in earnest after the Seattle City Council approved renovations for KeyArena and an expansion fee of $650 million was set. In 2018, the NHL Board unanimously approved the new franchise, led by ownership group members David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer. General Manager Ron Francis was hired to prioritize speed, character, and competitiveness. The team officially became the league's 32nd member in April 2021 after paying the final expansion installment, culminating in a historic expansion draft at Gas Works Park where they selected key players like Adam Larsson and Matty Beniers.

Inaugural Season and Early Struggles

The Seattle Kraken officially commenced their NHL journey during the 2021–22 season, playing home games at the newly renamed Climate Pledge Arena. Despite high expectations following a robust expansion draft, the team faced significant challenges in its debut year. They finished last in the Pacific Division with only 60 points, marking a difficult start for the franchise. The inaugural roster included notable signings such as Alexander Wennberg and Jaden Schwartz, along with goaltender Philipp Grubauer, while Mark Giordano was named the first captain. Their very first game resulted in a narrow loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, though Ryan Donato scored the team's historic first goal. A win against the Nashville Predators followed quickly, but the overall season performance highlighted the steep learning curve for an expansion team trying to establish its identity within a competitive Western Conference.

Breakthrough Playoffs and Subsequent Volatility

The franchise achieved a monumental milestone during the 2022–23 season by securing their first playoff berth as a wild card. After finishing fourth in their division with 100 points, they staged a stunning upset against the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, winning the series in seven games to become the first expansion team to defeat the reigning champions in their initial postseason appearance. However, this success was short-lived as they fell to the Dallas Stars in the second round. The following season saw a sharp decline; the Kraken missed the playoffs entirely with just 81 points and only 217 goals scored. This regression led to the dismissal of head coach Dave Hakstol and his replacement by Dan Bylsma. Performance continued to struggle through the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons, resulting in further coaching changes with Lane Lambert taking over and a management shuffle that moved Ron Francis to president of hockey operations while Jason Botterill became general manager.

Organizational Structure and Leadership Evolution

Since their inception, the Kraken have undergone significant leadership transitions reflecting the pressures of building a competitive roster. The organization was initially guided by General Manager Ron Francis, who set early priorities for team culture and player selection. Following several seasons of inconsistent results, including missing the playoffs in consecutive years after their initial breakthrough, the front office underwent major restructuring. In a notable shift during the 2025 offseason, the team parted ways with head coach Dan Bylsma and hired Lane Lambert to lead the on-ice operations. Simultaneously, Ron Francis transitioned from general manager to president of hockey operations, while Jason Botterill was appointed as the new general manager. These changes underscore the franchise's ongoing effort to stabilize its direction after a rollercoaster period that saw them rise from last place to playoff contenders before regressing again.