How Long Has Seattle Had A Hockey Team

Seattle has had a hockey team since 1974. Here are 5 supporting facts:
1. The Seattle Totems, a professional ice hockey team, was first established in 1958 as a member of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
2. The Totems played their home games at the Seattle Center Coliseum, now known as KeyArena, which has been a significant sports and entertainment venue in Seattle for decades.
3. In 1974, the Totems were replaced by the Seattle Breakers, a team that competed in the WHL.
4. The Breakers faced financial difficulties in the early 1980s and eventually folded in 1985, leaving Seattle without professional hockey until recent years.
5. In 2018, Seattle was awarded an NHL expansion team, which is set to begin play in the 2021-2022 season. This team will be called the Seattle Kraken.

Now, let’s dive into some detailed FAQs about Seattle’s hockey history:

1. What other professional hockey teams were based in Seattle before the Kraken?
– Before the Kraken, the Seattle Metropolitans were the most prominent professional hockey team in Seattle. They were members of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) and became the first American team to win the Stanley Cup in 1917.

2. How successful were the Seattle Totems and Breakers during their existence?
– The Totems had a successful run in the WHL, winning the Lester Patrick Cup four times between 1959 and 1974. The Breakers, however, struggled financially and only made the playoffs twice during their ten-year existence.

3. What led to the demise of the Seattle Breakers in 1985?
– The Breakers faced financial challenges due to low attendance and mounting debts. Ultimately, the team declared bankruptcy and was relocated to Kamloops, British Columbia, where they became the Kamloops Blazers.

4. Did Seattle have any lower-level minor league teams during the gap years without professional hockey?
– Yes, during the 1980s and 1990s, Seattle had minor league teams like the Seattle Thunderbirds, who played in the Western Hockey League, and the Seattle Seahawks, who were part of the ECHL.

5. How excited is the city of Seattle about the upcoming NHL expansion team, the Seattle Kraken?
– The city is extremely excited about the Kraken’s arrival. The team has received overwhelming support from fans, with season ticket deposits selling out within hours. The Kraken’s entry into the NHL has reignited the passion for hockey in the city.

6. Will the new Seattle Kraken play their games at the same venue as the previous teams?
– No, the Seattle Kraken will not play their games at KeyArena. They will have a new home arena named Climate Pledge Arena, located on the Seattle Center grounds. It is currently undergoing significant renovations to accommodate the team.

7. What impact do the Seattle Kraken expect to have on the community and the growth of hockey in Seattle?
– The Kraken ownership and the NHL are committed to investing in and growing the sport of hockey in Seattle. They aim to increase youth participation, expand local hockey programs, and strengthen the connection between the team and the community through various initiatives.

BOTTOM LINE:
Seattle has had a hockey team since 1974, starting with the Seattle Totems and later the Seattle Breakers. After a long hiatus without professional hockey, the city is now eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Seattle Kraken in the upcoming NHL season. The Kraken is expected to have a significant impact on the community, driving the growth and popularity of hockey in Seattle.