The Seattle Kraken is a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2021, the Kraken became the 32nd franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL). As the first major professional sports team in Seattle since the Sonics left in 2008, the Kraken have quickly captured the attention and excitement of local fans.Named after the mysterious sea creature from Scandinavian folklore, the Kraken's logo features a dark blue "S" with a menacing red eye, alluding to the team's aggressive and fierce playing style. Led by ownership group Seattle Hockey Partners, the Kraken play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena, which underwent extensive renovations to accommodate the team.In preparation for their inaugural season, the Kraken participated in the NHL Expansion Draft in July 2021. This event allowed them to select players from other existing teams, aiming to build a competitive roster from the available talent pool. General Manager Ron Francis and his staff carefully crafted the team's lineup to establish a balance between seasoned players and promising prospects.Prior to joining the NHL, Seattle had a rich hockey history with its minor league teams. The city once boasted the Totems of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 1960s and '70s, who achieved notable success and drew passionate crowds. These foundations laid the groundwork for the Kraken, igniting a renewed enthusiasm for elite hockey in Seattle.Seattle's unique geographic location, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and various bodies of water, heavily influenced the team's name and branding. The Kraken aim to embody the city's coastal spirit through their play on the ice, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with intense performances and a commitment to excellence.As a new franchise, the Seattle Kraken offer a fresh dynamic to the NHL, injecting excitement into the league and revitalizing the sport within the Seattle community. Fans eagerly anticipate the start of each season, eager to see their beloved Kraken thrive on the ice.With a commitment to building a competitive team and engaging their passionate fan base, the Seattle Kraken look poised to make a significant impact in the NHL for years to come.