Kraken fans celebrate expansion draft picks, announcement boosts business for local hockey bar – KIRO 7 News Seattle

SEATTLE – Hockey fans packed bars and filled parking lots across town as the NHL’s newest team, Seattle Kraken filled out their roster.

Hundreds of hockey fans filled Gas Works Park Wednesday to attend Seattle Kraken’s long-awaited roster announcement.

A total of 30 hockey players were selected to join the Kraken for the inaugural season. One player was selected from each NHL team, with the exception of Las Vegas, where the final draft expansion took place.

Guard parties were held all over town.

“It actually happens, I really can’t believe it,” said Seattle-based Sean Lee as he stood near a guard party at Dick’s drive-in in Queen Anne.

“I mean, this is history for Seattle,” said Sean’s friend Cameron Wong.

In Greenwood, fans flocked to the local ice hockey themed pub, The Angry Beaver.

The business had reached capacity before the draft expansion even began.

“Total party, it’s a total party right now,” said owner Tim Pipes. “I think we’ve all been waiting for this day for years; I really have the feeling that today in Seattle is Christmas for hockey fans. “

Every time a draft pick was announced, the crowd cheered.

The celebrations were streamed live to fans worldwide via a new fan-created podcast, Kraken Fancast.

“It’s like Christmas today, we’re getting players, we’re so excited,” said Kraken Fancast host Chris Porter.

“We’re going to have a team in October, it’s around the corner and I’ve been waiting … I’ve lived here for 23 years, waiting for an NHL team, and here it is,” Porter continued.

The excitement surrounding the opening season has already given The Angry Beaver a boost to business. A welcome sight after a tough year of pandemic restrictions and closings.

“I’m a survivor, I’m a hockey player, you know? If you get knocked over you’ll come back off the ice so I’m excited, ”said Pipes. “Everyone get together and the excitement of the Kraken Club from October … it’s just, I’m over the moon.”

Pipes said he expected the Kraken-fueled business boom to continue once the season kicks off in October.

“I think in October, when the puck falls in the Climate Pledge Arena, I expect my business to grow by 25% or maybe more,” Pipes said.

© 2021 Cox Media Group