At long last, the Seattle Kraken were released onto their home ice.
After five road games to start the 2021-2022 NHL season, the league's newest franchise played in the friendly confines of Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks.
Seattle's fans have waited a long time for the team's home opener. In December 2018, the NHL approved the expansion team, and in July 2020, the instantly legendary Kraken name and logo were revealed.
"Release the Kraken" was an early rallying cry for employees of the club before Kraken became the team's name.
The NHL's newest potential rivalry got off to a hot start on Saturday night in Seattle. Although the final result was a 4-2 loss to the Canucks, the atmosphere was electric and the fans were fired up.
Here are some of the best scenes, moments and plays from the Kraken home opener:
Seattle's fans and teams showed support
From Russell Wilson to Sue Bird, Seattle's finest showed up to support the home team.
Seattle legends showing up for the #SeaKraken. pic.twitter.com/ojTV0aS4z3
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
Repping the @SeattleKraken on a special day for our city 🏒
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) October 23, 2021
Here's to an incredible opening night at @ClimateArena! pic.twitter.com/VeVVjh6HzG
Let's gooo @SeattleKraken!!!
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 24, 2021
the #seattlelove is real today! 💙 😍
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 23, 2021
how are you reppin the #seakraken? pic.twitter.com/go57yEbq4E
Hockey is home 💙
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 23, 2021
Happy Home Opener Day, @SeattleKraken! #SeattleLove | #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/0KGRX86Zwy
Scenes from pregame skate
first skate in the new barn.
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 23, 2021
📍: @ClimateArena pic.twitter.com/bv8JzN0lRE
the boys are ready. 😤 pic.twitter.com/iGPnLWFu5p
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 23, 2021
Getting the job 'Dunn' in period No.1
Vince Dunn etched his name in the history books -- and the hearts of Kraken fans-- with Seattle's first goal at Climate Pledge Arena to end the opening period.
H-I-S-T-O-R-I-C!
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
Vince Dunn scores the first-ever #SeaKraken goal at @ClimateArena! pic.twitter.com/qVWhhoyRLu
HE GOT IT DUNN AND THIS BUILDING IS GOING CRAZY!
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
KRAKEN WITH THE LEAD!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/rgvPAwPAdx
Starting off the final frame with a bang
The visiting team managed to tie things up in the second period, but Kraken captain Mark Giordano's 48-foot shot allowed Seattle to regain the lead in the final period.
we got too excited on this tweet. 😅
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
*presses shift + 1*
Kraken lead 2-1!
A budding rivalry
The Kraken are already looking to even the score against their new foe.
we still have three more games to settle the score. 🤝
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 24, 2021
