A Quartet Of Kraken Oddities
For more than a century, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not has fascinated readers,
viewers, and museum-goers with stories too bizarre to be true – except they are.
We can’t offer the “Human Pin Cushion” or “Fireproof Man,”
but here’s some Seattle Kraken oddities that may bring a smile.
Cuckoo For Kokko
Coachella Valley Firebirds fans have adopted a chant for goalie Nikke Kokko. “We’re in love with the Kokko” is a play on the song “We No Speak Americano” by Australian band Yolanda Be Cool. It’s since been referenced by the social media teams of both the Firebirds and Kraken. Believe It Or Don’t!
By the way, Kokko says the warm feelings are mutual. “I really love everybody in the Valley. This is a really beautiful place. We have the best fans and I’m really happy I can play for this organization. People are so nice to me. I feel really comfortable, and every home game it’s really nice to play with those fans.”
Kraken Forward Retired His College Superstition
New Kraken trade acquisition Mackie Samoskevich played alongside Matty Beniers for one season at the University of Michigan.
In his second season with the Wolverines, Samoskevich scored 40 points in 41 games. His 19 goals and 21 assists earned the sophomore a spot on the second-team All-Big 10.
The secret of his success might have been his pregame routine, donning a hat adorned with the Pokemon character, Pikachu. When he reached the pros, though, “I got rid of it. I burned that thing.” Believe It Or Don’t!
Bonus Samoskevich fact, regarding the advice he received from Florida teammates before taking his rookie lap in Minnesota in 2023. “Just don’t fall, and make sure you do your hair before.”
Life’s A Beach For Kraken Draft Pick
When the ice melts at rinks around Toronto, box lacrosse takes over.
The name of a defender for the Toronto Beaches of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League might ring a bell. It’s Finn Kearns, a 2026 5th round pick of the Kraken at last month’s draft.
In fact, Kearns was finishing up a lacrosse practice when he discovered he’d been drafted. (A defenseman in hockey, too, Finn did have to miss a couple of Beaches games to attend Kraken development camp.)
Just like the Kraken do with their F1 helmet, the Beaches recognize an outstanding performer following a win. Below is the photo of Finn wearing the “Player of the Game Shirt.” Stare at the shirt’s design (for as long as you’re able), and you’ll understand the pride on Kearns’ face. At least, I think that’s pride. Believe It Or Don’t!
‘Top Gun’, ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Producer Knows About Winners
The race car helmet we referenced was a gift from filmmaker and Kraken investor Jerry Bruckheimer. It’s identical to the one Brad Pitt wore in the 2025 film, F1.
The 82-year-old movie mogul told ESPN a while back that his infatuation with hockey began at an early age. “When I was six or seven years old in Detroit, my dad would take me to hockey games. We’d sit up in the rafters. It was great to share that with my father.
“It’s been in me forever to try to be part of this wonderful game. I played a little bit when I was 10 or 11, and then when (Wayne) Gretzky moved to Los Angeles we met him and his wife. I bought season tickets and started taking skating lessons, and I still need them, believe me.”
Before joining Kraken ownership, he was part of a group trying to acquire the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004. “They drafted Sidney Crosby and they decided they weren’t going to sell.”
Bruckheimer was also part of bids for the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights. “In my heart, I knew the best place for a hockey franchise was Seattle. It’s a great sports town. They love their athletes.”
Since 2004, the Pens, Ducks and Golden Knights have all won Stanley Cups. Maybe Bruckheimer will get to lift the Cup when the Kraken win it. Believe It Or Don’t!
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Coverage So Complete, It’s Astounding
