In addition to their own promotional schedule of home games, the Seattle Kraken are also featured in the theme nights of other teams. One that stands out is Jan. 19 at the L.A. Kings, “Hello Kitty” night.
The team website says giveaways will include “Mini Tote Bags,” as well as the opportunity to secure a “Mystery Box Hello Kitty Mini Plushie.”
The Kings’ first-ever Hello Kitty night game back in February was also against the Kraken. Was it a coincidence that Seattle defenseman Adam “Big Cat” Larsson scored? Shane Wright scored twice as Seattle went on to a 4-2 victory.
Kraken-Connected Expansion News
Turns out the NBA isn’t the only men’s winter sports league contemplating an expansion announcement within months.
Here in Seattle, basketball fans have been teased that the addition of an expansion Sonics team could be a reality as soon as December. If so, the hoops team will most likely be owned by One Roof Sports & Entertainment, same as the Kraken, and play in the same Climate Pledge Arena.
Now comes word that December could also be the month the NHL announces its 33rd team, to play in Houston. TheScore.com reports, “Dan Friedkin, whose net worth is $6.4 billion, according to Forbes, would be the owner of the 33rd franchise.
“Commissioner Gary Bettman said in June that the investment required would be $3.5 billion, split between an expansion fee and the cost of a new arena in one of the cities. Canadian expansion isn’t on the NHL’s immediate radar due to a lack of prospective owners.”
Former Seattle Investor, Former M’s Shortstop
Speaking of owners, add billionaire businessman Marc Stad to our list of former Kraken “Where are they now?”
According to ESPN.com, “He joined the original ownership group in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken in 2018 as a minority shareholder, holding close relationships with owner Samantha Holloway and her father, the late David Bonderman.”
Stad just closed a deal to become majority owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Pricetag: $4.5 billion. Stad’s day job is managing partner of Dragoneer Investment Group. Another Seattle connection is that former Mariner Alex Rodriguez will remain an investor in both Minnesota teams, while actually increasing his stake.
Earlier Seattle:
— Kraken’s Melanson Should Be Getting Close
