Gourde, McCann, Grubauer Win First Player Awards

On Fan Appreciation Night at Climate Pledge Arena Friday, there were all sorts of recognition and surprise delights for Kraken supporters. Some players were spotlighted, too, when the team's first player awards were presented after the final home game of the season.

The four awards include the Pete Muldoon Award to honor the Kraken's most valuable player. The MVP was voted on by Seattle-area media. The winner, announced in a post-game ceremony before the fans, is leading goal scorer Jared McCann, who enjoyed a career year with 27 goals and signed a new $25 million, five-year contract as the first Kraken player to re-up with the franchise.

Muldoon coached the 1917 Seattle Metropolitans, the first U.S.-based team to win the Stanley Cup. Two years later, Muldoon famously refused to accept a forfeit of the Stanley Cup Final from the storied Montreal Canadiens, whose roster was decimated by the 1919 Spanish Flu. He coached eight seasons with Seattle and, in 1928, led a group of investors to build Mercer Arena that served skates and hockey players for many decades.
The Three Stars of the Year award winner, goalie Philipp Grubauer, was honored via calculation of which Kraken player earned the most Three Stars honors after each home game. Players were awarded three points for First Star, two points for Second Star and one point for Third Star.

The Fan Favorite award was determined by a vote of the fans and will no doubt draw extensive cheers for the player deemed the "fave" of the NHL's loudest and best fans. Is anyone surprised the designation goes to Yanni Gourde, the most energizing Kraken player night in and night out.
The Guyle Fielder Award was established to identify the season's player and teammates who best exemplifies "perseverance, hustle and dedication" associated with a Seattle hockey legend. Players and coaches voted on the first Fielder Award. Gourde was a double-winner, earning the inaugural Guyle Fielder Award from his squad members.
Fielder played 15 of his 22 pro seasons in Seattle, winning Pacific Hockey League championships with the Totems. He is No. 4 in scoring among all pro hockey players, trailing only Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr and Gordie Howe.