Joining the Lineup

The three sheets of ice under construction at the Kraken Training Center in the Northgate neighborhood embody the team's intentions for widely growing the game in the Seattle area and Pacific Northwest. On Tuesday, the dream took two significant steps toward reality when the Kraken announced the adult Greater Seattle Hockey League and Washington Wild Female Hockey Association will both use the Kraken Training Center as home base.
"Today's announcement is the first of many as we set out to make the Kraken Training Center the home of ice sports in the Puget Sound region," said Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Kraken. "The GSHL has a great history of introducing and supporting adult hockey players around the region and we're excited to bring their players to the training center.

Leiweke is equally enthusiastic about the Wild joining the fold as a resident organization: "We have been proud supporters of the Wild and their work since long before we were awarded a franchise. You may remember that Wild player Jaina Goscinski has been at our side for key moments from being awarded the team to announcing our name. We're so excited to have them as a part of our Kraken Training Center."

"We are just beyond thrilled to be part of the Kraken franchise and tenant at the training center," said Kelly Goscinski, who started as a team manager when her aforementioned daughter started playing hockey in 2013 and now serves as president of the Washington Wild. "The Kraken will no doubt enrich the community and be part of the community. It's going to have a massive impact on girls hockey to have access to a world-class training center and all the activities there."
The team will partner with the Greater Seattle Hockey League (GSHL), the largest adult ice hockey league in the Pacific Northwest featuring nearly 3,000 players. Its leagues, teams and members will still play at the various rinks from Tacoma to Everett that have been part of GSHL network since founder Andy Cole started the association in 2001. The concept is a number of leagues will play some games there and all teams have opportunities to play where the Kraken will practice, beginning this fall for the 2021-22 NHL season.
Cole will remain as leader of the GSHL, which serves adults of all ages and skill levels. It hosts adult learn-to-skate and learn-to-play programs, leagues at all levels of adult hockey and tournaments including the Great Puckaroo Roundup in Winthrop. In addition, Cole joins the Kraken Training Center as adult hockey director.

"It's a chance for more players to be part of the Kraken and the Kraken to be part of the community," said Cole. "In the spirit of partnership, GSHL will align with the Kraken to enhance and grow the game of adult hockey for everyone."
"We saw an opportunity to partner with Andy to continue growing the game of hockey," said Rob Lampman, general manager of the Kraken Training Center. "We want to give hockey enthusiasts throughout the region an opportunity to share in the Seattle Kraken brand experience and play in a world-class training facility while continuing to play at their neighborhood rinks. We recognize the passion within the adult hockey community. Together we intend to serve the best interest of GSHL and the hockey community by creating unique experiences for those that play the sport."
The Wild organization serves girls from four years old ("if they can stand on the ice without their parents, they can join," said Goscinski) to the age of 19. The WWFHA offers all levels of competition, including higher levels of competition starting with U10. But make no mistake, the association welcomes and encourages all who aspire to play hockey, an interest Goscinski anticipates with the Kraken taking the ice for practices at the training center, games at Climate Pledge Arena and watching the team on ROOT SPORTS.
"Yes, the NHL players are men, but they will still have a huge positive impact on girls wanting to play," said Goscinski. "The rising tide lifts all boats effect. We welcome beginners and their parents. For us, there is no better feeling than see a girl become confident on the ice. We are here for girls hockey matching any lifestyle. To do it at the Kraken Training Center will be monumental. I can't wait to see the look on the faces of all of our parents, existing and new, walking through those doors for the first time."
More information on our hockey and skating programs, including how to sign up, will be released in the coming months. Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.