Kraken read letters from girls youth hockey players

The Seattle Kraken celebrated the first anniversary of the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft in a special way.

The Kraken had youth players from the Western Washington Female Hockey Association write letters to the players ahead of the Expansion Draft last year.
On Thursday, Jordan Eberle, Chris Driedger, Yanni Gourde and Jared McCann read the letters and responded in videos posted to the Kraken's Twitter account.

Letters welcomed the Kraken to Seattle, told the players how excited they were for the season and some included drawings.
Kraken goalie Driedger read a letter specifically addressed to the first Kraken goalie.
"I think there is a special bond between all goalies," Driedger read from the letter. "From thanking the pipes to dancing to cheering on the team, goalies will always be there through the toughest wins and the hardest losses. This season will be my first to get to travel and play as a goalie and it is so exciting. I hope that one day I can skate out in front of screaming fans too."

Eberle and McCann were reminded of their own youth after reading the letters and were happy to inspire the next generation.

Gourde ended his video with advice to the youth players.
"Keep working hard and try to get better every single day," Gourde said. "That's how you succeed, not just in hockey but in life."