The Seattle Kraken, a team in the National Hockey League, has graciously brought their star players to Anchorage for the third consecutive year to host community events and youth hockey camps in partnership with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation.
Jason Metrokin, the President and CEO of BBNC, conveyed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that Seattle and Anchorage share many similarities. Having the players visit and engage with the community presents a great opportunity to reinforce the connection between the two regions. This initiative aims to establish a lasting relationship between the Seattle Kraken and the state of Alaska.
During their visit, defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, team mascot Buoy, and the Anchorage Hockey Association, alongside youth coaches, will lead hockey training sessions for children aged 8, 10, and 12. This offers the young participants a valuable chance to learn from a former first-round draft pick, improving their skills and understanding of the game.
Oleksiak expressed his excitement in being part of this visit, relishing the opportunity to acquaint himself with the city and the hockey community. The experience has been extremely fulfilling for him as it allowed him to engage with fans, families, and fellow hockey enthusiasts on a personal level.
In addition to the training sessions, a community barbecue took place on June 16, where fans and families had the opportunity to meet the players, take photos, and obtain autographs. The support demonstrated by the Anchorage community was exceptional, with event attendees expressing their gratitude for the chance to interact with the players.
As the newest franchise in the league, the Seattle Kraken officially began playing in 2021, with Oleksiak joining the team through the expansion draft after playing for the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite being a young team, the Seattle Kraken and their partners are hopeful that such events and collaborations will lead to more opportunities in the future.
Jason Metrokin even mentioned the potential of bringing an NHL game to the state of Alaska, expressing the community’s desire to host such an event. While the logistics of this plan are uncertain, the enthusiasm and support from both the Seattle Kraken and the Alaskan community make it a promising prospect for the future.
Ultimately, the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the Seattle Kraken and their partners in nurturing a love for hockey among the youth of Anchorage is truly commendable. Their efforts not only foster a stronger relationship between the team and the community, but also open up new possibilities for the future of hockey in Alaska.
Source: KTUU, 2024