As the aroma of turkey wafts through homes and families gather around to give thanks, it's a perfect time to reflect on what we’re most grateful for this year. For me, as a Seattle Kraken fan, there’s no shortage of reasons to say, “Thank you, hockey gods.”
A heaping plate of gratitude
First on my Thanksgiving plate: Joey Daccord, the guy who has been stuffing opposing offenses and giving us plenty to celebrate. His first shutout of the season was like that perfectly cooked turkey—juicy, satisfying, and left everyone wanting more.
Next up is Jared McCann, the Kraken’s offensive powerhouse. With 22 points in 22 games, McCann has been as reliable as mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. Whether it's a timely goal or a crucial assist, he's serving up plenty for fans to enjoy.
How about André Burakovsky? His recent breakthrough game felt like the sweet potatoes with marshmallows—a little delayed, but oh so worth the wait. With Jordan Eberle sidelined, Burky stepped up in a big way.
And let’s not forget Brandon Tanev, the heart and soul of the fourth line. He’s the cranberry sauce of the team—bringing the perfect balance of energy, grit, and spice to every game. With his iconic stare and relentless tenacity, Tanev keeps things exciting and reminds us why hockey is the best sport around.
The Kraken Thanksgiving table
If the Kraken were hosting Thanksgiving, I imagine it’d look something like this:
- Joey Daccord: Serving the turkey with all the confidence of a goalie in the zone. Don’t worry—he’s stopping gravy spills, too.
- Brandon Montour: Carving up the ham with the precision he brings to the ice.
- Jared McCann: Handling the pumpkin pie, because he’s delivering sweet results game after game—and he always saves the best for last.
- Matty Beniers: Dishing up the stuffing, not flashy but always dependable. Whether it’s offense or defense, he’s getting the job done.
- André Burakovsky: Piling on the mashed potatoes—slow to make an impression, but once he does, they’re impossible to ignore.
- Chandler Stephenson: Passing the gravy like it’s the puck—always finding the open man and keeping everything flowing smoothly.
- Ryker Evans: Bringing the rolls because he’s been on one lately.
- Yanni Gourde: Taking charge of the green bean casserole. It’s a gritty dish, and no one works harder to make it shine.
- Brandon Tanev: Bringing the cranberry sauce, adding just the right amount of tart energy to keep the meal exciting.
- Shane Wright: Serving up the sweet potato casserole. He might not always be in the spotlight, but when he’s in, he makes a big impact, just like that perfect side dish you can’t stop going back to.
And let’s not forget Coach Dan Bylsma, standing at the head of the table giving a pep talk about sticking to the game plan: “First we dig in, then we clean up—no turnovers!”
Thankful for the Kraken family
Beyond the players, I’m grateful for the ever-growing Kraken community. Whether it’s cheering on the team at Climate Pledge Arena or connecting with fellow fans online, the camaraderie is what makes hockey so special.
As we finish the first quarter of the season, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s next. With Daccord’s brilliance in net, McCann’s consistent production, and Burakovsky finding his groove, there’s a lot to be thankful for—and even more to look forward to.
Happy Thanksgiving, Kraken fans. May your turkey be tender, your stuffing be savory, and your team keep delivering wins worth celebrating!