Hockey in the lower mainland including the North West of Washington, which expands from Bellingham to Seattle now has another venue for the kids to play sport, many of whom are looking at growing their career in the NHL.
Hockey in the Bellingham area has and continues to grow, but given the population and cost incurred by the Families, many are turning to other less expensive sports, such as Tennis, Bowling and possibly maybe Rugby.
The announcement for an expansion team in Seattle for the NHL is nothing more than a win – win for everyone in the Pacific Northwest Area, which can only help grow the sport in hopes of bringing some players returning.
It may have taken some time, but time was indeed on their side, especially the fact that they used the scenic backdrop of the Seattle’s Space Needle as a focal point for anyone trying to get the big picture.
The date (September 5) will forever go down in history for Seattle Hockey Partners and Oak View Group, who along with Tod and Tim Leiweke sharing the information that they have reaching an agreement with City officials for the proposed new Seattle Center Arena.
Of course the approval would all be pending the City Council approval which is one huge step toward turning the first spades for the newest NHL franchise.
One of the lead or head investor in the project was David Bonderman, Seattle Hockey Partners who had to solidify or secure its expansion dating back to Oct. 2nd in front of the NHL Executive Committee in hopes of acquiring a 2020 expansion club.
From the initial talks to the final announcement by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that Seattle’s Oak View Group had their bid for a 32nd NHL franchise.
It was fully accepted by the NHL’s board of governors at a meeting in Sea Island, Georgia with the league mentioning that the team will play at the renovated Key Arena.
They hit the ice for the 2021-22 season and will be playing in downtown Seattle, one short season after the expansion group was initially focused on.
The later start is possibly due to or in part of arena construction concerns, or concerns that might be surrounding a 2020 NHL lockout.
The ownership has much work to do, possibly the first being to name a General manager, figure out a name, logo and uniform – then and only then they will have to draft a team.
One question that was asked was “will the team would embrace the history and name of the Seattle Metropolitans, which was the first American franchise to ever win the Stanley Cup championship in 1917” but this was quick to shoot down.
Possible relocation could look like what is on the insert to the right.
So I guess that means no for the name as the Seattle Totems!!
