The Seattle NHL team will be called the Seattle Kraken.
For months, fans have been debating what the name will be, with the Seattle Sockeyes often trending as the top pick.
The Seattle Kraken was also a fan favourite and ultimately became the top choice.
The announcement was made in front of nearly 300 construction workers on Thursday morning who are building the team’s new arena.
“It’s only right and proper to announce the Kraken name, mark and colors here with the men and women working so hard and meeting every challenge to build our new home,” Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said in a release.
“We were intentional every step of the way (in) making this decision. We listened to our fans, thousands of them face-to-face and tens of thousands more on social media. We were determined to align with who we are as an organization and as a city and region.
“We think we got it right, the perfect fit.”
The Kraken’s ‘S’ logo will appear on player jerseys, fan t-shirts and hats and other merchandise available at the online store. Net proceeds of sales are also going to Seattle nonprofit YouthCare to support young adults facing homelessness and housing instability.
The franchise hinted the new name will have a marine theme in a Twitter video released Wednesday.
The NHL’s 32nd team was unanimously approved in a vote in 2018 and will begin play in 2021-22.
The ownership group is led by billionaire David Bonderman and a number of minority partners, including Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Seattle will play in the Pacific Division, meaning the Arizona Coyotes will move to the Central Division.
The new team gives the NHL an even 16 franchises in the Eastern and Western conferences and will provide the Vancouver Canucks with a natural geographic rival.
-with files from The Canadian Press
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