JOIN US: Seattle Kraken specialty logo celebrates Black hockey history
Monday night will see a unique alteration to the Seattle Kraken logo, with the team incorporating the colors of the Pan-African flag in celebration of Black Hockey History. The usual light blue will be replaced by this symbolic color scheme.
As fans enter Climate Pledge Arena for the game against the Boston Bruins, they’ll be greeted by the new temporary logo displayed on the ice and jumbotrons. Additionally, special edition merchandise featuring the design by local artist Barry Johnson, including pins and pucks, will be available at the fan shop.
Johnson explained that he took inspiration from expressionist patterns, blending traditional greens, yellows, blacks, and reds onto the existing logo to create a distinct three-dimensional effect against a black background. His research into Black hockey history, particularly the founding of the Colored Hockey League in 1895 predating the NHL, fueled his enthusiasm for the project.
Kyle Boyd, the Kraken’s director of fan development, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, reflecting on his own experiences growing up as one of the few Black hockey players in Minnesota. He noted a lack of acknowledgment or celebration from NHL clubs in the past, highlighting the potential for events like Black Hockey History Night to empower and encourage the community.
However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding the theme night, there’s a notable absence of the special logo on the players’ jerseys during the game. The NHL’s ban on specialty jerseys being worn on ice, following some players’ refusal to wear them for a Pride night, means the logo will only be showcased during warmups and other pre-game events.
This decision has been met with criticism, with ESPN hockey writer Ryan S. Clark suggesting that it undermines the NHL’s commitment to inclusivity. He contrasted this with the Kraken’s proactive approach to diversity, citing their historic hires of J.T. Brown and Everett Fitzhugh as examples. Clark believes that prioritizing diversity, as demonstrated by events like Black Hockey History Night, could help the NHL expand its fanbase.