A new hockey fan’s first NHL game was the Kraken Winter Classic. Here’s what happened

I never have been a “sports girl,” or got invested in sports growing up. Nothing ever clicked when people tried to explain the mechanics of various sports to me over the years.

But when I recently caught up with a friend who asked for my private Twitter handle, I had to warn them of an influx of hockey-related content.

“Honestly, I would not have pegged you as a sports girl,” they responded.

I can’t blame them — I think even my own dad had given up on the prospect of me ever being a sports fan. That was before I was introduced to hockey.

How I became a hockey fan

A friend of mine eased me into hockey in a palatable way, teaching me as time went on. Before long, we were watching every game at the end of the Seattle Kraken’s 2022-23 season together.

I’m still learning, but I’ve come a long way since being brought into the fold. I’ve become a dedicated fan, consistently watching Kraken games at a local bar, and attending Tri-City Americans games. I went from someone who flinched and gasped at standard hockey plays to someone who stands up and yells at penalty calls.

I have my hockey friend to thank for that.

In fact, we celebrated her birthday by attending the Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Jan. 1. The event would mark my first-ever NHL game and my friend’s first Winter Classic. It was already a historic game, but we had no idea what was in store.

What is the Winter Classic?

For over 20 years, the NHL has held an outdoor regular season game — the Winter Classic — in an attempt to grow the game.

The Seattle Kraken hosted this year’s edition, making the Kraken the youngest in NHL history to host, having joined the league in 2021. As if that wasn’t a big enough deal, we squared off against defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.

A rink was built at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, typically home to MLB’s Mariners. Tickets sold out the week before the game, and more than 47,000 hockey fans filled the stadium seats.

Teams playing in the Winter Classic always go all-out. When the team walks in, rather than the suits typically donned by entering players, costumes are coordinated ahead of time.

As part of a series of homages to Seattle and Washington state, the Kraken players entered wearing orange fishing overalls, fishing hats and white t-shirts. The Knights came dressed as Elvis in sparkly white jumpsuits, sunglasses and wigs.

Kraken Winter Classic 2024

The Kraken came into the game on their hottest streak of the season, looking to maintain it. Their play showed that dedication to the streak, allowing the Kraken to gain momentum over the Knights.

This momentum led to a goal in the first five minutes of each period, each from a different player. The first goal came from Eeli Tolvanen, followed by Will Borgen and Yanni Gourde.

We were sitting next to Vegas fans, and I couldn’t help but glance over at them each time our section jumped up, screaming and cheering on each Kraken goal. There was never any hesitation among the crowd; once the puck cleared the goal line, a sea of Kraken gear rose to their feet.

There was something in my hands for each goal. I had a Kraken blanket to stay warm through the game, though it was only in the 40s — relatively warm for a Winter Classic. We also tried some of the food and drinks available for the game. But no matter what we were holding, we still threw our arms up and jumped out of our seats with each goal.

The star of the game was Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord, who blocked 35 of 35 shots, securing the first-ever shutout in Winter Classic history. In every other Winter Classic thus far, both teams have scored at least once, but not with Daccord between the pipes.

The Kraken have had some stellar saves this season, but watching Daccord block each Vegas attempt in real time was surreal. We didn’t just hear the crowd chant “Joey, Joey!” after impressive moves — this time we got to join in.

The energy at the 2024 Winter Classic in Seattle was infectious, which multiple Kraken players have noted in post-game interviews, like Yanni Gourde, who said Seattle showed the world it was a hockey town. The crowd was loud, proud and energetic — and we were a part of it.

By the end of the game, I had spent more than I intended to on special game-day merch and concessions, but I couldn’t be fazed. I had finally watched my team in person, and they dominated over the Stanley Cup champions 3-0. They made history in multiple categories while I watched from the crowd with one of my best friends. I cheered for my favorite players, participated in the Kraken “Lithium” goal song, and was part of something bigger than myself for a few hours.

I fully intend to go to more NHL games, but I don’t think any will top that.