The Kraken’s Little Sister? Meet the PWHL Team Taking Over Climate Pledge

Seattle’s new pro hockey team isn’t just joining the city’s sports lineup; they’re redefining it. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is expanding to the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle’s ready to skate straight into the spotlight. Set to debut in the 2025–26 season, this squad brings veteran leadership, rising stars, and that signature Emerald City edge to Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Kraken and now, their fierce new sibling.

The Birth of Seattle’s New Ice Age

Courtesy of the PWHL

When the PWHL announced Seattle as its first west-coast expansion team earlier this year, the city’s hockey scene collectively screamed, "Let’s go!" After all, Seattle already proved it could rally behind a new franchise. The Kraken turned from curiosity to cult-level phenomenon almost overnight. Now, PWHL Seattle (official name still pending) has the chance to do the same for women’s hockey.

Playing out of Climate Pledge, the team inherits not only an arena but a city obsessed with culture, community, and caffeine-fueled sports fandom. Expect the same pre-game energy you’d find at a Kraken game, just with a new soundtrack, a few extra beanies, and a whole lot more women breaking barriers on ice.

The Leadership Core: Knight, Carpenter, and Turner

Seattle wasted no time establishing credibility.

Before their first puck drop, the franchise has made moves that prove they are not starting from scratch; they are starting with standards. From the moment the expansion announcement dropped, the organization positioned itself as a serious contender in the league rather than a developmental experiment.

The hiring of Megahan Turner as General Manager and Steve O'Rourke as head coach sent that message loud and clear. Turner's track record in player development and hockey operations, coupled with O'Rourke's experience behind the bench, has given Seattle instant legitimacy in the eyes of fans and competitors. Then came the player signings that turned credibility into star power.

Here is a look at some players that Seattle has signed so far:

• Hilary Knight, arguably the face of women’s hockey, headlines the inaugural roster. Her Olympic pedigree and leadership instantly set the tone.

Courtesy of the PWHL

• Alex Carpenter, one of the PWHL’s most reliable scorers, brings two-way strength and power-play precision.

Courtesy of the PWHL

• Behind the bench, Steve O’Rourke takes over as head coach, while Meghan Turner leads as general manager - making Seattle the first expansion franchise to feature a female GM/coach duo from the start.

Courtesy of the PWHL

Together, they’re shaping an identity that’s both competitive and community-driven. "Seattle has always done sports differently," Turner said during the announcement. "We’re not here to fit in, we’re here to stand out."

Building the Emerald Identity

Seattle’s color palette, emerald green and cream, nods to the city’s nickname while giving a clean, modern look that fits perfectly beside the Kraken’s navy and teal. The team name and logo are expected to be announced during the 2026-27 season and are expected to channel Pacific Northwest energy, think stormy skies, forests, and resilience.

More importantly, the team’s vibe is community-forward: early initiatives include youth hockey partnerships, local small business collaborations, and fan-driven design contests for their mascot and jersey. The PWHL’s mission to make professional women’s hockey both sustainable and accessible fits right into Seattle’s culture of innovation and inclusion.

Projected Strengths & Storylines

Strengths

• Veteran leadership with Knight and Carpenter at the helm.

• Strong goaltending with Corinne Schroeder, already one of the league’s top netminders.

• Defense anchored by Cayla Barnes, a poised skater with international experience.

Challenges

• As an expansion team, chemistry will take time. The early months might be a test of patience.

• Depth in the bottom six forwards remains a question mark.

Still, early practices show promising signs: pace, grit, and plenty of personality, all things Seattle fans love.

Home Ice Advantage

Courtesy of the PWHL

Seattle’s first home game is set for November 28 at Climate Pledge Arena, following an opening road trip against Vancouver, setting the stage for an instant Cascadia rivalry.

Given the Kraken’s meteoric fan rise, there’s every reason to believe PWHL Seattle will pack the house, too. Expect chants, custom signs, and maybe even a few fans bringing coffee cups into the stands (because, well, it’s Seattle).

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another expansion story; it’s a cultural shift. The PWHL is building a sustainable, globally respected women’s hockey ecosystem, and Seattle is positioned as its west coast flagship. For a city that prides itself on being progressive, passionate, and a little weird, it’s a perfect match.

Outlook: More Than the Kraken’s Little Sister

Sure, the nickname fits for now, but give it a season, and PWHL Seattle might just become the city’s next big thing. With a stacked top line, a loud arena, and a league determined to make history, they’re poised to do more than just join the conversation. They’re here to lead it.

Edited by: Megan Livengood