The Seattle Kraken is a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington. The team is a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) and will begin playing in the 2021-2022 season. As with many sports teams, the Seattle Kraken has chosen a mascot to represent their brand and engage with fans. The team's mascot is a mythical sea creature known as the Kraken. The Kraken is a legendary sea monster from Scandinavian folklore, often depicted as a giant squid or octopus-like creature. In popular culture, the Kraken has been portrayed as a powerful and fearsome creature that emerges from the depths of the ocean.

'Nightmare fuel': Vancouver hockey fans shred cross border rival's new mascot

The Seattle Kraken introduced a new mascot to its hockey franchise this week and Metro Vancouverites are ripping the concept to shreds.

On Tuesday (Oct. 4), the Seattle Kraken unveiled "Buoy," a towering, blue-haired troll with some goofy features. The team introduced Buoy in a video.

At the beginning of the video, the Seattle team tosses around ideas for the future mascot. One person suggests that the team uses the Seattle SuperSonics mascot, which was the city's former National Basketball Association team. It was a hugely popular sasquatch named Squatch, but the group promptly dismisses the idea as they are holding out hope that the Sonics will return.

After this, they get some advice from various athletes. Jeeday Dallas, the running back for the Seattle Seahawks, suggests using the actual Kraken, but the kids reply that it is "way too big" and no one has ever seen it.

Next, an octopus at the Seattle Aquarium playfully quips, "Me? I don't ink so!" adding that the Detroit Red Wings mascot is already an Octopus named Al.

Finally, the kids, who are filmed sitting on the city's massive and beloved Fremont Troll, realize a troll would be the best representative for the team. Buoy energetically descends from the rafters, kicking out its legs and waving around all the way down to the ice.

Oh Buoy, this is going to be good! 😉

Vancouver hockey fans react to troll fail

Scores of locals have commented that the mascot should be a Kraken and not a troll. While the introductory video provides an explanation as to why the team didn't go with the mysterious Kraken, many people feel highly disappointed by the decision.

But why is it a troll and not a … kraken? 🤔 #buoy #nhl

— Erica (@_EricaDawn) October 2, 2022

A few fans even shared ideas for how they thought the Seattle team would depict the Kraken.

Watched the #canucks debacle in Seattle last night, including the lowering from the rafters and debut of Buoy, their new mascot. I thought I would see what #dalle2 could create instead of the troll they introduced. pic.twitter.com/thBmWPcN3O

— John Lyotier (@lyotier) October 3, 2022

Some people aren't wondering why the mascot is a troll. Instead, they are simply remarking that it is among the worst mascots in the league.

Other people have expressed some mix of terror and disgust for the blue character.

Just got my first good look at #Kraken mascot #Buoy and I can honestly say I will not be sleeping well for a very long time.

— Comrade Big Joe Burke (@BigJoeBurke) October 5, 2022

One local man went after the name "Buoy," remarking that the team named the mascot after the "nautical equivalent of a pylon." Oh, snap!

Buoy the Mascot. You named your mascot after the nautical equivalent of a pylon.#SEAKraken #NHL https://t.co/7BN0zIgpC6

— Nathan Durec (@ndurec) October 2, 2022

Finally, when it comes to having no mascot or Buoy the troll, one Vancouverite says nothing could be worse than the blue troll.

Could be worse.. you could have the @SeattleKraken mascot!

— Justagirl (@onesweetmare) October 3, 2022

Seattle Kraken introduce ‘Buoy,’ team’s first-ever mascot

The Seattle Kraken debuted their mascot, Buoy, on Saturday night as the 6-foot blue sea troll entered from the rafters of the arena before the team’s preseason game vs. Vancouver. Buoy – the franchise’s first-ever mascot – was inspired by the Fremont Troll, a public sculpture underneath a bridge that has been a city landmark for 32 years.

“We are proud to introduce Buoy and mark another milestone moment for the Seattle Kraken,” said Katie Townsend, Kraken chief marketing officer. “We are rooted in the local community and everything we do is inspired by the wonderful place we live. Buoy was inspired by the Fremont Troll and is a big fan of the Seattle music scene!”

The sculpture was designed in 1989 by artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter and Ross Whitehead and has since been featured in movies including ‘The Twilight Saga’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle.’

Lamont Buford, vice president of entertainment experience and production for the Kraken, said the team worked to make their new mascot “kid friendly and approachable.”

“Buoy’s hair is a nod to hockey flow and the waves of Puget Sound,” he said. “You’ll notice there is a removable tooth just like a hockey player, an anchor earring for our secondary mark and then a mysterious tentacle indicating an encounter with the Kraken. Buoy is so much fun and I look forward to everyone meeting the newest member of our team.”

(Photo courtesy of Seattle Kraken)

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Why are you so worked up about Buoy?: Today So Far

The Seattle Kraken has a new mascot, a sea troll named Buoy. Not everyone is happy about it. But so what. Not everything is for you and that is OK.

This post originally appeared in KUOW's Today So Far newsletter for October 3, 2022.

Let's get something out of the way, right at the start this week: The Kraken's new mascot, Buoy, is not a kraken. But so what?

As soon as new mascot for Seattle's hockey team was announced on Friday, folks began airing their grievances, mostly over social media (anybody else see the irony of online trolls criticizing a troll?). The fact that most criticism people can cite is located on Twitter, that's the first sign you shouldn't take any of this too seriously.

But hey, I get it. The team is called the "Seattle Kraken." Logically, the mascot should be a kraken. The Seahawks have Blitz (a sea hawk). UW has Harry/Hendrix the Husky as well as a live Husky named Dubs (because they're the huskies). The Sounders have Sammy the Sounder, which is a stretch, but you have to give them some credit for creativity for that one. As do the Storm for the whole concept around Doppler. But when you have something that is plain and straightforward, like "kraken," I understand why folks would be scratching their heads, wondering where the kraken is. Now, I know what you're going to say: "But the Mariners have a moose!" You know what, the Mariners' mascot should be an old, cranky sailor — someone who throws salmon at the audience while spouting offensive sea slang. There, I said it. Am I going to campaign against the moose? No. I have better things to do. Also, I've met the moose and they seem alright.

But here's the thing folks — Buoy is for you . but it's also not for you. Sports mascots serve a variety of purposes, much of which is promotion at corporate and public events (an online form to request Buoy appearances is already up and running). They're also meant to craft an endearing fandom among youngsters. It's for kids (and to encourage those kids to pester their parents to take them to a game and buy merch). A kraken probably wouldn't have conveyed the fun-loving, cuddly persona kids want. As Lamont Buford, Kraken's vice president of entertainment experience, said in a statement, Buoy is the result of months of branding development to be "kid friendly and approachable."

Seattle Kraken's Buoy poses with fans shortly after the mascot made its first appearance ever on the ice.

While Buoy may look like the love child of an orc and a Smurf, it's more likely the product of test marketing that took place in the bowels of office cubicles and meeting rooms. It's designed to go beyond the game that fans are already at, to efficiently increase visibility, and capture future fans.

Just because something is not for you, that doesn't make it bad. Meanwhile, young, up-and-coming fans are going to be just fine with Buoy. And just in case any critics forgot, there is a whole hockey game happening while you're busy complaining. Attracting new fans, and their dollars, will ultimately help keep that game going. To folks disappointed about the absence of a kraken, I encourage you to do it yourself. Seattle has always been very DIY, and the cosplay scene is strong locally, so we have the skills. If you want a kraken at the games — dress up and show up.

Over the weekend, Buoy did not let any online criticisms go unanswered. In response to one online comment, "This is up there as worst mascot design ever," Buoy responded "so what’s the excuse for your design work?" When another person simply tweeted "No" to Buoy's debut, the mascot wrote back, sarcastically, "you’re fun at parties." See more here.

All that said, as a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, I do appreciate Buoy elevating the profile of sea trolls. And if the legend is true, that Buoy once jammed with Mudhoney, that demands some local respect. Read more here.

Also on KUOW.org today:

• Mayor Harrell names LA parks executive to lead Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department
• King County begins work on 'Stop Hate Hotline'
• Why is a convicted sex offender with false credentials running a King County-funded youth program?

AS SEEN ON KUOW

DID YOU KNOW?

Some may complain about sports teams' mascots, but Seattle has come a long way in this regard.

The Mariners have been a Seattle team since 1977, but their mascot, the Moose, didn't debut until 1990. The moose is the result of a competition aimed at children. Kids 14 and under submitted their ideas. A fifth grader from Bellingham came up with the idea for the moose, and won. The moose initially received mixed reviews. Some fans booed, but it grew on audiences over time.

Before the Mariners Moose, the team's mascot was Spacey the Needle which came onto the scene in the late 1970s. Spacey the Needle was the result of a mascot competition. Second place went to a dude in a diaper . yep. Spacey was a tall mascot and was achieved by having a person on stilts. That meant the mascot was pretty limited in what it could do. No dancing or running through the stands for Spacey. The Mariners also attempted to have a sort of mascot to transport players to and from the mound in 1982 — a golf cart dressed up like a tugboat. Payers weren't into it. Reportedly, some hid the keys to the cart so it couldn't be used. Others just ignored it and walked off the field themselves. And some used it as baseball target practice.

ALSO ON OUR MINDS

Starbucks workers are busy this fall, and not just with making pumpkin spice lattes. This month, workers from hundreds of unionized Starbucks stores are expected to sit down for collective bargaining for the first time, while others will vote in still more union elections to come.

In popular culture, the Kraken has been portrayed as a powerful and fearsome creature that emerges from the depths of the ocean. The Seattle Kraken mascot is named "Kraken," and it embodies the spirit of the team and the city of Seattle. The mascot is characterized by its enormous size, with long tentacles and a menacing appearance.

The Kraken is often seen wearing the team's jersey or carrying a hockey stick, representing its love for the sport. The mascot plays an essential role in engaging with the fans during games and community events. Kraken makes appearances at home games, entertaining the crowd, and exciting the fans. The mascot interacts with fans of all ages, posing for photos, signing autographs, and creating a fun and interactive atmosphere. The Seattle Kraken mascot is a crucial part of the team's marketing strategy. It helps create a strong brand identity and builds a connection with fans. The Kraken mascot also represents the team's commitment to the community and its desire to entertain and inspire. Overall, the Seattle Kraken mascot adds character and excitement to the team. It brings the mythical creature to life and represents the strength and power of the Seattle Kraken. The mascot is an essential part of the team's identity and will undoubtedly contribute to the overall fan experience..

Reviews for "The Seattle Kraken Mascot: A Mythical Creature Takes the Ice"

1. Emily - 2 stars:

I was really disappointed with the Seattle Kraken mascot. It just doesn't have the charm and character that I was expecting. The design looks uninteresting and uninspired. The color choices are quite dull, and the mascot itself lacks any distinct features or personality. Overall, I think the Seattle Kraken missed an opportunity to create a memorable and exciting mascot for their team.

2. Alex - 3 stars:

While I didn't completely dislike the Seattle Kraken mascot, I felt that it was underwhelming. The concept of a mythical sea creature is interesting, but the execution fell flat. The mascot lacks any real energy or excitement. It feels static and lifeless. Additionally, the costume design could have been more creative and visually appealing. Overall, I believe the team could have done a better job in designing a more captivating and engaging mascot.

3. Jessica - 2 stars:

The Seattle Kraken mascot was a huge letdown for me. I expected something fierce and intimidating, but what we got was a rather cliché representation of a sea monster. The design seems unoriginal and unimaginative. It doesn't bring anything new to the table. The overall appearance is just average, and it fails to stand out among other mascots in the league. I was really hoping for something more impressive and unique.

4. Ryan - 1 star:

I absolutely hated the Seattle Kraken mascot. It looks like a cheap Halloween costume that you can find at any party store. The lack of detail and poor craftsmanship is evident in the mascot's design. It seems like no effort was put into making it appealing or memorable. It's just a bland and forgettable mascot that fails to evoke any excitement or interest. Overall, I think the Seattle Kraken's mascot is a major disappointment and a missed opportunity to create something fantastic.

The Seattle Kraken Mascot: Bringing the Spirit of the Ocean to the Ice