Unless you’ve been underneath a rock for the last four months, which I’d completely understand, you’ve heard the news! The NHL christened their newest franchise based in Seattle with a nickname: The Kraken; Creating the greatest layup, even in an unofficial capacity, to call a group of fans “Krak heads” and their new barn “The Krak House.”
Aside from our completely casual humor about cocaine, the Kraken, in the midst of a thrilling NHL Qualifier round, made more waves throughout the league. An entire season before the team takes the ice, Seattle’s brand new franchise announced Everett Fitzhugh as “team broadcaster.” This is particularly significant in the NHL, as Fitzhugh breaks the barrier becoming the first ever black team broadcaster in the league’s history.
Everett Fitzhugh: Hockey Guy
Fitzhugh, a Bowling Green State alum, most recently pulled double duty for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, running their public relations department in addition to broadcasting since 2015. Prior to his work with in the ECHL, the new voice of the Kraken worked play-by-play coverage for Bowling Green State, as well as running media relations for the USHL and the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms. He’s the quintessential “hockey guy.” He’s got a sick goal call and true big-game enthusiasm.
Joining the league as the 32nd franchise, the Kraken begin play in the 2021-22 season. Seattle is still deciding Fitzhugh’s official broadcasting role for the club but had this to say about the newcomer:
“Fitzhugh’s official title is team broadcaster. The franchise is still sorting through broadcast rights deals, but the Kraken wanted to hire Fitzhugh now anyway. It is possible he could become Seattle’s play-by-play radio announcer or serve in another broadcasting role as the team gets closer to playing in the 2021-22 season. For now, the plan is for Fitzhugh to be one of the faces—and voices—of the Kraken.”
Seattle Kraken official statement
Broadcasting rights seem to play as the only hiccup with identifying and solidifying Fitzhugh’s role with the club:
“The Kraken, who begin play in the 2021-22 season, don’t have TV or radio deals lined up yet. You’d assume that their games will air on Root Sports Northwest in the Pacific Northwest (especially when you consider that the network is majority-owned by the Mariners, and also airs Seahawks magazine and shoulder programming), but a local station (as is the case with both the Seattle Sounders and the Seattle Storm) could be a possibility, as could NBC Sports Northwest, the Oregon-based cable home of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the inevitable broadcast conflicts with the Blazers might make that a non-starter, as could NBC’s cuts to its RSNs this week.”
– Joe Lucia, Awful Announcing
Still a ways away…
Regardless of where or when Fitzhugh eventually appears, the Kraken hired someone with a wealth of experience and one with has aspirations to be the best ever at his craft. In addition to Fitzhugh, the Kraken made two other hires official on Friday. Jonny Greco joins the infant franchise as Senior Vice President of Game Presentation and Live Entertainment. Meanwhile, Lamont Buford climbs aboard as the Vice President of Game Presentation. Seattle’s new home, the Climate Pledge Arena, predicts a grand opening when the franchise begins play on the 2021-22 NHL season.
I’m Back!
It’s been quite some time since we’ve last spoken, but I’m back. My friends at Student Union Sports are chomping at the bit for college sports to make their triumphant return. I suppose we’ll survive with playoff hockey until then. Truthfully, not the worst tradeoff. #PTFG
