Believe it or not, there was a time when folks thought hockey in the Pacific Northwest was just a niche hobby for transplants from the Midwest or Canada. That’s dead wrong. Honestly, if you walk into Climate Pledge Arena or any local rink in Wenatchee or Kennewick today, you’ll realize the state has basically undergone a total puck-centric transformation.
We aren't just talking about the pros, either. While the NHL's arrival definitely poured gasoline on the fire, hockey teams in Washington have a deep, gritty history that stretches back long before the Kraken were even a glimmer in an expansion committee's eye. From the thunderous "Let’s Go Birds!" chants in Kent to the cowbells in Everett, the culture here is as thick as a January fog on Puget Sound.
The Big Fish: Seattle Kraken and the NHL Era
The Seattle Kraken are obviously the crown jewel of the scene right now. They’ve had a wild ride since their 2021 debut. Remember that inaugural season? Rough. But then they turned around and shocked everyone by pushing the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round of the 2023 playoffs.
Currently, in the 2025-26 season, things are a bit of a rollercoaster. Under Coach Lane Lambert, the Kraken have been hovering around the middle of the Pacific Division pack. As of mid-January 2026, they’re sitting at a 21-16-9 record. They’ve got 51 points, which keeps them right in the thick of a very messy playoff hunt.
Jordan Eberle is wearing the "C" now, and he’s been that steady, veteran presence the locker room needs. But let’s be real—the team has struggled with consistency lately. They had a brutal stretch back in December where they couldn't buy a win, but they’ve managed to claw back into the conversation with a few gritty wins against Eastern Conference heavyweights.
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If you’re heading to a game, the atmosphere at Climate Pledge is still one of the best in the league. The "deep sea" aesthetic, the twin jumbotrons, and the fact that they managed to build a world-class arena under a landmarked roof is still kinda mind-blowing.
The WHL Powerhouses: Where Future Stars Are Born
If you want to see the "next big thing" before they’re making millions, you’ve gotta look at the Western Hockey League (WHL). This is major junior hockey, and Washington is absolutely stacked with these teams. This is where 16-to-20-year-olds play a schedule that basically mimics the NHL, and the talent level is insane.
The Silvertips and the Thunderbirds
The rivalry between the Everett Silvertips and the Seattle Thunderbirds is legendary. It’s basically the hockey version of a backyard brawl, but with better skating.
Right now, the Silvertips are absolutely dominant. They are currently leading the U.S. Division with a massive 30-8-0 record. They’ve got this relentless, suffocating style of play that makes visiting the Angel of the Winds Arena a nightmare for opponents.
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On the flip side, the Thunderbirds—who play out of the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent—are having a bit of a "rebuilding" year. They’re sitting near the bottom of the division at 15-23-0. It’s a far cry from their 2023 championship run, but that’s the nature of junior hockey. You win big, your stars graduate to the pros, and you start over.
Eastern Washington’s Heavy Hitters
Don't sleep on the east side of the mountains.
- Spokane Chiefs: These guys have a massive following at the Spokane Arena. Currently, they’re holding steady at 21-20-0. They play a fast, offensive game that keeps the fans in the 509 happy.
- Tri-City Americans: Based in Kennewick, the Americans are the "scrappy" team of the bunch. They’re currently second in the U.S. Division with a 22-15-3 record. They’ve never won a WHL championship, but they are consistently one of the toughest teams to play against in the Toyota Center.
- Wenatchee Wild: The newest kids on the block. They moved from Winnipeg a couple of years ago and have settled into the Town Toyota Center nicely. They’re currently sitting at 17-25-0, still trying to find their footing in a very competitive division.
Why Washington Hockey Hits Different
Most people don't realize that Seattle was actually home to the first American team to win the Stanley Cup. The Seattle Metropolitans did it way back in 1917. That history matters. It’s why you see so many "Metros" jerseys at Kraken games.
The state has this weirdly perfect geography for hockey. You have the major metro hub in Seattle, but then you have these passionate "hockey towns" like Everett and Spokane where the local team is the biggest show in town.
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Also, the youth scene is exploding. Organizations like Sno-King and Seattle Junior Hockey Association have seen their numbers skyrocket. We’re starting to see more Washington-born kids getting drafted into the NHL, which was almost unheard of twenty years ago. Kailer Yamamoto (Spokane) and T.J. Oshie (Everett) paved the way, but the pipeline is getting much wider now.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re looking to dive into the world of hockey teams in Washington, don't just stick to the NHL. The Kraken are great, but the soul of Washington hockey is often found in the smaller arenas.
- Check out a WHL game. Tickets are way cheaper than the NHL—usually between $20 and $40—and you’re watching future first-round draft picks. The Everett vs. Seattle games are particularly electric.
- Visit the Kraken Community Iceplex. It’s in Northgate, and it’s where the pros practice. You can grab a beer at the 32nd Bar & Grill and watch the team run drills for free most mornings.
- Support local youth hockey. If you have kids, get them into a "Learn to Play" program. Most rinks in the state offer gear rentals and intro classes that aren't nearly as expensive as you'd think.
- Watch the standings. The WHL playoffs start in March, and with Everett playing the way they are, Washington has a real shot at seeing another Memorial Cup run this year.
The landscape is changing fast, and the state is no longer just a "football and baseball" region. It’s a hockey state, through and through.