Seattle Kraken Introduces Transgender Jerseys Despite NHL Ban
This week, the Seattle Kraken took a bold step by unveiling their own transgender jerseys, even though the NHL has stopped allowing Pride-themed warm-up jerseys. The Kraken, a newer member of the NHL, quickly established its reputation after its 2021 debut with a mission for their home arena, Climate Pledge Arena, promoting a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040, which is notably ahead of the Paris Agreement.
In 2023, the NHL faced criticism when certain players, particularly from Russia and Canada, opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys. As a reaction, the league decided to ban such themed warm-up jerseys, but soon after, they initiated a coalition to encourage player participation in these events.
The Kraken, however, seems to be finding avenues to support gender and sexuality events moving towards 2026. They’ve recently revealed a design featuring a transgender unicorn, which was showcased this week. A unique auction for creatively themed designs is slated for Pride Night.
“I hope people see this logo and feel trans joy and queer joy,” expressed the artist who designed the unicorn, emphasizing its symbolic significance.
In the jersey launch, the team also featured transgender and gay pride flags. The artist, who identifies with they/them pronouns, shared how being part of the vibrant queer community in Seattle has significantly influenced their work. “Surrounded by the gay community here has opened my eyes to experiences I didn’t have growing up, and that inspires my art,” they noted. Their choice to depict a unicorn—a classic queer symbol—was a personal decision, declaring, “If anyone’s going to do a unicorn, it’s going to be me.”
However, fan reactions on social media were mixed. Some questioned the sincerity of the initiative, with comments suggesting it might be a joke, while others expressed skepticism about the team’s direction. “Are you going to start doing straight jerseys too?” one user provocatively remarked. Another comment dismissed the design altogether, stating, “That’s not the Kraken, no matter how it’s identified.”
Meanwhile, players like Ryan Winterton, Brandon Montour, and Ty Carty resonated with the discussions around the uniforms but didn’t seem phased by the prospect of the new design. German goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer publicly affirmed, “Creating a safe and inclusive space in the hockey community is essential. As a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I stand by you.” In a world where opinions often clash, this initiative highlights both the courage and complexity of discussing identity in sports.
