Partnering for 'Community' On and Off the Ice

The Kraken's three-rink, soon-to-open training center in the Northgate neighborhood has an official name and, even better, a dynamic new partner committed to the vision of the project.
Kraken Community Iceplex will be more than the sum of its parts. Way more with Starbucks as its Community Impact Partner.

With the Iceplex on track to open by early September, the intention of the Kraken and Starbucks multi-year partnership is to establish the Iceplex as a purpose-driven center that delivers on the promise of strengthening "Community" by advancing inclusion and equity in the Northgate neighborhood and across Seattle.
The concept of building three rinks and dedicated community space in one of Seattle's most diverse neighborhoods has always been a core concept of the Northgate project. It will be a hub for youth and adult hockey and training center for Kraken players, no doubt. But the mission is bigger and even more ambitious.
Starbucks is the right partner to join the Kraken in putting their joint ambition and vision into everyday action and positive outcomes. Kraken Community Iceplex will serve as a space to support the Northgate community with resources, opportunities and hope. The partnership will focus on generating access to those resources and opportunities for young people, especially girls and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) youth.
"Since inception, the Kraken have been committed to the greater Seattle community, and there is no better partner to amplify this commitment than Starbucks," said Tod Leiweke, Kraken CEO. "We are proud to join forces with such a like-minded change agent. We both agree collectively we will make a lasting impact on our region."
As one major component of the partnership, Starbucks will open a Starbucks Community Store within Kraken Community Iceplex. It will be the 21st Starbucks Community Store, each devoted to economic development and opportunity in underserved neighborhoods.

A percentage of Community Store profits at Kraken Community Iceplex will support the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena's One Roof Foundation and other local nonprofit organizations.
"Starbucks has tremendous pride in our hometown, and we are honored to work with an organization like the Seattle Kraken which shares our values," said Kevin Johnson, CEO at Starbucks.
"The people in our city represent the very best of us, and working together, we're committed to strengthening the Seattle community, celebrating our neighbors, and building a lasting partnership that uplifts the lives of people and families across the Puget Sound."
Since starting a 300-square-foot store at Pike Place Market in 1971, Starbucks has focused community efforts on pressing issues in Seattle, including supporting unsheltered families and youth programming, addressing food insecurity and, most recently, supporting COVID-19 response and equitable vaccine distribution across Washington state.
"Today is a proud moment for us, as Starbucks and the Seattle Kraken partner together to build community and advance equity in our hometown," said Camille Hymes, vice president of community impact at Starbucks.
"Our Community Store and this partnership allow us to further invest in and amplify our impact here in the Seattle community through our shared, ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the communities in which we serve. Joining the Kraken team in community service and engagement opportunities, we look forward to working together to help bring access to resources and opportunity right here at home."
Hymes says the Community Store approach evolves from such community efforts and works best when employees are local and in touch with needs and dreams of the neighborhood. The Starbucks program focuses on local hiring, partnerships with nonprofits and working with local artists.

Like all Starbucks Community Stores, the Iceplex location will serve as a space for community events and programs. Expect that effect to be even more beneficial because the Iceplex will offer other available community spaces that can work in tandem with the Starbucks store.
The promise of the partnership is wide and meaningful and, yes, Starbucks will be the exclusive coffee served at Kraken Community Iceplex and Climate Pledge Arena. There is at least one media member hoping for Pike Place Roast in the press areas.
There are many highlights and future intentions of the partnership:
The Iceplex will have programs to support youth and adult skating and hockey lessons, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, public skate sessions and other rink activities, each and all with the foundational goal of introducing hockey to more members of the Seattle community.
Kraken fans will be able to watch the NHL team practice and attend game-viewing events. Program registration and more information is available at
www.krakencommunityiceplex.com
.
"The launch of Kraken Community Iceplex is a sea change in making hockey accessible for youth growing up in the Seattle area," said Kyle Boyd, director of youth and community development for the Kraken and future adult league defenseman at the Iceplex. "This is the largest NHL practice facility within a major city and will offer unparalleled access to the game for youth growing up in the greater Seattle area.
"While hockey is a large part of who we are, community impact is truly at the core of our organization. Together, we will break down barriers for all youth interested in ice sports regardless of their background. Ultimately, we will make sure everyone feels welcome at Kraken Community Iceplex."