Rinks throughout Washington are greatly impacted financially from both the length and timing of the pandemic's restrictions issued for the sake of public health and safety. As part of Gov. Jay Inslee's most recent actions, all rinks have shut down. Most rinks were operating with socially-distanced practices and workouts, but not games, competitions or learn-to-skate clinics. For now, all skating has ceased during what is typically high-season, including special holiday tournaments and events.
"The people playing and skating in these rinks played a huge part in bringing an NHL team to this region," said Rob Lampman, vice president and general manager of the Kraken Training Center, which is on track to open in the second half of 2021. "They have certainly supported us. It's time for us to support them, everyone from the 70-year-old who skates to stay fit to a kid's first time on the ice to figure skating champions to young hockey players hoping to get better this season."
Lampman emphasized the health and wellness benefits of getting out on the ice. To that end, the Kraken's sports science and performance consultant Gary Roberts will be providing customized video workouts for youth hockey players throughout the state to keep everyone sharp as rinks stay closed. Those videos will be available via private digital channel links sent to youth associations. Roberts, who played 17 NHL seasons (including years as teammates with Kraken GM Ron Francis) and won a Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989, is renown fitness trainer with many NHL clients including arguably the league's best player, Edmonton center Connor McDavid.
Closing rink doors typically results in furloughed staff and other cost-cutting measures. But utility bills keep coming and there is the tough decision of whether to keep the ice sheets at the an approximate cost of $10,000 per month per rink or take out the ice to rebuild it at a later date to the expense of $7,000 to $10,000.
Kraken fans can do their part to keep our hockey and skating community strong by purchasing one of the 100 special-collection jerseys available
kraken.givesmart.com
. The price is $1,500 and may be tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. Internal Revenue Service regulations. An immediate "Seattle Kraken Collector's Item," the details are hard to resist:
The sale is now open and no doubt would make a wonderful holiday present, which includes an impressive gift certificate. Supplies are limited. Fans can choose to make a cash donation at
kraken.givesmart.com
and/or reach out to local rink managers to find out how you can support.
"We are committed to growing the sport we love," said Leiweke. "We fully intend to help increase access to hockey and skating across our region for many seasons ahead, especially among young people and adults who haven't experienced the joy and fitness values of skating. We can't do that without all of the rinks in Washington. It's our time to give back."
Any questions? The kraken.givesmart.com site has an FAQ section and fans can email us at
[email protected]
with any further inquiries.
