Seattle Kraken officially announce second ever captain in franchise history after Mark Giordano's departure
Photo credit: NHLPA
Jordan Eberle has been unveiled as the second ever captain of the Seattle Kraken.
There was a buzz in the stands Tuesday before the game that something might be going on because Eberle was the last player to be introduced to the fans. Fans had already seen the introduction of all four alternates, Adam Larsson, Jaden Schwartz, Yanni Gourde, and newcomer Matty Beniers, before it was Eberle's turn. At that point, the Kraken were the only NHL team without a captain.
Unsurprisingly, the audience erupted in cheers.
«I have nothing but good things to say about Seattle, the city and the fans,» Eberle had said Monday morning, shortly after his teammates were secretly given the captaincy news. «I've mentioned that on many occasions. It's the reason why I signed here. My family loves it. From day one, obviously, with things not going very well in our expansion season, they were behind us.»
Just one day prior to learning that he would be the second captain in Kraken history, Jordan Eberle, 34, was supporting his team both on and off the ice.
Eberle had committed to co-hosting an exclusive online Q&A session with Kraken season ticket holders for a portion of his Saturday morning, together with general manager Ron Francis. In the dressing room, on the bench, and when playing with teammates who wear the same uniform, Eberle has learned to value these kinds of interactions with the fans who have supported his team throughout his NHL career, which is about to enter its 15th season.
«It's always nice to interact with them,» said Eberle, officially announced as captain during pregame introductions Tuesday afternoon at Climate Pledge Arena ahead of the Kraken's season opener against the St. Louis Blues. «They're the people that are cheering and the people that are loud in the stands - the ones that kind of will us to win hockey games.»
Before Monday's practice, Bylsma convened the players in their exclusive lounge at the Kraken Community Iceplex to announce Eberle's promotion to captain.
«Leadership to me is often a misunderstood word,» Bylsma said. «Every person, in every situation, has a chance. You are a leader in how you act, the time you show up, how you train, how you eat, how we come to the rink, how we play.
«Everybody is a leader in that regard,» Bylsma added. «In addition to the effect that you have and the influence you have on any situation, leadership is all about the team. It's all about having the team mindset, conceptand the other individuals that you have on the team. That's what a true leader is. And today, I think Jordan Eberle exemplifies that greatly for our team, for you guys, last year and going forward this year.»
«Everybody is a leader in that regard,» Bylsma added. «In addition to the effect that you have and the influence you have on any situation, leadership is all about the team. It's all about having the team mindset, conceptand the other individuals that you have on the team. That's what a true leader is. And today, I think Jordan Eberle exemplifies that greatly for our team, for you guys, last year and going forward this year.»
Today will mark another historic day for Seattle, as assistant coach Jessica Campbell will be the first ever woman to stand behind an NHL bench.
Though his 151 points and 58 goals combined rank second all-time among franchise leaders, it was his poise and off-ice behavior that cemented his place as a captain.
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