Seattle Kraken announce new TV rights deal and reveal play-by-play voice
The Seattle Kraken took another step towards dropping the puck today, revealing a new television broadcast partner and a new play-by-play voice.
The team announced that longtime Carolina Hurricanes broadcaster John Forslund will be the play-by-play commentator for the Kraken during their inaugural NHL season. Games will be broadcasted on Root Sports, which will televise approximately 75 of the Kraken’s 82 regular season games, beginning in the 2021-22 season next fall.
āOur partnership with Root Sports gives our fans around the Pacific Northwest a home that is already familiar to them,ā said Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke. āTheir experience with the Seattle Mariners made them a great choice to build a broadcast that will be unique for our fans. Additionally, their broadcast distribution will help us ensure that Kraken games will be on at every sports bar around the Pacific Northwest.ā
Seattle, you've got an incoming call – and trust us, you'll want to answer this one. š pic.twitter.com/XRlCkgzDNw
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) January 26, 2021
“It is an honor to join the Seattle Kraken as their inaugural television voice,” said Forslund in a press release. “Throughout my career I have cherished my connection with fans. To get the chance to create that bond and tell the Kraken story from day one is a magnificent opportunity. I would like to thank the Seattle Kraken for this chance.”
Forslund brings many years of experience in the NHL. He joined the Hartford Whalers/Carolina HurricanesĀ in 1991 and started serving as the team’s play-by-play commentator in 1995. The 58-year-old continued calling games for the Canes until his contract expired after last season in 2020. He also serves as a national broadcaster for NBC Sports’ coverage of the NHL and will continue to do so as he takes on this new role with Seattle.
“John Forslund is one of the best broadcasters in sport,” said Leiweke. “He always brings a fresh perspective and having him as a voice of our franchise is a big win for us and for our fans. He will play a role in introducing hockey to new fans and become a team ambassador for us.”
The Kraken will begin their inaugural season in 2021-22 at the brand new Climate Pledge Arena.
Follow Channels and Categories