“Did you hear?” the text began. “There’s going to be a hockey team in Seattle! That’s really cool! I can’t wait to go!”
That, in 20 words, is the beauty of expansion.
When the NHL announced on Dec. 4 that the Emerald City would host its 32nd team beginning in 2021, local hockey fans were elated. At the same time, thousands of new fans were created out of whole cloth, instantly bonding with something they could call their own. Many are like the friend who texted me. Before the news she knew little about hockey beyond it being played on ice. Now? She’s ready to buy a jersey and has called about tickets. Amazing.