Seattle Thunderbirds

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Seattle Thunderbirds affiliated with in hockey?

The Seattle Thunderbirds are a premier junior hockey team based in Kent, Washington, competing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The WHL is one of three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), which is considered the top tier of junior hockey in North America. Unlike some minor league teams that have direct NHL affiliations, the Seattle Thunderbirds operate independently and are not directly affiliated with any specific NHL team. However, their players are frequently scouted by NHL teams, and many Thunderbirds alumni have gone on to successful careers in the NHL. The Thunderbirds serve as a critical development platform for aspiring professional players, preparing them for future opportunities in major leagues, including the NHL and AHL. Fans attending a Thunderbirds game can witness future hockey stars in action before they make it to the highest levels of the sport.

Are the Thunderbirds part of the NHL?

The Seattle Thunderbirds are not part of the NHL. They play in the Western Hockey League (WHL), which is a major junior hockey league and part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) system. The WHL focuses on developing young hockey talent, typically between the ages of 16 and 20, who hope to advance their careers to the professional level, including the NHL. While the Thunderbirds are not an NHL team, their roster has produced numerous NHL players over the years, making them a key part of the hockey development pipeline. The NHL team in Seattle is the Seattle Kraken, which began play in the 2021-2022 season. The Thunderbirds and the Kraken are separate entities, but both contribute to Seattle’s vibrant hockey culture and offer fans exciting opportunities to experience live hockey in the city.

What is the new Seattle sports team?

The newest major sports team in Seattle is the Seattle Kraken, an NHL expansion team that began playing in the 2021-2022 season. The Kraken have quickly become a central part of Seattle’s sports landscape, bringing top-tier professional hockey back to the city for the first time in nearly a century. The team plays its home games at Climate Pledge Arena, an innovative and eco-friendly venue located at Seattle Center. The arrival of the Kraken has energized the local hockey community, complementing existing teams like the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) and providing fans with the chance to watch elite-level hockey. The Kraken’s distinctive branding, passionate fan base, and commitment to sustainability have made them a standout addition to the Seattle sports scene, joining other beloved franchises like the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), and Sounders FC (MLS).

Does Seattle have a minor league hockey team?

Yes, Seattle has a minor league hockey team: the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds compete in the Western Hockey League (WHL), which is classified as major junior hockey and serves as a vital training ground for future professional players. Based in Kent, Washington, the Thunderbirds have a rich history and have been a staple of Seattle’s sports community since their founding. They play their home games at the accesso ShoWare Center, offering fans an exciting and affordable way to experience live hockey. The Thunderbirds focus on developing young talent, and many of their players are drafted by or sign with NHL teams each year. Attending a Thunderbirds game is a great way for Seattle sports enthusiasts to support up-and-coming athletes and enjoy high-energy hockey action in a family-friendly environment.

Who are the Seattle Thunderbirds affiliated with?

The Seattle Thunderbirds are not officially affiliated with any NHL team. As a member of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Thunderbirds operate independently and are primarily focused on developing young hockey talent for potential careers in professional leagues such as the NHL and AHL. While NHL scouts frequently attend Thunderbirds games to evaluate prospects, there is no formal affiliation between the Thunderbirds and any specific NHL franchise. Over the years, numerous Thunderbirds players have been drafted into the NHL, highlighting the team’s reputation as a premier development program. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, the Seattle Thunderbirds represent a critical stepping stone on the path to professional hockey, making them an essential part of the broader hockey ecosystem in North America.