NHL approves Seattle hockey franchise

Joe Teehan

KGMIAP Photo/Stephen B. MortonNHL commissioner Gary Bettman, center left, holds a jersey after the NHL Board of Governors announced Seattle as the league's 32nd franchise, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Joining Bettman, from left to right, is Jerry Bruckheimer, David Bonderman, David Wright, Tod Leiweke and Washington Wild youth hockey player Jaina Goscinski.

12-5-2018

SEATTLE, Wash. — Professional hockey players will skate into Seattle for the first time since 1924.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has announced the NHL is expanding to Seattle beginning in the 2021-22 season.

Bettman said yesterday’s vote by the Board of Governors was unanimous, pointing out how expansion to Seattle balances out the conferences, gives the NHL a footprint in the Pacific Northwest and provides the nearby Vancouver Canucks with a natural rival.

The expansion was pushed back to 2021 because of uncertainty over whether Key Arena will be ready by the 2020 season.

KOMO reports there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for Key Arena renovations today.