The Story Behind the Seattle Kraken’s Fisherman-Inspired NHL Winter Classic Outfits

Clinton C. Filson saw a big opportunity back then, setting up an outpost in the Washington port in 1897 to provide prospective miners of the Klondike Gold Rush with clothing for the blistering Alaskan environment. “Then in the ‘20s and ‘30s, all of a sudden, there’s this whole forestry boom out here that really picked up and drove a lot of the industry in the Pacific Northwest and continued from there on out. So it really is a city that’s had a lot of evolutions.”

The Kraken’s bibs, made from 24-oz. wool, are derived from the utilitarian clothing workers wore during those early-1900s booms. “They were made right here and are really part of our history and heritage,” says Morgan. “We wanted to represent that part of old Seattle in a way.”

Tanev relishes the opportunity to shake things up sartorially, which is something he’d love to see more of in the NHL. “I think it’s another avenue for individuals to be themselves and showcase their thoughts and feelings on fashion. There’s some guys around the league that have some some great outfits, some great suits. I know that Arizona does a relaxed, casual look to games. I think the rest of the league is more traditional in that sense. That’s just their view on things, but I think it’s great for guys to show what they love when it comes to dressing up for games.”

Of course, what everyone really wants to know is: Will we get another viral Tanev headshot, this time in the Winter Classic fit?

“I mean, if the camera happens to be there, you may as well keep tradition of the headshot going,” he laughs, adding that he’s been recreating the infamous photo every media day since the original lit up the internet back in 2020. “Like I mentioned, hockey players are always traditional and do the same thing. This happened to be one of those things where it was funny and different. So now you just roll with the punches.”