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Amazing Story Behind First Seattle Kraken Sweater In Hockey Hall Of Fame

Glenn Dreyfuss Photo

Even Seattle Kraken fans following hockey doings in August – a stick-tap for your dedication – probably didn’t pay a moment’s notice to the recent TVASports.com story on Alex Barré-Boulet.

Why would you? First of all, the story was in French. Second of all, it concerned the free agent forward’s decision to wear #27 with his new team, the Montreal Canadiens. And third, Barré-Boulet is probably the least-remembered player to ever suit up for a Kraken game.

Actually, the 27-year-old native of Quebec played two games in a Kraken sweater, early in their inaugural 2021-22 season. (Did you know that no skater has played exactly one game in a Kraken uniform through three seasons? Marian Studenic, now with a Swedish club, and Andrew Poturalski, now a San Jose Shark, also played two games for the Kraken.)

Though it didn’t last long, Alex’s Kraken tenure contained more than its share of craziness, as well as a bit of personal and team success. The crazy part started when Seattle claimed him off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning one day before the team’s first-ever game.

“It was past (the 2 p.m. ET daily waiver-claim deadline), so I thought I wasn’t gonna get picked up,” Barré-Boulet told the Seattle Times. “I was actually getting ready for a tee time when I found out, so I rushed back to the hotel.” Unfortunately, by the time he picked up his plane ticket, the flight had left without him.

He finally arrived at a Kraken practice, already welcomed by a fellow former Lightning. “I talked with Yanni Gourde a little bit when I was coming here; he told me it was a great group of guys.” Though undrafted, Barre-Boulet had been the AHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2018-19. “It’s a fresh start with a fresh team. I was really happy.”

Barré-Boulet Contributes To Historic Kraken Victory

Seattle Kraken center Alex Wennberg (21) celebrates with forward Alex Barre-Boulet (12) after a goal against the Nashville Predators, Oct 14, 2021.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The happiness was about to multiply. History records that on Oct. 14, 2021 in Nashville, the Kraken secured the franchise’s first-ever victory. Barré-Boulet was not only in the lineup for the landmark 4-3 win, he assisted on an Alex-to-Alex scoring play. At 9:54 of the 2nd period, Barré-Boulet intercepted a Predators clearing pass in the left wing circle. He then found Alexander Wennberg alone at the right post for a goal which broke a 2-2 tie. Trivia note: current Kraken Eeli Tolvanen scored the game’s opening goal for Nashville.

Two nights later, Seattle dropped a 2-1 OT decision to Columbus. Barré-Boulet skated a team-low 8:12. On the Blue Jackets’ tying goal in the 3rd period, Alex’s head was on a swivel, appearing unsure of his assignment. That nine-second shift was his only ice time in the 3rd period – a “coach’s decision,” Dave Hakstol said afterward.

Tampa Bay center Alex Barré-Boulet.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

On Oct. 20, 11 days and two games after it started, Barré-Boulet’s Kraken career was over. He was waived, and promptly reclaimed by Tampa Bay.

When Seattle came calling one month later, Alex skated 13:38 for the Lightning in a 3-0 victory, one of his 14 games with Tampa that season. Trivia note: former Kraken Pierre-Edouard Bellemare scored the game-winning goal.

Back in Tampa on Halloween night, 2023, Seattle surrendered a power play goal to Barré-Boulet. The Kraken got the last howl, though, on Jared McCann’s 4-3 overtime winner.

So Far, This Story Hasn’t Been All That Amazing

Great, Glenn. 534 words to this point and not a mention of the “amazing story” behind the first Kraken sweater showcased at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Well, the backstory above was necessary to explain why it was Alex Barré-Boulet’s #12 chosen to be behind glass at the HHOF by early November, 2021. The team donated a game-worn sweater which wasn’t likely to be needed again. The first-ever ex-Kraken seemed a safe choice.

Montreal doesn’t make its one and only appearance this season at Climate Pledge Arena until March 12, 2025. There’s no way of knowing if Barré-Boulet will be in the lineup that night. If he is, the arena gameday staff isn’t likely to prepare a “welcome back” video. So, it’s up to you, Kraken fans. Should you spot #27 in the Habs iconic “CH” sweaters, consider raising a cup in honor of the first Seattle Kraken to enter hockey’s greatest shrine.

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