The hot dog-eating contest has somehow become a 4th of July staple. Because, I guess, nothing celebrates American independence like gluttony.
How this relates to this week’s Seattle Kraken development camp becomes clear after viewing screengrabs from the team’s social media post. As part of their introduction to Seattle, prospects attended the June 30 Mariners-Kansas City Royals game. To get a head start on the holiday, Justin Janicke and Barrett Hall engaged in their own hot dog-eating contest.
Seattle Kraken social media screengrab
Janicke, perhaps channeling the excitement of spending his 22nd birthday at the ballpark, won the impromptu contest (limited, thankfully, to one dog each).
Justin played his first pro game with the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds late last season, after concluding his four-year college career at Notre Dame. The 5-foot-11 forward from Maple Grove, Minn. had a breakout senior year as captain with 15 goals, exceeding the total from his first three seasons in South Bend. The 2021 7th round Kraken draft pick expects to spend his first full season with the Firebirds this Fall.
@Jennthulhu_Photos
We would never, ever, accuse Janicke of acting like a hot dog. Or of dogging it on the ice. But we had to find out why he did in the stands at T-Mobile Park. (Don’t take any of these questions or answers too seriously, at least until we start talking hockey toward the end.)
Glenn Dreyfuss, DJLR: What inspired your video?
Justin Janicke, Kraken prospect: We were trying to come up with some ideas to make some funny content, so came up with a hot dog eating contest in honor of the Fourth of July.
Glenn: Your technique needs some work.
Justin: Well, you know, we didn’t have the water to dip the bun in. So, it was really fast at the start and…
Glenn: You did not realize it was that difficult.
Justin: Yeah, and I will say it was a lot bigger of a hot dog than I thought it was. So, a lot of respect to those guys (who enter the contest).
Glenn: Just like people criticize hockey players and don’t realize how difficult what you do is. Speaking of which, how did you feel about this development camp versus the previous ones you’ve attended?
Justin: Enjoyed it. Probably more than I have in the past, too, I don’t know why. I just just felt more comfortable and confident with all the guys here. So, it was good for sure.
Glenn: What’s next for you?
Justin: I’ll be back here for (rookie) camp in September, and then head down to Coachella. I’m on a Coachella contract. They’re always pretty dialed in with what they want from you, and they have a plan for everyone.
Glenn: Are they asking for different things now than they did in previous years?
Justin: Yeah, there’s stages to it. As you grow up, a lot of it was about you as a person, and then some things on-ice and in-game stuff.