Seattle Kraken supporters held Finland-inspired watch parties at 32 Bar & Grill as the team played in the NHL Global Series overseas.
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The Seattle Kraken may have been playing more than four thousand miles away in Helsinki, Finland, but fans in Seattle came together during the NHL Global Series by hosting Finland-themed watch parties at 32 Bar & Grill on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
At both gatherings, attendees used rally towels, Finnish flags decorated the restaurant, and fans waved towels when Seattle scored. When goaltender Philipp Grubauer made a big save, the crowd responded with the familiar “GRUUUUU” chant throughout the venue, underscoring how closely fans followed the overseas action.
Alongside the watch parties, the team also offered a public skate-and-watch experience as another way for supporters to gather and follow the trip. The games took place in the morning for Seattle viewers, and the restaurant became a place for fans to settle in for breakfast while watching at about 9 a.m. Seattle time.
The watch parties also featured a special breakfast menu with Finnish-inspired items, including French toast topped with lingonberry jam and fresh whipped cream, along with salmon Benedict and a specialty cocktail called the Breakaway Plane. One fan, Megan, said she chose the Finnish French toast after seeing it on the menu and described it as “delicious.”
Megan said she changed her usual Thursday routine so she could attend in person rather than watching on her phone at work. Emily said the opportunity to watch the team together—while the games were “literally across the world at this point”—and enjoy Finnish breakfast helped “get you immersed into the whole thing.”
Fans also described the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and meet other supporters. Emily said watching friends arrive throughout the morning and experiencing the occasion together made the Global Series feel “awesome,” while Mike and Kara pointed to the food, company and shared excitement as standout parts of the event.
The Global Series theme extended beyond the game through the Kraken’s social media coverage, which included behind-the-scenes glimpses of the team exploring Finland and taking part in local traditions. Megan said she also appreciated seeing players spend time together away from the rink and highlighted the organization’s decision to bring Finnish players from the Coachella Valley Firebirds along for the trip.
Connor said the Global Series helped showcase Finland’s role in hockey and the NHL, pointing to the league’s Finnish talent and the impact of players who have represented Seattle. He added, “It’s good for the league, and I think it’s just good for the sport.”
Whether cheering from inside 32 Bar & Grill, waving rally towels after a Kraken goal, or participating in the public skate-and-watch event, fans found ways to keep the team’s Finland trip connected to home in Seattle.
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