When is a hat not just a hat? For The Depths members, the answer is simple and "swag-sational": It's an annual limited-edition of The Fisherman's Toque.
As the monthly sheet tears off or refreshes on our old-school and/or virtual calendars, October is next up with crisp air, corn mazes, fall color and - Let's Go Kraken! - the second NHL season here in the Northwest.
To mark the hockey-happy occasion, the Kraken are proud and, well, amped up to announce the new annual gift for members to receive at the start of every season, the aforementioned and don't-want-to-miss-out Fisherman's Toque. It will honor a long-time hockey tradition and, fun fact, hint at exciting new elements to come.
Hard stop and hard 'k': Toque pronounced "too-k" rhyming with "Duke."
The toque is an emblem of the Canadian hockey lifestyle. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines the toque (sometimes spelled "touque") as a warm knitted cap, traditionally made of wool and usually worn in winter. Fashionistas out there likely know toques come in different knit fabrics and are worn pretty much everywhere, dinners out, walking through Pike Place or Olympic National Park, attending class, or hanging out with family and friends.
Oh, yes, most definitely to Kraken games at Climate Pledge Arena or skating at Kraken Community Iceplex during public skates. The Kraken is happy to draw inspiration from Canadian hockey lore and the sartorial choice of the toque (even if our team and fans still want to beat the three western Canada franchises in the Pacific Division).
For members of The Depths, we add to a legacy intended to be built from the ground up; An annual toque tradition to mark seasons, victories, and the quest for the Stanley Cup.
Each year's toque will feature a new design inspired by the team (excited to see those young top-draft-choice centers and newly acquired goal scorers), the fans, and design elements to be used in Kraken "The Deep" branding in the upcoming season.
The 2022-23 design puts our Anchor mark front and center with a wreath of rope enclosure that symbolizes our united fan base. The striping up top is inspired by Seattle's hockey history and sets the course for new adventures that lie ahead - plus a sneak peek at future jersey releases.
While the toque is a Canadian and hockey tradition - handfuls of Kraken players already wear them on team buses and planes plus walking to arenas - tuques are not unique as winter and fashion attire, but the name belongs to hockey. Across English-first language countries, Brits call them 'balaclava," Americans say "stocking cap" and Australians refer to "beanies."
In three words: No, no and no. We're going with toque and The Depths members will be soon able to see and wear the inaugural Fisherman's Toque with a mixture of fan-pride and correct hockey linguistics.
Plus, one more reason to love the toque in name and knitwear: 'Toque' comes to the English language from French, which fan-favorite and alternate captain Yanni Gourde speaks fluently and eloquently. The hat is named after a city in Quebec, La Tuque, in 's home province.
That's a Magnifique! fun-fact every Depths member can support.
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