Seattle Thunderbirds

The Seattle Thunderbirds are part of the Western Hockey League, a collection of competitive junior hockey squads. The Thunderbirds arrived in Seattle in 1977 as the Seattle Breakers before changing to their current name in 1985. In 1976, Seattle was awarded a conditional NHL franchise, however the deal did not come to fruition.

The Thunderbirds play at the ShoWare Center in Kent, billed as North America's first LEED Gold-certified sports and entertainment arena. The "Chandelier" scoreboard with four 6'x12' video screens can display anything from instant replays to audience shots of fans carrying caged birds. With any luck, you'll see a hat trick or the start of a player's successful pro career. Noted T-bird alumni include Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks and Chris Osgood, the Red Wings' goaltender.

www.seattlethunderbirds.com