SEATTLE — After a big win at home, there's nothing sweeter than celebrating with fans and keeping the celebration going into the daylight hours.
"Yeah it's definitely a lot more fun when we snap that four-game losing streak," Adam Larsson said. "But it's fun for us and fun for the fans to kind of interact with them. I think it was a great day."
The Seattle Kraken came back from a five-game roadstand to win their first home game in 13 days, in a 4-3 overtime thriller. After the celebration wore off Friday night, they came back bright and early Saturday for a fan fest, including a meet-and-greet and the annual Kraken Skills Showcase.
The playful event featured "Team Grubi vs. Team Joey," where the two goaltenders drafted teams to compete in most accurate shot, fastest shot, relay race, shootout, and a 3x3 scrimmage.
"It was so much fun and seeing the fans, they were amazing today and that's why we love them so much, they show up for events like this and we love them," Yanni Gourde said.
His fellow "day-one" Adam Larsson had also been through a few Skills Showcases in the past. The Big Cat said they get better each year because of the growing fan support.
"They're here and they've been tremendous since day one and they've supported us through everything so it's good to kind of see them up close," Larsson said.
Jared McCann, riding a high from netting the overtime winner against Las Vegas the night before, is used to showing off in front of fans.
"We have some great fans here who show up even when the games aren't at great times ... so we're very lucky and it's been great so far," he said.
It was also a special day for the families of players. Gourde was one of many guys who got the chance to skate with his kids around the ice during the Showcase — a little "Take your child to work Day," if you will.
"They're a big part of who I am and I'm so happy whenever I can go on the ice with them and show a little of what I do for a living," he said.
Jamie Oleksiak showed off the fastest shot at over 101 miles per hour, Oliver Bjorkstrand had the most accurate shot, but it was The Big Cat, Larsson, who had the most elusive one in the shootout.
"Big Cat, Big Cat was amazing today. Best player out there for sure," Gourde said.
"Same as Yanni, I think Larss was pretty amazing in the shootouts," McCann said in agreement. "We have to work him into the lineup there in real games."