Bonderman’s Vision And Legacy Honored At Climate Pledge Arena During Kraken Home Game.
Seattle, WA - Bonderman’s visionary impact and enduring legacy were powerfully honored at Climate Pledge Arena during a memorable Kraken home game Thursday night against the Boston Bruins. The evening paid tribute to his significant contributions to the creation of the NHL’s 32nd franchise, reflecting the lasting influence of his leadership and his commitment to environmental sustainability, the arts, and philanthropy. The night underscored the profound connection between his pioneering work and the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable future.
Every digital board inside Climate Pledge Arena, as well as those surrounding the ice, were adorned with the words “In Memory of David Bonderman” throughout the night. Several fans proudly wore jerseys emblazoned with Bonderman’s name on the back.
During a poignant break in play in the first period, Kraken CEO Todd Leiweke delivered a moving speech to the crowd, as a heartfelt video tribute to Bonderman played across the jumbo screens above the home ice.
Later in the evening, the Heroes of the Deep award—one of David Bonderman’s favorite Kraken charities—was presented to Officer Ed Grimmer of the Seattle Police Department, recognized for his extraordinary heroism in saving a man in crisis and pulling him off a railroad track just seconds before a train passed on October 7th. In a deeply moving gesture of support, both the One Roof Foundation and the Boston Bruins made a generous donation totaling $32,000 in his honor.
Bonderman, affectionately known as “Bondo,” created the iconic red-eye in the Kraken logo. It was only fitting, then, that the team honored his memory by having players wear a patch over the left breast of their jerseys, a tribute to the lasting impact of his design.
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**Photos by Caroline Anne**
I, I, it just, it can't be, you know, it, it, getting an organization and bringing an organization to a city just doesn't happen without, um, a lot of drive and a lot of passion and a lot of energy for, you know, what the outstanding result, you know, is to the community and, um, you know, that's, that's really the, that, that passion and energy is really the driving force, the driving mantra behind our organization. We can't forget that he actually was the driving force behind the arena as well, which is a guy who loved the game of hockey, but also music. Very much music, yes. I, I didn't, uh, I, I, he told a few, but I, I've also heard the, the many stories of, uh, his passion for, uh, music and music acts and, and bringing that to the, to the community, bringing that to the public.
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