Seattle Has the Kraken. Could UW Be Next?

College hockey is in a growth phase right now, and the potential for expansion is as good as it’s ever been. Many schools that put money into and have success in other sports may entertain the idea of hitting the ice. 

This mini-series breaks down the most feasible programs to become a Division I hockey program based on that school’s other sports, its market, and the money that school has. The countdown’s now at two, with the University of Washington.

Located in Seattle, Washington, the University of Washington has a very good case for getting into Division I hockey, and in a market that’s continuing to grow, it’s something they should heavily consider. 

The first connection comes with the NHL expanding to Seattle in 2018 with the Kraken, and they already have the facilities to help supplement this program. 

The Kraken opened the three-rink Kraken Community Iceplex in 2021, creating a major hub for youth and adult hockey. The organization has also developed elite AAA youth teams to help keep top young players in Washington rather than forcing them to leave the state for stronger programs. 

The school also has successful sports off the ice and has the money to make this a reality. 

In September 2025, Washington announced that its Go BIG! for Washington fundraising campaign had already raised $123 million and increased its five-year goal from $300 million to $350 million. The campaign supports scholarships, performance resources, and facility improvements across all 22 varsity programs. 

These numbers don't mean a hockey program would automatically be affordable. Washington has also warned that its move to the Big Ten and new athlete revenue-sharing obligations create significant financial pressures, but it’s a good start. 

The University of Washington has a student-run men's ice hockey club, and its women's club also competes in the ACHA. Both are connected to Seattle's Kraken Community Iceplex hockey environment.

A varsity program would still require a different level of staffing, funding, scholarships, recruiting, and facilities. But the existing clubs show that there is already a base of students interested in collegiate hockey.

Washington isn’t a dominant hockey state, but it’s produced some NHL talent already, with the most notable player being T.J. Oshie, who played over 1000 games in the show and represented the U.S. in the Olympics. 

The state and city have a growing interest in hockey, and with a school that has facilities, interest, and money, there are real grounds for this to become true.