The Seattle Kraken continued to prepare for the start of their inaugural season yesterday by announcing their COVID-19 protocols for games at the Climate Pledge Arena as well as another player signing.

According to a statement from the team:

In compliance with the mandate from Washington state, Climate Pledge Arena and the Seattle Kraken have announced that all guests, ages 12 and over, attending Kraken games, concerts and events at Climate Pledge Arena will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon entry. In the near-term, all guests will also be required to wear a mask while attending events until further guidance from Washington state.

Both the team and the Climate Pledge Arena will reportedly introduce a “seamless and convenient” process to electronically show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Full-time and part-time employees and contractors will be required to be vaccinated as well to ensure the safety of fans in attendance of Kraken games and other events held at the Climate Pledge Arena.

Not only will Kraken games at the Climate Pledge Arena require proof of vaccination, but so will the three preseason games held in Spokane (Sept. 26), Everett (Oct. 1) and Kent (Oct. 2) as well as the fans attending the team’s training camp held at the Kraken Community Iceplex.

Signings

The Kraken also announced the signing of their expansion draft selection from the Detroit Red Wings, Dennis Cholowski, to a one-year deal worth $900,000.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound, 23-year-old lefthanded defenseman boasts over 100 NHL games of experience since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (20th overall). He played in 16 games with the Red Wings last season, accruing three points (one goal, two assists).

It is likely Cholowski will be a seventh defenseman or a frequent call-up from the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.