It's not every day that hockey legends and modern-day heroes share the spotlight in Seattle, but this week has been an exception. While the city's NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, ended a frustrating losing streak against the New York Islanders, a blast from the past, hockey veteran Guyle Fielder, made a remarkable entrance into the city he once dominated on ice.
Despite his goal-shy days being well behind him, the 93-year-old Fielder, pro hockey's fourth all-time leading points getter and a veteran of the Seattle Totems, embarked on a solid 1,500-mile drive from Arizona to Seattle with his companion, Betty Johnson, in a 2020 Hyundai Tucson, avoiding his fear of flying. That trip was more than a mere journey; it was a pilgrimage to the site of his former glory for a high honor. On Thursday, Fielder will receive the Royal Brougham Sports Legend Award, an accolade celebrating the stars of Seattle sports, according to the Seattle Times. Fielder's drive might have been a trek but seeing the NHL take root in Seattle has sparked a renewed interest in his historic achievements, long perceived as forgotten. "It was very unexpected, that’s for sure," Fielder told the Yakima Herald, "I’m honored and excited to be here for it."
While Fielder reminisces about his past, the Seattle Kraken have been carving out a present worth recalling. Snapping their three-game losing streak, the Kraken claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Islanders. "I just tried to stay patient and read the play," Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer noted post-game, BNN Breaking reported. Grubauer's commendable 26 saves and a shutout performance in the shootout were pivotal in the win, whilst rookie Matty Beniers and Tomas Tatar contributed the crucial goals.
