More than 50 goalies took the ice at the Kraken Iceplex

Over the weekend, the Kraken's practice facility hosted the second "OOPS! All Goalies" event, organized by local hockey genius Kyle Sorenson. This unique 5-on-5 hockey game featured over 60 goalies, designed to unite and introduce goaltenders to each other.

Sorenson, a lifelong hockey player from a hockey-oriented family, saw it as an opportunity for goalies to bond, develop new skills, experience the game from a different perspective, and exchange friendly banter on the bench. "Goalies spend the entire game alone. Most goalies don't know the other goalies around them. It's just you, the crease, and pucks flying at you. I thought this would be a great way for some goalies to get together, become friends, learn new skills, see the other side of the game, and get some bench chirps in," he explained.

The goalies were divided into four teams playing on two adjacent rinks in the Kraken Iceplex. The event concluded with a shootout and a giant group photo.

An all-goalie game does come with some challenges, like fitting everyone on the bench. Sorenson, who was born into a hockey-loving family, has a versatile hockey background but has always gravitated towards playing goalie. "My dad was an amazing player and coach, and all my brothers and sisters know how to skate and play hockey. One of my brothers has gone as far as the ECHL and is just an amazing player, brother, father, and husband. I can play any position, but goalie is where I stay."

The first "OOPS! All Goalies" game was held in Bellingham, WA, in February 2024. Due to massive interest, Sorenson opened up the next event to players of all ages and skill levels. "Originally, this was a beer league thing, so 21 and over. However, a few teenagers did make their way into this second event, and they were amazing. We had a great time with them, and they seemed to really enjoy it."

Several goalies wore costumes, while others chose to wear their local hockey league jerseys. It's not every day you see a goalie in a hotdog costume skating on the Kraken's practice ice, but Seattle likes to keep things weird.

There's no information on a third "OOPS! All Goalies" game yet, but interest is already growing in the Seattle hockey community. Stay tuned for updates!