SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle’s expansion NHL franchise will “look for the right time,” before revealing the team’s nickname and brand, according to CEO and team president Tod Leiweke.
In a statement posted on the team’s website on Thursday, Leiweke said the “unprecedented times” with the coronavirus pandemic is changing plans for the team.
As of Thursday, there were 693 confirmed cases in Washington’s King County, where Seattle is located, and 60 deaths.
The team, which is due to begin play in 2021-22, is delaying general seat selection for fans and is deferring payments due in April, May and June for those who bought and selected premium seating in Seattle’s home arena.
The team also announced it’s continuing to work on its charitable foundation and is making a $100,000 donation to Youth Care to help address youth homelessness in the Seattle area.
“We are committed to looking to the horizon. Together we will not only weather this storm, we will emerge closer and stronger as a community.”
Photo credit – Elaine Thompson / Associated Press / Seattle, WA