The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 NHL season with the launch of their new Kraken Sports Network, designed to provide comprehensive coverage for non-nationally televised games in the local Seattle market. To ensure top-tier analysis and commentary, they’ve assembled a team of familiar faces, including a legendary name from the world of sports broadcasting: longtime ESPN anchor Linda Cohn.
Cohn, who has been a mainstay at ESPN for over three decades, will bring her vast experience and love for hockey to the Kraken’s new network. She is set to host at least 15 games for the Kraken this season, offering her sharp insights and engaging commentary. Seattle sports broadcaster Ian Furness will handle the remaining games, rounding out a dynamic lineup.
This new role marks a homecoming for Cohn, who has deep ties to the Seattle area. She previously worked at KIRO TV early in her career, and the opportunity to return to the city played a significant part in her decision to join the Kraken’s broadcast team.
“It’s a big reason why I’m doing this,” Cohn said in a press release. “Besides the fact that the Kraken are an amazing organization with so much promise, it’s personal for me to be back in Seattle. It’s a city I’ll always love because of family connections.”
RELATED: ESPN Host Molly Qerim Goes Viral for Her ‘Stunning’ Outfit Choice
In addition to her emotional ties to Seattle, Cohn is excited for the opportunity to take on a fresh challenge after dedicating so much of her career to ESPN and “SportsCenter,” where she became one of the most recognizable faces in sports media.
“I’ve spent, like, a million years at ‘SportsCenter’—well, 32 years, and I’m still doing it,” Cohn said. “But here is an opportunity to join a team. A real team, right? I’ll be working on 15 or 18 games, whatever the number ends up being, and as a former goalie, I just miss that team environment. That’s what I’m really excited about.”
Cohn’s passion for hockey is well-known. Not only has she covered the sport extensively over her career, but she also played as a goaltender in her youth, bringing firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the game to her commentary.
Joining Cohn and Furness on the Kraken Sports Network will be a roster of familiar voices from the team’s previous broadcast lineup. Former NHL players JT Brown and Eddie Olczyk are set to return, continuing their work from last season as part of the Kraken’s growing fan-favorite broadcast crew.
With the Kraken’s third season in the NHL fast approaching, anticipation is high as the team looks to build on their impressive run in the 2023-24 season. The Kraken will open the 2024-25 campaign at home on October 8, hosting the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena.
For Cohn, her new role with the Kraken presents a unique blend of returning to her Seattle roots and reigniting her passion for team sports. Fans are eagerly awaiting her contributions to the broadcasts, as she brings her signature energy and expertise to Kraken coverage throughout the season.
