Feature Photo courtesy of Yanni Gourde

Whether on or off the ice, Yanni Gourde has a knack for building something special.

When it comes to his NHL career, Gourde, who is now in his ninth NHL season and third as a member of the Seattle Kraken, has been as dependable as they come.

A back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 32-year-old has crafted a reputation as an impactful two-way player and respected leader.

“The things you can control are what I focus on,” said Gourde. “For me, it’s always been about working hard, wanting to get better, and giving my best every time that I come to the rink.”  

Off the ice, Gourde applies that approach to his affinity for carpentry and woodworking.

The list of his creations includes tables, shelves and just about everything in between.

This summer, he took on a bigger project.

“I think my favourite project is the treehouse I built this offseason for my daughters [Emma and Demi].

“Why I love it so much is because building in a tree is very challenging, and it makes me super happy to see how much the girls love it.”

Gourde developed the interest through the countless hours he spent in his uncle’s workshop making cabinets during his childhood summers. 

His fascination with woodworking has grown steadily over the years.

“Being in my uncle’s woodwork shop in the summer was always so much fun. That’s where I learned how to work the wood.

“I have continued to enjoy woodworking and everything that goes into creating something you call your own.”

Earlier this year, Gourde had the opportunity to spend time with woodcarving artist Bob King.

Based in Seattle, King, who uses a special chainsaw to design his works, created a piece based on input from Gourde.

It showcases the Kraken “S” and anchor logos, along with Gourde’s jersey No. 37.

The final product was shared on the team’s Instagram page.

“It was a great experience,” said Gourde. “It is great to see how other people come up with unique ways of working with wood.”

This work of art will be given to One Roof Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena which aims to create improved access to sport, end youth homelessness and support communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.

With puck drop on the 2024-25 season, Gourde has put his cherished hobby on hiatus until next summer.

As for what his next project might be, he hasn’t thought that far ahead yet.

“I don’t know what it will be, but my favourite part, with whatever I do, is seeing the final product and being proud of the work you did.

“I love the whole process, planning and drawing, all the way to seeing the final product.”

“And I love to challenge myself.”

A characteristic that has been a hallmark of his hockey career, before and throughout his NHL days.

From his time in junior hockey, to skating in over 330 minor league games between the American Hockey League and ECHL, Gourde never wavered in the belief he had in himself.

Now, over 540 NHL regular-season games later, Seattle’s alternate captain holds a deserved status as a respected veteran and valued leader.

“I never gave up when it came to my dream of playing in the NHL.”

Gourde’s goal this year is to help the Kraken, who missed out on the playoffs in 2023-24, make it back to the postseason scene in 2024-25.     

“The main thing for me is to do my part, whatever it takes, to help the team be successful.”

Just the type of challenge tailor-made for someone with a knack for constructing something special.