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Guyle Fielder: A Seattle Kraken Legacy and the Longevity of a Totems Icon
Nov
Guyle Fielder, the oldest living former professional hockey player from Seattle, just celebrated his 94th birthday, a milestone that’s not all that surprising given his family’s history of longevity. With both of his parents living into their 90s, Fielder has taken great care of his health, defying the typical expectations that come with aging. His commitment to fitness, despite the challenges, has helped him remain active well into his later years.
Fielder’s impressive career with the Seattle Totems—a beloved part of Seattle’s hockey history—has been gaining recognition in recent years, particularly with the arrival of the Seattle Kraken. While the Totems franchise folded in 1975, Fielder’s accomplishments have been rediscovered by a new generation of hockey fans, thanks to the Kraken’s ongoing influence on the Seattle hockey scene.
Reflecting on his health and the legacy of the Totems, Fielder shared how he always prioritized his physical well-being. “I kept in great shape throughout my career,” Fielder chuckled during a recent interview. Despite rumors of his off-ice habits, he clarifies that his enjoyment of pool and an occasional beer never outweighed his focus on fitness. “I didn’t overdo it,” he said, smiling, adding that his only major injury was a knee issue from a hit during practice in the 1950s.
Fielder’s knee problem, resulting from a brutal collision with hockey enforcer Larry Zeidel, has caused him to rely on a cane and a scooter, but it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for hockey or his connection to the Seattle sports community. Last February, the Kraken invited him to Climate Pledge Arena, the recently renovated home of the team. Fielder was honored at the Seattle Sports Star of the Year banquet, where he received the Royal Brougham Sports Legend Award, a testament to his enduring impact on Seattle’s hockey history. The Kraken also invited him to watch a game from the owner’s suite, allowing him to relive memories of playing for the Totems at the old KeyArena.
“What a beautiful building,” Fielder exclaimed as he toured the arena. It was an emotional return for the 94-year-old, who had played many of his home games for the Totems at the venue during the 1950s and ’60s.
Fielder’s involvement with the Kraken didn’t stop there. He had the opportunity to visit the Kraken’s Community Iceplex, where CEO Tod Leiweke personally guided him and his companion Betty Johnson on a tour of the team’s facilities. Fielder’s sense of humor came through when Leiweke mistakenly introduced him as a legendary soccer player—prompting Fielder to jokingly correct him before Leiweke, ever the sport, dropped to the floor and did ten pushups.
As a former player in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL), Fielder’s on-ice achievements are nothing short of remarkable. His career spanned multiple leagues, and he helped the Seattle Totems secure three WHL championships in the late 1950s and ’60s. His 2,037 points across all professional leagues place him among the all-time greats, trailing only Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, and Jaromir Jagr.
Though Fielder no longer plays hockey, he remains a fan of the sport, keeping up with the latest developments. One of his current favorites is Chicago Blackhawks’ rising star Connor Bedard, whom he admires for his skill despite being smaller than many of his competitors. “I was small too,” Fielder said, reflecting on his 5-foot-9, 160-pound frame. He credits his success to excellent peripheral vision and a deep understanding of how to avoid dangerous hits from larger opponents.
Fielder’s legacy in Seattle, especially with the resurgence of interest in hockey since the arrival of the Seattle Kraken, has introduced a new generation of fans to the history of the Totems and Fielder’s exceptional contributions to the sport. His commitment to taking care of his body, his sharp mind, and his lasting impact on Seattle’s hockey culture are all part of the reason he continues to be celebrated by Kraken fans and beyond.
As Guyle Fielder moves into his ninth decade, he remains a beloved figure in the Seattle hockey community—a living legend who is still going strong, one pool game at a time.
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