Grizzly bear charges team mascot during Alaska video shoot

In June 2025, during a promotional fly-fishing trip in Katmai National Park, Alaska, Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and the team's blue-haired troll mascot, Buoy, experienced a dramatic encounter with a grizzly bear. The trip aimed to promote youth hockey and was organized by the Bristol Bay Native Corporation. While knee-deep in a river, Hayden was filming with Buoy when the bear approached, prompting a guide to quickly take Hayden's fishing rod away. The team recorded the incident, capturing the moment when the bear charged toward Buoy and splashed through the water, with crew members expressing shock off-camera. Fortunately, the bear veered away before making contact, and everyone safely returned to shore, with the team affirming that no individuals or animals suffered harm during the filming. This unexpected bear encounter is part of the natural wildlife experience in Katmai National Park, home to numerous brown bears that gather to feed on salmon as they spawn during this season. Melissa O'Brochta, the Kraken's Partnership Marketing Director, remarked that bears frequently inhabit Brooks Falls, indicating their territory and the routine presence of humans in the area. While some might find such encounters unsettling, O'Brochta maintained her composure during the incident, believing the bear's intentions could have been playful rather than threatening. She emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife and noted that the presence of the bear was entirely unplanned as part of the video shoot. The incident reflects the risks and unpredictability involved in wildlife encounters, especially in locations known for their animal populations. O'Brochta also humorously assessed the bear's interest in Buoy's appearance, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event. The Seattle Kraken, an NHL team, does not have a home base in Alaska but aims to connect with the local community through events promoting ice hockey. Alaska lacks its own NHL team, making the Kraken's presence significant for local youth who aspire to hockey careers. The episode exemplifies the unique blend of professional sports and outdoor adventure that Alaska offers, showcasing the intersection between human activities and wildlife. As the Kraken continues to engage with families and youth hockey initiatives, it will need to remain vigilant regarding wildlife interactions to ensure the safety of team members and the local ecology. While the encounter added excitement to the promotional video, it also served as a reminder of the potential hazards posed by wildlife in natural habitats. The Kraken organization plans to move forward with further events, maintaining a balance between community involvement and safety in wilderness areas.