Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden, along with the team’s blue-haired troll mascot, managed to steer clear of a potential encounter with a brown bear during a promotional video shoot in Alaska.
Hayden and the mascot, who goes by the moniker Buoy, were engaged in a fly-fishing expedition in Katmai National Park as part of a campaign to promote youth hockey. The bear made its appearance during this time, as per video footage released by the team.
These individuals were knee-deep in a shallow river, donned in waders and fly-fishing gear. Hayden had been fishing when a guide swiftly took control of the situation upon the bear’s approach.
The video provided by the team shows the bear charging towards the mascot, causing great splashes in the water, and eliciting a surprised exclamation from a member of the crew off-camera.
It’s important to note that no harm came to either the ‘trolls’ or the bears during the filming of this promotional video. The bear veered away before making contact, allowing Hayden, Buoy, and the rest of the film crew to retreat to the riverbank.
Grizzlies, a variant of brown bears, frequently feast on salmon in the Brooks River in Katmai National Park. The park, nearly 300 miles southwest of Anchorage and inaccessible by road, holds the annual ‘Fat Bear Week’ contest in celebration of these bears as they fatten up for winter. A similar encounter between two Alaskan grizzlies last year resulted in the unfortunate demise of one of the animals.
The NHL team had no intention of involving the bear in the filming process. The bear’s unexpected appearance was added to the video, which was later shared on social media. Safety precautions were taken by hiring guides for the trip.
The encounter took place on June 25 during an annual trip organized by the Bristol Bay Native Corporation in Anchorage, Alaska, an event intended to promote youth ice hockey.
A reminder from Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and their mascot, Buoy: Always respect wildlife in their natural habitat.
