Unexpected Encounter with a Grizzly Bear
In a rather alarming yet humorous incident, John Hayden, a forward for the Seattle Kraken, found himself in an unexpected encounter with a grizzly bear while filming a promotional video in Alaska. The event took place at Katmai National Park, where Hayden and the team’s quirky mascot, Buoy, were participating in a fly-fishing activity to promote youth hockey initiatives.
Escalation of Events
As they stood knee-deep in a river, equipped with fishing waders, the situation escalated when a bear approached them unexpectedly. Footage shared by the Kraken illustrates the tense moment as the bear charged towards Buoy, creating splashes in the water. Fortunately, before any contact was made, the bear veered away, allowing Hayden, the mascot, and the crew to retreat to safety along the riverbank.
Safety Reassured
Despite the bear’s imposing presence, Melissa O’Brochta, the Kraken’s Director of Partnership Marketing and an eyewitness to the event, reassured everyone about safety, stating,
“Bears are everywhere at Brooks Falls and, like, this is their territory. They’re also super used to seeing humans. So I wasn’t scared.”
The team had ensured that safety measures were in place by hiring local guides accustomed to bear interactions.
A Light-Hearted Moment
In a light-hearted moment captured on camera following the scare, Hayden jokingly suggested that maybe the bear was intrigued by Buoy’s unusual appearance, saying,
“I want to blame it on Buoy. They were pretty interested in his look.”
Conclusion
This unique episode unfolded on June 25 during the organization’s annual event sponsored by the Bristol Bay Native Corporation in Anchorage, aimed at fostering interest in youth ice hockey. With no NHL team of its own, Alaska sports fans often look to the Seattle Kraken or the Vancouver Canucks for their hockey fix. The abrupt encounter with the bear added a wild twist to what was intended to be a simple promotional outing, showcasing both the peril and charm of Alaska’s wilderness.
