Seattle Kraken Promotional Video Turns Into Unexpected Bear Encounter

Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and the team’s blue-haired troll mascot, Buoy, found themselves in an unexpected wildlife encounter during a promotional video shoot in Katmai National Park, Alaska. The incident occurred on June 25 as part of an annual event organized by the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, promoting youth hockey in the state. The duo was fly-fishing in a shallow river when a brown bear suddenly approached [1].

The bear, part of the Brooks River population known for feeding on salmon during the spawning season, charged in their direction while Hayden and Buoy were knee-deep in the water. A guide quickly intervened, taking the fishing rod from Hayden’s hands, and the group swiftly waded back to shore. Though the bear splashed in their direction, it ultimately turned away before making physical contact [2]. The entire incident was captured on film and later released by the team on social media.

Melissa O’Brochta, Kraken Partnership Marketing Director and someone who recorded the event from shore, noted that bears are common in the area and often habituated to human presence. However, she joked that Buoy’s distinctive appearance may have piqued the animal’s curiosity. “I want to blame it on Buoy,” Hayden said in the video, suggesting the mascot’s look attracted the bear’s attention [3].

The promotional trip, which aims to bring the sport of hockey to Alaskan youth, took an unexpected turn, transforming a scripted campaign into a real-life wildlife safety moment. Though the event was not intentionally planned to include the bear, the team acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the environment and the importance of having safety protocols in place [4].

The footage has since gained widespread attention online, with fans expressing concern for the safety of Hayden and Buoy. Social media reactions range from admiration for the team’s ability to remain calm to humor about the scenario of a “troll versus bear” showdown. The Kraken has since embraced the moment, sharing updates and commentary from the experience, indicating it will be used as a memorable highlight of the season [5].

The incident underscores the importance of respecting wildlife habitats when conducting outdoor promotional events. While such encounters can add an element of surprise and entertainment, they also serve as a reminder of the need for preparedness and awareness in natural environments. As the NHL continues to innovate in its marketing efforts, this event highlights the balance between creativity and safety [6].

Source:

[1] Fortune - https://fortune.com/2025/08/07/seattle-kraken-brown-bear-alaska-promotional-video-shoot/

[2] Hartford - https://www.courant.com/2025/08/06/nhl-mascot-alaska-bear-encounter/

[3] AOL.com - https://www.aol.com/michael-bubl-nearly-became-polar-110005539.html

[4] The Hockey News Big Show - https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/hockey-news-big-show-where-174905151.html

[5] dagenshockey.se - https://www.dagenshockey.se/pittsburgh-penguins/

[6] timnhlassist.com - https://www.timnhlassist.com/