Seattle Kraken's John Hayden and Buoy Encounter Grizzly Bear in Alaska: A Thrilling Promotional Video Shoot Adventure
Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and the team's blue-haired troll mascot had a thrilling encounter with a grizzly bear during a promotional video shoot in Alaska. The incident took place during a fly fishing outing in Katmai National Park and Preserve, where the bear approached Hayden and Buoy while they were knee-deep in a shallow river. Despite the bear charging towards them, it turned away before making contact, allowing Hayden, Buoy, and the film crew to safely retreat to shore.
The Seattle Kraken team had not planned to involve the bear in the filming but included the encounter in a video posted online. Grizzlies are known to frequent the river near Brooks Falls in the park, where they feast on salmon. Guides were hired for safety during the outing, ensuring the group's well-being in the bear-populated area.
Kraken Partnership Marketing Director Melissa O'Brochta, who witnessed the incident from shore, emphasized that bears are common in the area and are accustomed to human presence. Hayden jokingly attributed the bear's interest to Buoy's unique appearance, suggesting that the mascot may have caught the bear's attention during the encounter.
The encounter with the grizzly bear occurred on June 25 as part of an annual trip organized by the Bristol Bay Native Corporation in Anchorage. The event aimed to promote youth ice hockey in the region, as Alaska does not have its own NHL team. The proximity of Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, makes them the closest NHL teams for Alaskan hockey enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the unexpected encounter with the grizzly bear added an element of excitement to the promotional video shoot in Alaska. Despite the close call, Hayden, Buoy, and the film crew managed to safely navigate the situation, highlighting the importance of safety measures when filming in wildlife-rich environments.