The Seattle Kraken hockey team and their beloved mascot Buoy experienced an unexpected adventure during a fishing trip in Katmai National Park. The team was in Anchorage for their yearly partnership with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, aimed at blending hockey with community engagement efforts in Alaska.
The highlight of their week-long event included a hockey camp led by Kraken forward John Hayden, Buoy, and youth hockey coaches from the team’s organization. However, during a fly fishing outing on June 25, the day took a dramatic turn when a grizzly bear made an appearance.
Video footage shows the bear observing the fishermen from across a shallow river. As soon as it was noticed, the team quickly evacuated, but the bear charged toward them, splashing through the water before ultimately veering away. Hayden humorously pointed out that Buoy’s vibrant blue color seemed to catch the bear’s attention, saying, “I want to blame it on Buoy. They were pretty interested in his whole look. We got out of it okay, but it was a close call.”
In addition to the fishing escapade, the Kraken’s trip included a visit with their 2025 Make-A-Wish recipient, Caleb, and his family, who are set to travel to Seattle for a game and a special experience in January.
For the past four years, the Seattle Kraken’s partnership with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation has focused on enhancing youth hockey in Alaska and advocating for sustainability initiatives across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This endeavor not only fosters sportsmanship but also strengthens community ties and environmental stewardship, showing the positive impact of professional sports beyond the rink.