Seattle Kraken Hockey Player, Mascot Get Close Call With Bear During Alaska Fishing Outing

As a longtime pro hockey player, John Hayden has played against angry mascot teams like the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, and, of course, the Boston Bruins. But never has facing off with a bear more real than when Hayden, a center for the Seattle Kraken, felt so real, when Hayden joined Seattle’s mascot, Buoy – dressed in his costume – on a team promotional trip to Alaska this summer.

Here’s more from Seattle TV station KIRO-7:

The video shows Buoy, the Kraken’s mascot, quickly retreating as the bear rushes toward the group at Brooks Falls, a popular location for bear viewing in Katmai. 

No injuries were reported, and the encounter ended without incident.

The fly fishing trip was part of an annual community partnership between the Seattle Kraken and the Bristol Bay Native Corporation.

Hayden, 30, has played 269 career NHL games and recently signed a two-year extension with the Kraken after playing the last three seasons in the Seattle organization.