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Seattle Kraken Player Narrowly Avoids Dangerous Encounter With Wild Bears in Alaska

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 10:13 AM ET

Seattle Kraken forward John Hayden and team mascot Buoy narrowly escaped an encounter with a real bear while filming a segment in Alaska - talk about a close call!

Okay, talk about a close call for this member of the Seattle Kraken!

While filming a fishing segment in Alaska earlier in the summer along with team mascot Buoy, forward John Hayden and the rest of the crew they were with were briefly charged by a curious grizzly bear:

Thankfully, it looked as though everyone involved avoided what could have been a messy and potentially dangerous encounter with some of the wildlife in the area.

The Kraken re-signed John Hayden to a 2 year contract

Hayden, who was taken 74th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, has played for multiple teams during his career including the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Blackhawks, and Arizona Coyotes.

He's been with the Kraken organization since 2022, and he was recently re-signed to a 2 year extension.

Kraken GM Jason Botterill announced the extension earlier this summer with the following statement.

John has been an important player in our organization over the past three seasons, making an impact at both the NHL and AHL level. He's a strong leader who brings a terrific work ethic and physical presence. We're excited to have him in our organization for the next two years.

In 269 career NHL games, Hayden has 39 points (18G, 21A).

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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