Hershey Bears of the AHL Playfully Taunt Seattle Kraken Mascot over Real-Life Bear Encounter
In an unexpected turn of events, the Seattle Kraken's mascot, Buoy, found himself in the middle of an exciting encounter with a grizzly bear during a fly-fishing trip in Alaska's Katmai National Park on June 25, 2025.
The incident took place during a partnership trip with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation in Anchorage, which included a hockey camp and community engagement events. Katmai National Park, known for its large brown bears, is a common feeding ground for these majestic creatures. The team had hired guides for safety, but the bear seemed particularly interested in Buoy's colorful troll mascot appearance, which might have prompted its charge.
Fortunately, no one was physically harmed during the encounter. The bear, after causing a tense moment by charging towards Buoy, splashing water, and creating a stir, turned away before making contact as they retreated to shore. The incident was captured on video and shared by the Kraken, emphasising respect for wildlife in their natural habitat.
The close call was described as exciting but handled well by Buoy and the team, turning into a memorable and unusual experience connecting hockey community engagement with Alaska's wilderness.
Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears, an American Hockey League team and affiliate of the Washington Capitals, found the meme opportunity too good to resist. They created a meme based on Buoy's encounter with the bear, featuring the most-famous mascot-chasing bear in hockey. The meme, which was humorous and received positive reactions, was a nod to the viral moment and a testament to the team's sense of humour.
The speaker, who grew up attending Bears games and playing hockey for the Hershey Jr. Bears, expressed their excitement about the meme. They appreciated this kind of humour, especially during the summer between the Draft, development camp, and the start of regular training camp. The speaker's positive reaction to the meme indicates a strong connection to the Hershey Bears and their history.
In conclusion, the encounter between Buoy and the bear in Alaska has not only provided an exciting and memorable experience for the Seattle Kraken team but has also inspired a humorous meme from the Hershey Bears. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the camaraderie within the hockey community.
References:
[1] Seattle Kraken. (2025, June 26). Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy encounters bear in Alaska. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
[2] Alaska Dispatch News. (2025, June 26). Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy chased by bear in Alaska. Retrieved from https://www.adn.com/sports/seattle-kraken/2025/06/26/seattle-kraken-mascot-buoy-chased-by-bear-in-alaska/
[3] Hershey Bears. (2025, June 27). When bears attack...mascots. [Image]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/TheHersheyBears/status/1408909134100089856
[4] Bristol Bay Native Corporation. (2025, June 26). Safety first: Kraken mascot Buoy encounters bear in Alaska. Retrieved from https://www.bristolbaycorporation.com/news/safety-first-kraken-mascot-buoy-encounters-bear-in-alaska
In the aftermath of the eventful encounter with a bear in Alaska, the Hershey Bears, an AHL team and affiliate of the Washington Capitals, acknowledged the situation by creating a humorous meme showcasing the famous hockey bear in pursuit of the Seattle Kraken's mascot, Buoy.
The unpredictable and exciting interaction between Buoy and the bear in the Katmai National Park not only served as a memory for the Seattle Kraken team but also sparked a sense of camaraderie within the broader hockey community, as demonstrated by the Hershey Bears' meme.
