Ethan Bear, 24, from the Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan was selected 124th overall by the Oilers in the 2015 draft. Photo: Twitter
Ethan Bear, the 24 year old defenceman from Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan has been traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bear was selected 124th overall by the Oilers in the 2015 draft.
This past season he had two goals and six assists for eight points in 43 games the pandemic shortened 56 game season.
What's that bear doing? Welcome to the #Canes, Ethan!
Details » https://t.co/FXhdrubEuK pic.twitter.com/1Rj5Z8uB1P
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 28, 2021
“Ethan is a young, right-shot defenseman with offensive upside,” said Don Waddell, president and general manage of the Hurricanes in a statement released about the trade. “We’re excited to add him to our team as he continues to grow as an NHL player.”
Carolina lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the playoffs.
Bear had eight goals and 25 assists with the Oilers in 132 career NHL games.
He was recently the subject of racist remarks after the Oilers lost their recent playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Oilers, who finished second in the NHL’s northern division, lost to the Winnipeg Jets in four games straight and were eliminated from the playoffs in May.
While mistakes took place throughout the game, one miscue by Bear ended up in the back of the Oilers’ net which tied the game.
The Oilers lost in triple overtime.
Bear was beloved by many not only for his play on the ice, but what he did off the ice as well, hosting hockey camps for kids in his community.
When he was six years old, Bear attended a hockey camp run by NHL legend Fred Sasakamoose.
He returns each summer to Ochapowace Cree Nation in southeastern Saskatchewan to run a hockey program for local youth.
In return for Bear, Edmonton will be getting 25-year-old forward Warren Foegele.
