One of today’s more popular Indigenous players in the National Hockey League is back at work hard for the Canada-based franchise.

Ethan Bear, a member of the Ochapowace Nation in Saskatchewan, was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes last Friday, October 28.

Bear, a 25-year-old defender, spent the 2021-22 season with the Hurricanes. He had spent the previous four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers organization.

The Bears, however, haven’t seen any action this season with the Hurricanes, who have plenty of talented blueliners.

Carolina’s squad swapped Bear and passed Lane Pederson to Vancouver in exchange for the Canucks’ fifth-round pick in the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Hurricane also retained part of Bear’s salary as part of the deal.

While the Hurricanes have no worries with their talented defensive corps this season, the same cannot be said for the Canucks who have been hit hard with various injuries.

That’s why Patrick Allvin, general manager of Vancouver, was delighted he was able to acquire Bear.

“I think we’ve been a bit drained here early on at the back,” he said. “We’ve got the right defenders who have played in the league for a number of years and been part of a few playoffs with Edmonton and Carolina, and hopefully we can get him back on track here.”

Bears were once considered the cornerstone of the Oilers. But his last few days with the Edmonton organization were marred by racist activity directed at Bear on social media.

Bear played his last game with the Oilers in May 2021. Bear and his Edmonton teammates were beaten by the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series that spring.

The Oilers lost the last game of the series in three extra time. Afterwards, racist comments were directed at Bear as some fans criticized Bear’s efforts in a contest they felt led to Edmonton’s defeat.

A lot of support also poured in for Bear after racism was shouted out. He is considered a role model for many young Indigenous hockey players since making his way to the NHL.

At that time Bear responded through a video statement.

“I am here to oppose this behavior, against these comments,” he said. “I am proud of where I come from. I am proud to be from Ochapowoce First Nation. And I’m not just doing this for myself. I do this for all people of color. I’m doing this for the next generation, to help make a difference, to love one another, to support one another, to be kind to one another.”

Bear says there is no place for racism in sport, the workplace or community.

“So I ask all of us to help make change and end racism,” he added. “We all deserve to be treated fairly. And, eventually, I think we’ll get there.”

Bear, however, never played another game with the Oilers. He was traded to the Carolinas in August 2021.

Bear appeared in 58 regular season contests with the Hurricanes last season. He earned 14 points, including five goals, in that game.

Allvin was glad he could swing a deal to land Bear.

“His transitional play has been something I’ve watched for years that I love,” he said.

Allvin also hopes Bear is happy to be part of the Canadian franchise again.

“Hopefully he’s excited to come back to Canada and be part of the Vancouver Canucks and hopefully this will give the coaching staff more options at the back,” said Allvin.

Allvin, however, is unwilling to speculate on how the Bears will be exploited by the Canucks.

“That’s a question for the coaching staff,” he said. “He is a (limited free agent) in the last year of his contract. I’m happy to see what he gave us. The coaching staff will find out his partner.”

Allvin believes Bear is still capable of becoming an elite NHL defender.

“He’s still young, and if you look at the league, there are a lot of defenders who usually break through at this age,” he said.

Windspeaker.com