NHL Canucks Defenseman Ethan Bear an inspiration for Indigenous Youth at Shulus Arena

MERRITT/SHULUS — Successful First Nation defenseman Ethan Bear was in town Sunday (December, 3rd) hosting a community skate at Shulus Community Arena. There was an autograph session after the skate, picture opportunity and snacks and refreshments were provided. The event ran from 3:15 p.m. to almost 5:00 p.m. There were also door prizes with Canucks shirts and hats being handed out to the lucky winners.

About 205 people attended the busy event.

Bear was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1997. He played out his junior hockey career with the Seattle Thunderbirds from 2012-2017 earning an NHL Draft Selection from the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. That season Ethan had 13 goals and 25 assists he would finish his WHL career with 66 goals and 126 assists good for 192 points in 264 games.

In the NHL Ethan Bear has played with the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes and most recently the Vancouver Canucks.

Bear discussed what it meant to be an inspiration to so many Indigenous young players that look up to him.

“You know, it’s feels like it’s my job. Growing up Indigenous, knowing the struggle, knowing what it’s like to grow up on a reservation and being where I am now in my career and my life, It’s part of my job to give back and just try to be a leader and role model. I just wanna give motivation for any of the younger generation. I just want them to know what I have done is possible for anyone, by working hard and believing in yourself.”

Bear has been lucky to play for two Western Canadian teams the Edmonton Oilers and now the Vancouver Canucks.

“I’ve never thought it would be possible. I don’t even know what to say sometimes when I think about because it’s like a dream come true for me. You get to play for two teams you grew up watching. I am very blessed to have had these opportunities.”

Ethan hopes to return to the NHL in late December after recovering from surgery. He’s itching to get back on the ice and into the swing of things.

“The time off has been nice because the NHL schedule is so intense. You never really get time to get your body into a position of strength where you want it because the season ends and then it feels like it starts up again right away. It’s been nice to get this time to build my strength and spend time with family but after watching so many games and seeing time fly by, I definately just can’t wait to get back into the intense schedule and get back into a routine with the boys.”

Bear takes pride in all the fans around Canada supporting him, and the people he represents.

“I absolutely take pride in it, having all these fans. I’m very lucky that a lot of people support and follow me and that’s a big part of the reason why I give back. If they are going to show all of that love and support for me I’m going to give it right back. It’s very special and I don’t take it for granted every time I’m playing or getting ready for a game, I make sure I’m ready to go because someone is watching and I gotta make sure I’m ready to peform.”

For young Indigenous players the path to the NHL isn’t every an easy one. Bear had a message for those wondering if they would ever make it all the way.

“Keep working hard, find something that you love to do. It’s a lot of work and discipline. While that may be a recipe for success, having fun and loving what you do is what helped me get here. It took a lot of sacrifice but if you love something enough you will find that courage to do it.”

“Just know that it’s possible.”