Ethan Bear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ethan Bear |
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Bear in 2025
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| Born | June 26, 1997 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 198 lb (90 kg; 14 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shoots | Right | ||
| NHL team Former teams |
New York Islanders Edmonton Oilers Carolina Hurricanes Vancouver Canucks Washington Capitals |
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| National team | .svg){kind=small} Canada |
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| NHL Draft | 124th overall, 2015 Edmonton Oilers |
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| Playing career | 2017–present | ||
Ethan Bear is a professional ice hockey player from Canada. He was born on June 26, 1997. Ethan is a defenceman, which means he plays a position that helps protect his team's goal. He currently plays for the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Ethan was chosen by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He has also played for other NHL teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals. Ethan has also represented Canada in international games. He helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
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Ethan Bear's Hockey Journey
Starting in the WHL
Ethan Bear began his journey in junior hockey with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was a strong player there, which caught the attention of NHL teams. The Edmonton Oilers picked him in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
Making it to the NHL
After playing well in junior hockey, Ethan signed a contract with the Oilers in 2016. He made his first appearance in an NHL game on March 1, 2018. Later that month, on March 25, 2018, he scored his very first NHL goal.
Wearing Cree Syllabics
Ethan Bear is of Cree descent. In a special moment on July 28, 2020, he became the first NHL player to wear a jersey with his name written in Cree syllabics. This was during an exhibition game against the Calgary Flames. His name, Maskwa, means "bear" in the Cree language.
Moving to New Teams
After playing for the Oilers for four years, Ethan was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2021. He played one season with the Hurricanes. In the 2021–22 season, he scored five goals and had nine assists.
In July 2022, Ethan signed another contract with the Hurricanes. However, he was later traded to the Vancouver Canucks in October 2022. He played for the Canucks during the 2022–23 season.
Joining the Capitals and Islanders
In 2023, Ethan had a shoulder injury while playing for Canada. After recovering, he signed a contract with the Washington Capitals in December 2023. He played 24 games for the Capitals.
In March 2024, Ethan took a break from playing to focus on his well-being. He returned to the team in April 2024. In October 2024, he started playing for the Capitals' minor league team, the Hershey Bears, in the American Hockey League (AHL). He had a great season with the Hershey Bears, leading them in scoring with 46 points. He was also named to the AHL Second All-Star Team.
As of July 1, 2025, Ethan Bear joined the New York Islanders. He signed a one-year contract with the team for the 2025 season.
Playing for Canada
| Medal record | ||
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| Representing Canada |
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| Ice hockey | ||
| World Championships | ||
| Gold | 2023 Finland/Latvia | |
Ethan Bear has proudly represented his country, Canada, in international ice hockey tournaments.
Winning Gold at the World Championship
In May 2023, Ethan was chosen to play for Canada men's national ice hockey team at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. He played in eight games during the tournament. Canada went on to win the gold medal! Ethan was injured during a quarterfinal game, which meant he missed the final two games of the championship.
Ethan Bear's Life Off the Ice
Growing Up and Family
Ethan Bear was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the Ochapowace Nation, which is a First Nations community in Saskatchewan. He is a member of the Cree Nation. His older brother, Everett, also played hockey.
Overcoming Challenges
When he was growing up, Ethan sometimes faced unfair comments from hockey fans. These comments were based on stereotypes about Indigenous people. This motivated him to work even harder and prove them wrong. He looked up to other Indigenous hockey players like Carey Price and Jordin Tootoo for inspiration.
Giving Back to the Community
Ethan is passionate about helping young hockey players. Every summer, he runs a youth hockey camp in Ochapowace, his home community. This camp helps young players develop their skills and love for the game.
Personal Life
Ethan Bear is married to Lenasia Ned. They got engaged in October 2021. In January 2023, they welcomed their first daughter. The couple got married in Kelowna, British Columbia, in July 2023. In July 2024, they had their second daughter.
Awards and Honours
Ethan Bear has received several awards during his hockey career:
- SMHL First All-Star Team: 2013
- WHL West First All-Star Team: 2016, 2017
- Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy: 2017 (This award is given to the best defenceman in the WHL.)
- AHL Second All-Star Team: 2024–25
