Cree Defenceman Competing At Worlds

Ethan Bear and his Seattle Thunderbirds’ teammates were knocked out in the opening round of this year’s Western Hockey League playoffs.

But for Bear, a 17-year-old Cree defenceman from Saskatchewan’s Ochapowace First Nation, this defeat did not signify the end of his hockey season.

That’s because following the Thunderbirds’ defeat, Bear was chosen to represent Canada at the world boys’ under-18 tournament being held in Switzerland. The 10-nation world tournament was staged April 16 to April 26.

Bear scored once in Canada’s opening match, a 11-6 triumph over Latvia. Others who took part at the world tourney were Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, United States and host Switzerland.

Bear, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder who is coming off a stellar sophomore season with the Thunderbirds, is expected to get some more good news this summer.

He is expected to be selected in the National Hockey League’s Entry Draft, scheduled for June 26 and June 27 in Florida.

Bear was listed as the 97th best North American skating prospect (goalies and international players have separate lists) in the final Central Scouting rankings, which were released earlier this month.

A total of 210 players will be chosen in this year’s seven-round draft. Bear is projected to be selected anywhere from the fifth to the seventh round. During his 2014-15 season with his Seattle club, Bear doubled his point production from his rookie campaign. He collected 38 points, including 13 goals in 69 regular season matches. A year ago he had 19 points in 58 contests.

As for the playoffs this year, Bear and his teammates managed to take a 2-1 lead over the Portland Winterhawks in their opening best-of-seven series. But Portland won the next three outings to capture the series 4-2. Bear had three points (one goal, two assists) in the series.